As Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes through a second phase of investigation led by the European Commission, Sony has alleged delayed its upcoming showcase fearing that content within the program would add proof to Microsoft’s statements.
Sony has been far from quiet about voicing its opinions about Microsoft’s latest acquisition. In a similar vein to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Sony believes that the Activision Blizzard acquisition would limit competition and the platforms certain video game franchises could be published on. When the typical month for the Playstation Showcase came and went, rumors weren’t too far behind, speculating that the acquisition had something to do with it. Earlier today Millie A, Entertainment Media data analyst and trusted insider, came out with statements that give some credence to the rumors.
According to Millie, Sony has allegedly delayed the Playstation Showcase to October as to “not add weight to Microsoft’s arguments” for the Activision Blizzard acquisition. While the rumor might still be outlandish for some, considering Sony’s past statements on the deal, it wouldn’t be too much of an outlandish thing for them to do.
Activision Blizzard gives Microsoft access to a juggernaut library of influential gaming franchises within the video game industry. There’s a real fear that Microsoft acquiring all of these legacy franchises would lead them to get a leg up on its competitors. That being said, when you look at the information Millie A alleged, it seems that Sony’s fears might be overblown. While Sony hasn’t come out with a statement confirming or denying the truth to these rumors, it makes sense why they would allegedly do this. Regardless, many within the video game community see Sony’s alleged actions come off as petty.