Phil Spencer Calls Sony A “Slimy” Company Because Of Platform Exclusivity

Phil Spencer wants to give player more choices on how to play their games.

By Shahmeer Sarfaraz June 11, 2024

Phil Spencer During The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 Event | Image Source: Neowin

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In an interview, Phil Spencer indirectly called out Sony for “slimy platform things.”
He discussed giving players more choices to play their games and hinted that Sony restricts that.
Some users also interpreted the jab as Sony paying publishers to secure exclusive content.

In an interview with IGN after the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 event, Xbox boss Phil Spencer seemingly took a jab at Sony’s previous COD-exclusive deals. Phil wants to give players a choice with how they play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and not engage in “slimy platform things.” Additionally, the CEO wants to do the same with other games by allowing various options so players are not restricted—unlike Sony, apparently.

It’s a choice. We didn’t say to anybody ‘you have to subscribe to play.’ If you want to buy Black Ops 6, that’s great. It’s great for us, it’s great for the developer. If you want to subscribe, it’s also great. I want to give you the choice on how you play your games, and who you play with, and not try to do slimy platform things to force you to do what I want you to do,” said Phil.

Some users have also interpreted the dig as Sony paying publishers to secure exclusive content on its platform. On the flip side, Xbox is going multi-platform and bringing more of its titles to other consoles.

A Mainline COD Title Is Releasing On Game Pass For The First Time After Launch

If you’re unfamiliar, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is the series’ first mainline title headed straight to Game Pass after launch. The premium-priced game will be completely F2P for those subscribed to the service, starting a new chapter in COD’s history. The developers also only found out about the change a bit before the announcement. So, it has been a surprise for both gamers and the devs alike.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is shaping up to be a classic hardcore experience that fans know and love | Image Source: Call of Duty — Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is shaping up to be a classic hardcore experience | Image Source: Call of Duty

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It is worth noting that the jab was meant in a lighthearted manner. Also, Phil did not exactly name Sony to prevent legal and other disputes in the future. Both console ecosystems are moving in a different direction, after all.

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