EA teases "tactical programs" with Sony

Electronic Arts' various exclusivity deals with Microsoft are not a sign that EA is supporting Microsoft over Sony, according to executive Frank Gibeau. In fact, the EA Labels president explained to Edge that EA has unannounced "tactical programs" in the works with Sony that will even out the playing field.

"We're not tilting Microsoft's way; we are firm longterm supporters of Sony," Gibeau said. "I'm sure you'll see tactical programs between us and Sony in the future that we haven't announced, but will make things much more balanced."

EA has aligned with Microsoft for Battlefield 4 downloadable content, as the Second Assault DLC will launch first on Xbox One. In addition, the EA Partners-published Titanfall is announced only for Xbox and PC platforms, while Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare and Peggle 2 will ship first on Xbox platforms.

On top of those deals, all Xbox One preorders in Europe will include a free copy of FIFA 14.

Gibeau insisted in August that EA's various exclusivity deals with Microsoft do not signal favor in one camp over the other. "We're changing nothing in our policy about being platform-agnostic," he said at the time.

Also in the interview, Gibeau said the Xbox One and PS4 had a "combative" summer and offered his take on how Sony and Microsoft have matched up thus far.

"I think the Sony team has executed exceptionally well--and they did not execute particularly well on PS3, whereas last time around Microsoft executed perfectly," Gibeau said. "This time, Microsoft has run into some challenges, some leadership changes, but they're a very resilient organization, and if you look at their counter-punches on any setbacks, they've done a pretty good job of getting back on track."

The PS4 and Xbox One go head-to-head next month, when the next-generation consoles hit the market on November 15 and November 22, respectively.