Microsoft has alleged that Sony has a practice of paying developers “blocking rights” to stop games from being launched on Xbox Game Pass.
The statement has been filed in response to Sony’s recent comments on Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Speaking to a Brazilian regulatory body, Sony claimed Microsoft acquiring Call Of Duty would make it challenging to rival; which would in turn have an effect on what console gamers chose to play their titles on.
Related: Microsoft & Sony Clash Over Call Of Duty & Game Pass In Legal Docs
The Verge reported Microsoft has argued that Sony is still large enough to rival the company, and claims ongoing business practices show Sony is actively doing so.
“Microsoft’s ability to continue expanding Game Pass has been hampered by Sony’s desire to inhibit such growth,” claimed the company, explaining that “Sony pays for ‘blocking rights’ to prevent developers from adding content to Game Pass and other competing subscription services.”
Questions surrouding concentration in the videogame console industry have grown over recent years as Sony and Microsoft continue their bitter rivalry for dominance in this lucrative market, particularly following the acquisition of major game developer studio Blizzard Activision. European authorities last month gave voice to competitors’ concerns over Microsoft potentially restricting access to some of Activision’s titles, such as Call of Duty, for rival subscription gaming services.
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
