Microsoft claims Sony pays for ‘blocking rights’ to keep certain titles off of Game Pass

Just over a week ago, we learned the official opinions of Sony, Ubisoft, WB, Riot and other companies regarding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Sony naturally had a lot to say and was particularly concerned with Microsoft's growing hold on the subscription market with Game Pass. Now, Microsoft has had a chance to respond, calling Sony for buying ‘blocking rights' to keep certain games off of Xbox. 

In a new document submitted to Brazil's government, which is currently conducting its own investigation into the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Microsoft responds to the concerns Sony raised regarding potential game exclusivity, Call of Duty and Game Pass. One thing Microsoft swiftly points out is that console exclusivity is at the heart of Sony's console business, going as far as to say Sony pays for “blocking rights” to keep certain titles off of competing subscription services like Game Pass.

Microsoft also reaffirms that it has no plans to make Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive and adds that it wouldn't make financial sense to do so, as it is a hugely successful multiplatform franchise. Microsoft argues that making Call of Duty exclusive would only work if Microsoft could convince enough gamers to buy into the Xbox ecosystem. Microsoft doesn't seem to think that Call of Duty exclusivity would sway enough people into getting an Xbox over a PlayStation, and that such a move would ultimately harm the profitability of the franchise.

The full document is publicly available to read, but you'll want a translation tool handy if you don't speak Portuguese.

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KitGuru Says: Sony caught a lot of flack for its comments, and Microsoft issued a pretty strong response too. Still, none of this really indicates whether or not the deal will be allowed to go through. The deal is still under investigation globally and pending approvals. 

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