FTC Loses Bid to Block Microsoft-Activision Deal

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

Today, San Francisco's 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the FTC's attempt to block Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of the Call of Duty publisher (as reported by Reuters). This decision upholds the landmark deal initially announced in January 2022. A three-judge panel ruled against the FTC's appeal of the July 2023 federal court decision that allowed the acquisition to proceed.

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Microsoft's pursuit of Activision Blizzard faced intense scrutiny for over three years. Several U.S. Senators were early critics of the deal, expressing concerns about growing consolidation in tech as Microsoft expanded its gaming portfolio. Amid worries that popular franchises like Call of Duty might become Xbox exclusives, Microsoft repeatedly assured players and regulators that major titles would remain available on competing platforms.

Major Gaming Franchises Now Under Xbox Ownership

Despite ongoing regulatory challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully closed its Activision Blizzard acquisition that October. The FTC's recent appeal represented the last potential obstacle to Microsoft's integration of Activision's operations. With this latest court decision, the lengthy legal battle appears to have reached its conclusion.

For a complete timeline of Microsoft's acquisition journey and regulatory hurdles, click here.