Exciting news awaits gamers as Sony has announced that the highly anticipated PlayStation 6 console will be launched in 2028. This revelation comes as a result of court documents submitted by Microsoft during the ongoing legal battle between the tech giant and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These documents were made public as the trial commenced this week, according to a report by IGN.
Legal Battle Unveils Sony PlayStation 6 Release Date Amid Microsoft-Activision Acquisition Dispute
The legal dispute between Microsoft and the FTC began in December 2022 when the commission expressed its intention to block the multi-billion dollar merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The FTC’s efforts proved successful as a California federal court granted a temporary restraining order, temporarily halting the trade.
Microsoft is now challenging the order, seeking to defend its $69 billion acquisition in a federal court. As part of their defense, Microsoft released documents that shed light on the terms of their agreement with Sony regarding the Call of Duty franchise. Should the merger be completed, Microsoft has committed to a 10-year partnership with Sony, ensuring the release of Call of Duty games on the PlayStation platform.
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According to the disclosed documents, Microsoft anticipates the release of both the PlayStation 6 and the next-generation Xbox consoles in 2028. In an effort to maintain parity between the platforms, Microsoft will ensure that Call of Duty console games are offered on the PlayStation at the same level as their own Xbox platform. However, Sony’s President and CEO, Jim Ryan, has expressed reservations about sharing details of the next-gen PlayStation with Activision if the Microsoft-Activision deal goes through. Ryan believes that sharing such information with a studio owned by a direct competitor could jeopardize the future of Call of Duty on the PlayStation platform.
The outcome of the FTC trial remains uncertain, and it will ultimately determine whether Microsoft can proceed with the acquisition or not. The battle between these industry giants has captured the attention of gamers and industry experts alike, as it has significant implications for the gaming landscape and the future of popular franchises like Call of Duty.
As fans eagerly await the release of the PlayStation 6, the legal proceedings surrounding the Microsoft-Activision merger will undoubtedly shape the gaming industry’s trajectory.