Sony has expressed concerns over Microsoft's Xbox strategy following the massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This internal worry comes to light after a cybersecurity breach at Insomniac Games. The leaked documents from Sony reveal apprehension about Microsoft's potential to "leapfrog" Sony's gaming pillars with strong live service games, mobile scale, and Battle.net PC storefront. Sony particularly highlighted the Call of Duty "threat" and how this acquisition may impact PlayStation Plus revenue, skeptical about the sustainability of a perfect game subscription model amidst expectations of free, high-quality games.

In addition to the acquisition's impact, Sony has reviewed its lineup of 12 live service games and decided to launch only half by March 2026. This is indicative of a shift in Sony's strategy, prioritizing quality over quantity, especially after the cancellation of The Last of Us multiplayer title. The company has invested in studios like Bungie, Haven Studios, and Firewalk Studios, which are working on various new live service and multiplayer games. Comparatively, Microsoft's approach involves launching new games on both PC and Xbox directly onto its Game Pass service.

What are the potential implications of Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition for Sony?

The acquisition could pose significant challenges for Sony. Microsoft's new arsenal of games and services, especially the inclusion of Call of Duty, could undermine the competitive edge of PlayStation's subscription services and exclusivity. Sony is concerned that this could potentially shake up the gaming industry landscape, forcing them to innovate and perhaps reassess their offerings to maintain their market position against Xbox's growing influence.