FTC Fails in Bid to Block Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Deal

Microsoft has achieved another significant victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its efforts to finalize the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The FTC's appeal to halt Microsoft's $69 billion deal to purchase the company behind Call of Duty was denied by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, solidifying the acquisition initially announced in late 2022 (via Reuters). This decision was made by a three-judge panel, concluding the FTC's challenge to the July 2023 ruling that permitted Microsoft to complete the purchase.

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 increasing consolidation within the tech industry as Microsoft, the Xbox manufacturer, expanded its portfolio with major acquisitions. Both competitors and the gaming community expressed worries that such a deal might restrict popular franchises like Call of Duty to specific platforms. However, Microsoft alleviated these concerns by confirming that it had no plans to impose lengthy exclusivity periods on these franchises.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesDespite ongoing challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October of the same year. The FTC's appeal represented a potential final hurdle to normal business operations, but with the appeal's failure, it appears the FTC's efforts have come to an end.

For a comprehensive timeline detailing Microsoft's journey to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, please click here.