Microsoft has achieved another significant victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its effort to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The FTC's attempt to block Microsoft's monumental $69 billion deal was denied by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, solidifying a purchase that was originally announced in late 2022, as reported by Reuters. This decision, made by a three-judge panel, put an end to the FTC's challenge against the July 2023 decision that had previously allowed Microsoft to move forward with the acquisition.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been under intense scrutiny for over three years. Early opposition came from select U.S. Senators, who raised concerns about the consolidation within the tech industry as Microsoft, the Xbox maker, continued to acquire major companies. Fears among competitors and gamers that popular franchises like Call of Duty might become exclusive to Microsoft platforms were alleviated when Microsoft confirmed it had no interest in barring certain franchises behind lengthy exclusivity periods.
Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard
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Despite facing numerous challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its purchase of Activision Blizzard in October of the same year. The FTC's appeal represented a potential late hurdle to normal operations, but with its efforts now unsuccessful, it appears the FTC's pursuit has come to a close.
For a comprehensive timeline detailing Microsoft's journey to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, you can click here.
