FTC loses bid to halt Microsoft-Activision deal

Microsoft has scored another legal victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its bid to acquire Activision Blizzard.

The FTC's request to halt Microsoft's $69 billion deal for the Call of Duty publisher was rejected today by San Francisco's 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, reinforcing a transaction initially proposed in late 2022 (via Reuters). A three-judge panel concluded the case, ending the FTC's challenge to the July 2023 decision permitting Microsoft to complete its acquisition.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

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Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition faced intense scrutiny for over three years. Several U.S. Senators were among early critics, expressing concerns about tech industry consolidation as Xbox expanded its portfolio. Amid worries that franchises like Call of Duty might become Xbox exclusives, Microsoft assured players it wouldn't restrict major titles to its platform.

Despite ongoing challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully finalized the Activision Blizzard deal in October that year. The FTC's appeal could have disrupted business operations, but with this latest defeat, regulatory obstacles appear resolved.

For a complete breakdown of Microsoft's acquisition journey, click here.