Xbox fans disappointed as Microsoft confirms Sony's blocking of game releases

Microsoft has recently confirmed that Sony has blocked certain games from being released on Xbox. In a response to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard, Microsoft claimed that Sony has set up “exclusion” deals with third-party publishers, preventing them from releasing their games on the Xbox platform. Some examples cited by Microsoft include Final Fantasy VII Remake, Bloodborne, Final Fantasy XVI, and the upcoming Silent Hill 2 Remake.

Sony blocks major games from hitting Xbox: Microsoft confirms

These exclusion deals have led to speculation that these games may never be released on Xbox, despite the publishers remaining silent on the matter. This news has disappointed many Xbox fans who were hoping to see these games eventually released on their platform. It has also raised questions about the fairness of such exclusion deals, and whether they are in the best interests of consumers.

Microsoft has argued that such deals benefit the market leader at the expense of consumers, and has sought to challenge them as part of its efforts to acquire Activision Blizzard. The company has also published responses to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the UK CMA, stating that it believes the regulators should be protecting consumers rather than the market leader.

The situation has sparked a debate about the role of exclusives in the gaming industry, with some arguing that they drive competition and innovation, while others believe that they limit consumer choice and can lead to a less diverse market. Sony has faced criticism in the past for its use of timed exclusives, in which games are released on its platform first, before being released on other platforms at a later date.

It remains to be seen how the situation will play out, but it is clear that the drama surrounding the Activision Blizzard acquisition is heating up, with Microsoft and Sony locked in a battle over exclusive content and distribution rights. Many gamers will be closely following the proceedings, as the outcome could have significant implications for the future of the industry.