FTC Ends Legal Challenge Over Microsoft’s Acqusition of Activision Blizzard

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is finally closing the case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This comes after two lengthy years of challenging the deal as the ink was drying.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard signed the deal in October 2023, in a record-shattering $69 billion USD (roughly $95 billion CAD) acquisition. However, despite both parties being on board, the FTC fought tooth and nail to challenge the deal. Flashforward to now, and the FTC is finally conceding. This comes after the commission lost an appeal earlier this month.

The US District Court for the Northern District of California gave the green light for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. At the time, the FTC filed an appeal to overturn the court’s decision. Earlier this month, the appeal was denied as it was believed that the commission failed to provide information of how Microsoft was blocking competitors from accessing Call of Duty on their platforms.

In the official filing, the FTC states that it has “determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation of the case.” The commission goes on, saying, “accordingly, it is hereby ordered that the Complaint in this matter be, and it hereby is, dismissed. By the Commission.”

Microsoft President Brad Smith responded to the news. “Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, D.C.,” Smith said. “We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement.”

Since acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has continued to publish Call of Duty on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The company has also continued to readily support games like Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, and World of Warcraft. Recently, Microsoft launched Retro Classics with Game Pass, in partnership with Antstream Arcade. Over 50 classic Activision games from the 80s and 90s are available to Game Pass subscribers.