A senior Activision official who has a history of criticizing Sony on Twitter divulges a statement made by Jim Ryan, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, regarding Call of Duty. Without further context, the statement made by Sony's CEO may be perceived as openly obstinate, but it adds a new wrinkle as Microsoft struggles to get the acquisition approved.

Microsoft’s 10-year deals with Nintendo

Microsoft president Brad Smith pulled out an unsigned agreement during a news conference in Brussels as part of the drama surrounding the Microsoft and Activision merger and Sony's attempts to thwart the acquisition. On the same day that Call of Duty will return to the console, Microsoft and Nintendo announced a partnership. Microsoft is signing 10-year deals with Nintendo and NVIDIA to support its ongoing arguments that it does not want to restrict what platforms one of the biggest gaming franchises appears on, while Sony continues to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard with claims of competitive concerns with the Call of Duty brand.

Activision Executive VP of Corporate Affairs Lulu Cheng Meservy was responding to claims made on Twitter that Sony is concerned that Microsoft might release Call of Duty on the PlayStation with bugs to harm the game's reputation on the platform if the agreement went through. In the thread, she makes a fascinating remark that Sony Interactive CEO Jim Ryan made in a meeting with the European Commission that was held behind closed doors. She raises concerns about Sony's reluctance to accept the agreement that Microsoft has offered to other businesses. Then she asserts that Jim Ryan declared that he doesn't want a new Call of Duty deal, in a meeting that was held behind closed doors on February 21. He merely wishes to prevent your merging.

Due to her remarks regarding Activision Blizzard unions and other comments made about the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft partnership, Lulu Cheng Meservy has generated controversy on Twitter. Yet, as a Microsoft official, she has access to the proceedings in regulatory courts. The Verge's Tom Warren also backed up the claim. Jim Ryan's statement seems as petulant and straightforward stonewalling when taken out of any extra context and potential tone.

Gamers have questioned Sony's credibility

Online gamers have questioned Sony's credibility. Microsoft officials frequently and consistently discuss the Call of Duty series and their aspirations to bring it to additional platforms in front of gamers. As some of the most powerful government regulators pay attention to Sony's worries, the acquisition process has been mired in confusion. Sony does not want to give its main rival, Microsoft, any advantages or possible cash from Call of Duty sales on the PlayStation platform, despite the fact that Microsoft has continued to demonstrate its willingness to negotiate. If Sony's stated goal is to block the Microsoft/Activision merger, SIE CEO Jim Ryan's remark may pave the way for other obnoxious statements to be made before the ultimate regulatory body renders its ruling.