Jim Ryan says he’s ‘thrilled’ about Call of Duty’s Microsoft deal

With Microsoft finally getting its Activision Blizzard deal over the line, ex-Sony boss Jim Ryan says he's thrilled that Call of Duty has found a new home.

15th Mar 2024 11:11

Images via Microsoft

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A new dawn for Call of Duty is coming, and while the usual turn-and-burn formula of churning out annual releases isn't expected to end, the shooter series is flying a new colour of banner. After years of PlayStation pre-order bonuses, the CoDverse has now been swallowed by the Green Team.

While it was up in the air for a while about whether Microsoft would get its record-breaking Activision Blizzard deal over the line, the ink was dry and $68.7 billion exchanged hands in October 2023. There are still plenty of questions about where Call of Duty goes next, although we're assured PlayStation players won't be locked out in the cold. 

Sony's Jim Ryan is 'thrilled' for Call of Duty deal

Speaking to CNBC, former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan surprised us all by claiming he was "thrilled" about the Xbox deal and what it could mean for Call of Duty: "The reason that we felt this one was different to anything that had happened in the past was the sheer size and importance of the Call of Duty franchise."

Admitting that the acquisition was "devastating," Ryan continued, "So we were absolutely thrilled to be able to negotiate a deal with Microsoft to ensure that that franchise remains available on PlayStation platforms for the next ten years. And that was very important to us, and we're very happy to have done that deal."

Although Ryan has now stepped away from Sony, he was able to negotiate the deal that will see Call of Duty remain on PlayStation for the next decade. He concluded, "There are deals in deals. And, you know, the deal that was offered at a certain point in time may not have been the deal that was actually signed."

Still, these gaming giants are a concern for former SIE Worldwise Studios CEO Shawn Layden. "I see the consolidation in the industry," said Layden. "I see people like Microsoft, Embracer, or some group out of Saudi Arabia buying up a bunch of studios, and I see consolidation to be the enemy of creativity.
"If we've commoditized the product, you're just going to get more of the same." Layden's fears have been echoed by consumers and experts alike, with worries about Microsoft's gaming arm becoming an unstoppable monopoly being one of the many roadblocks that held up the deal. 

What's next for the Codverse?

Warzone Mobile Verdansk

We're on the cusp of big things for Call of Duty, with the long-awaited release of Warzone Mobile just around the corner. There's a hopeful return to form from Treyarch, as the rumoured Black Ops Gulf War is set for release later this year.

We've also heard about open-world campaigns changing the way we play your classic Call of Duty. There's some disappointment that Call of Duty games don't show much sign of arriving on Game Pass, however, the recent reveal that Diablo 4 is coming so soon after release gives hope to CoD going the same way. 

Call of Duty remains a whale of the industry, and although Hogwarts Legacy broke its winning streak as 2023's best-selling game, it's on track to claim the crown again in 2024. Still, even the once unshakable franchise was hit a blow by recent layoffs and feels like it's at a crossroads.

Tom Chapman

About The Author

Tom Chapman

Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.

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