Microsoft’s Years-Long Battle To Buy Activision Blizzard Is Now Finally Over

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In simpler terms, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided not to challenge Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard anymore. The acquisition was originally approved, but the FTC had filed an appeal against it. However, they have now withdrawn that appeal, effectively allowing the deal to proceed as planned.

In simpler terms, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided that it’s best for everyone involved to close the legal case at hand. As a result, I’m instructed to inform you that the complaint related to this case has been officially dropped.

Microsoft President Brad Smith stated that it was a triumph for players nationwide as well as a win for rationality in Washington, D.C.

The anticipated outcome transpired. Earlier in this month, a U.S. appeals court declined the FTC’s request to overturn the initial decision allowing Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger. It remains uncertain how the two corporations would have been disentangled if the appeal had been granted.

To address regulatory issues, Microsoft has chosen to partner with other gaming platforms, making Xbox games accessible beyond Xbox streaming services. Furthermore, they will continue to produce games not exclusive to Xbox. By April 2025 in the US, five out of the top seven best-selling PS5 games were published by Xbox, indicating this strategy’s success.

The FTC’s lawsuit against Microsoft was partially instigated by FTC Chair Lina Khan. However, when President Trump assumed office in January 2025, he appointed Andrew N. Ferguson as the new head of the FTC.

Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard at a staggering $75.4 billion makes it Microsoft’s most expensive acquisition ever in terms of cost, marking the largest gaming acquisition in history.

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2025-05-23 16:09