Jim Ryan, the CEO of PlayStation, has stated that while he dislikes Starfield’s Xbox exclusivity, he does not perceive it as anti-competitive.
Stephen Totilo of Axios reported that during his deposition in the FTC trial against the Xbox-Activision merger, Ryan was questioned about Xbox’s exclusivity practices following its acquisition of Bethesda.
Regarding exclusivity details for both Redfall and Starfield, Ryan stated, “I don’t like it,” but added, “I fundamentally have no quarrel” with Redfall and “I don’t view it as anti-competitive” in regards to Starfield.
Ryan’s remarks regarding Starfield and Redfall contrast sharply with Sony’s stance on Call of Duty. Multiple extensive antitrust probes have been conducted on this franchise, which Microsoft has promised will remain available on PlayStation for at least ten years if the deal goes through.
Did you know that Final Fantasy XVI has sold over three million copies since its June 22nd release, demonstrating that a substantial number of people continue to appreciate the dulcet mews of chocobos and the ever-present Cid? The fact that this new, darker take on the series is exclusive to the PS5 makes these sales figures even more remarkable:
In most territories, the deal has been authorized, with the notable exception of the United Kingdom, where Cloud Gaming presented a greater obstacle for Xbox and Activision. Both companies are contesting the Competition and Markets Authority’s decision.
Ryan stated elsewhere in his deposition that he anticipated the PlayStation releases of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 prior to Xbox’s acquisition of Bethesda. It is believed that rumors that the titles could have been exclusive to Sony’s platforms prompted Microsoft to acquire their developer.
The continued availability of Call of Duty on PlayStation appears to have raised eyebrows at Bethesda, as publishing chief Pete Hines referred to this decision as “confusing” in relation to his own studio.