FTC Fails to Block Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Deal

Microsoft has achieved another significant milestone in its efforts to acquire Activision Blizzard, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) faced another setback. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco denied the FTC's appeal to block Microsoft's monumental $69 billion acquisition, a deal that was originally announced in late 2022, according to Reuters. This decision, handed down by a three-judge panel, puts an end to the FTC's challenge against the July 2023 decision that initially greenlit the purchase.

The journey to this acquisition has been fraught with challenges for Microsoft, with scrutiny intensifying over the past three years. Early opposition came from select U.S. Senators who raised alarms about the increasing consolidation within the tech industry, particularly as Microsoft, the Xbox creator, continued to expand its portfolio. Concerns from competitors and the gaming community centered on whether popular franchises such as Call of Duty would be exclusive to Microsoft platforms. Microsoft addressed these fears by confirming it had no interest in barring certain franchises behind lengthy exclusivity periods.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesDespite ongoing hurdles throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its purchase of Activision Blizzard in October of that year. The FTC's appeal posed a potential late-stage obstacle, but with its dismissal, the regulatory body's efforts to halt the acquisition appear to be concluded.

For a comprehensive timeline detailing Microsoft's challenges in finalizing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, you can click here.