It’s been reported over the weekend that PlayStation’s Jim Ryan flew to Brussels last month to voice his concerns over Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion USD purchase of publishing giant Activision Blizzard.
According to reports behind paywalls on SeekingAlpha & Dealreporter (as reported by Video Games Chronicle) – Ryan is said to have personally visited the EU HQ on September 8, with Call of Duty once again a big factor in the talks.
The reports claim that Ryan met with the European Commission to voice his concerns on the transaction to the EU antitrust regulator, as they investigate the deal before it can go ahead to ensure it doesn’t create a monopoly.
Ryan’s move is said to have come around the same time he publicly called Microsoft’s statement on the future of the Call of Duty franchise “inadequate on so many levels”.
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Back at the beginning of September, Xbox head Phil Spencer tried to reassure fans on the Call of Duty series’ future on PlayStation was safe, following a report from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
As a result of this decision, a more in-depth investigation into the deal was launched by both UK and EU regulators, which Sony welcomed with a statement to GamesIndustry.biz.
“By giving Microsoft control of Activision games like Call of Duty, this deal would have major negative implications for gamers and the future of the gaming industry.”
“We want to guarantee PlayStation gamers continue to have the highest quality gaming experience, and we appreciate the CMA’s focus on protecting gamers.”
Microsoft later followed up with their own statement. “It makes zero business sense for Microsoft to remove Call of Duty from PlayStation given its market leading console position.”
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