Sony claims that it might end up releasing its next console, the PlayStation 6 (PS6) some time after the year 2027.
In its new filing to the UK’s competition regulator, the console maker claims that it is likely to launch the next generation of its PlayStation console, the PS6, around the year 2027. The filing pertains to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, as Sony attempts to block the deal from happening.
In its filing, Sony states that Microsoft has only offered to continue making Activision’s games available on PlayStation consoles until the year 2027. Likewise, in public comments on October 26, the software giant had stated that it plans to offer Call of Duty on PlayStation only “as long as that makes sense.” According to Sony, a period until 2027, or some other shorter time that Microsoft unilaterally determines “makes sense” to the company, is badly inadequate.
SIE claims that by the time it has launched the next generation of its PlayStation console, which is likely around the year 2027 (the year has been redacted from the statement), it would have lost access to Call of Duty and other Activision titles, making it extremely vulnerable to consumer switching and subsequent degradation in its competitiveness.
Sony doesn’t appear optimistic in its ability to develop a franchise to rival Call of Duty, further stating that even if it were able to create a similarly successful competitive first-person shooter, it would take the company make years and billions of dollars to create a challenger. The console maker gives the example of EA’s Battlefield as an unsuccessful rival to Call of Duty, stating that any such efforts are likely to go in vain.
Previously, the antitrust regulator in China had rejected a “simplified” filing for review of the planned $69 billion acquisition of Activision by Microsoft, according to reports from traders. The regulators from China aren’t the first to scrutinize the massive video gaming transaction. Other antitrust regulators from around the world are also investigating the deal, and its implications. The European Commission had begun a thorough investigation into the deal earlier this month out of concern that the merger may “significantly reduce competition.”
