Activision: We May Stop Supporting Sony

The world's largest third-party video game publisher says it may stop supporting Sony's consoles.

In an interview with The Times (London), Activision CEO Bobby Kotick expressed concern for the PlayStation 3's software sales and the cost of development:

The PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don't make it easy for me to support the platform. It's expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better return on invested capital on the Xbox than on the PlayStation. ... If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony.

Kotick implied that if Sony doesn't lower the cost of the console, Activision may reconsider its ongoing support of the PS3 -- as well as the PSP handheld system -- when looking ahead at 2010 and 2011.

If Activision follows through, that means multi-platform hits such as Call of Duty and Guitar Hero won't be seen on Sony's consoles, despite those franchises still having strong sales on the PS3.

Reached for comment, a Sony spokesperson said via email:

PlayStation has tremendous momentum coming out of E3, and we are seeing positive growth with more than 350 titles slated to hit across all our platforms, including many anticipated games from our publishing partners. We enjoy healthy business relationships with and greatly value our publishing partners and are working closely with them to deliver the best entertainment experience.

Chris says: Sounds like a total bluff -- I can't see Activision pulling support from Sony, but I can see them attempting to influence PS3's price by publicly threatening to.

See Also:

• Activision Boss: PS3, 360 Must Drop to $199
• Sony 'Has a Business To Run,' PS3 Price Cut Unlikely
• Sony Drops PlayStation 2 Price to $100