The Xbox Game Pass is probably the only competition to Sony’s PS Plus. In terms of game library size and number of AAA titles, Microsoft’s game subscription service is the only one that comes close.
Jim Ryan reportedly discussed market competition in an employee Q&A.
Sony doesn’t see the Xbox Game Pass competition to its PS Plus, however. A source within Sony revealed to Insider Gaming that Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan implied that the company does not see the Xbox Game Pass as a rival to the PS Plus during an employee Q&A earlier this month.
Jim Ryan, according to a source, was asked about the Xbox Game Pass at this event. Ryan said that Game Pass seems to be declining when we look at it. [Game Pass numbers]. When we consider Game Pass, we’ve sold more PS5s in two years than they have gathered subscribers and they’ve been doing that for 6-7 years.”
“We’re just shy of 50 million subscribers and they are in the low 20s, but there’s more work to do to grow that number,” Ryan adds.
Sony reported recently that 25 million units had been shipped as of September 2022. Sony also stated that it has resolved the issue of stock shortages.
Sony’s opposition to the Microsoft – Activision Blizzard merger
These are interesting comments coming from Sony’s Ryan as the company has recently opposed Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Sony is the loudest opponent to the merger, arguing it will be “bad competition, bad gaming industry and bad for gamers.”
Sony’s opposition stems from its belief that Microsoft intends to make the Call of Duty franchise exclusive to the Microsoft platform after the deal is finalized. Microsoft has made previous Bethesda AAA games, such as Starfield or Red Fall, exclusive titles on the Xbox and Windows PC.
Microsoft has offered a ten year deal to keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation. Phil Spencer, Xbox boss stated previously that he would consider a longer agreement with Sony.
Microsoft also offered a similar deal to Nintendo to make Call of Duty available on the handheld console. It is also not in Microsoft’s best interests to keep the FPS game off the PlayStation because it has the largest player base.
Sony’s opposition to the deal has led to investigations by competition regulators from the UK, European Union, and the US. UK CMA, EU Commission and others have begun to investigate the matter further, citing antitrust concerns.
The US FTC filed a lawsuit in an attempt to block the deal. FTC claimed that Microsoft deceived regulators when it said Bethesda titles would not be made exclusive to Microsoft’s platform.
A group of ten Call of Duty players, mostly from the PlayStation consoles themselves, filed a lawsuit in federal court. According to the lawsuit, the agreement was in violation of antitrust laws.
Microsoft is optimistic that the deal will go through. Microsoft also expressed its delight at the chance to present its case before a court.
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard still have time to close the deal.
