Is Microsoft Partnered with Sony?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Microsoft and Sony have indeed formed a strategic partnership, with a binding 10-year deal to keep the best-selling Call of Duty series available on PlayStation, alleviating concerns about Microsoft’s dominance in the gaming market after its Activision Blizzard acquisition. This partnership is a significant development in the tech industry, with Sony and Microsoft collaborating to bring Microsoft’s games to Sony consoles, while also exploring cloud gaming and content streaming services using Microsoft Azure.
Background and Context
The partnership between Microsoft and Sony has been in the works for several years, with the two tech giants announcing a strategic partnership in May 2019 to collaborate on cloud gaming and content streaming services. This partnership has led to Sony using Microsoft Azure for its cloud gaming and content streaming services, and has also explored collaboration in the areas of semiconductors and AI.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Did Microsoft team up with Sony?: Yes, Microsoft and Sony have formed a strategic partnership to keep the Call of Duty series available on PlayStation.
- Did Microsoft buy Activision from Sony?: No, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, but Sony was not the previous owner.
- Is Sony using AWS or Azure?: Sony uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its cloud gaming and content streaming services, but also uses Microsoft Azure as part of its partnership with Microsoft.
Partnership and Acquisition
- What is the Sony deal with Microsoft?: The deal is a binding 10-year agreement to keep the Call of Duty series available on PlayStation.
- Why did Sony sue Microsoft?: Sony did not sue Microsoft, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued Microsoft to block its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
- What cloud platform does Sony use?: Sony uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), but also uses Microsoft Azure as part of its partnership with Microsoft.
Market and Financials
- Who is bigger, Sony or Microsoft?: Microsoft is significantly larger, with a total value of around $1.6 trillion USD, compared to Sony’s $100 billion USD.
- Is Activision leaving Sony?: No, Activision Blizzard will remain available on PlayStation as part of the 10-year deal between Microsoft and Sony.
- Is Sony or Microsoft richer?: Microsoft is much richer, with a total value of around $1.6 trillion USD, compared to Sony’s $100 billion USD.
Gaming and Consoles
- Will Call of Duty be on Sony?: Yes, the Call of Duty series will remain available on PlayStation for at least 10 years as part of the deal between Microsoft and Sony.
- Does Sony outsell Microsoft?: Yes, Sony’s consoles, such as the PS4 and PS5, have outsold Microsoft’s consoles, such as the Xbox One and Series X|S.
- Who did Microsoft merge with?: Microsoft merged with Activision Blizzard, acquiring the company in a major acquisition deal.
Technology and Services
- Does Sony use Salesforce?: Yes, Sony uses Salesforce to support its contact centers across AMEA and India.
- Is Sony partnered with Google?: Yes, Sony and Google have established a strategic alliance to deliver cloud-based products and services using the Android platform.
- Are Apple and Sony partners?: Yes, Apple and Sony have a long-standing partnership to develop cutting-edge camera sensors for iPhone models.