FTC loses bid to halt Microsoft's Activision deal

Microsoft has scored another legal victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its high-profile acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The FTC's appeal to halt Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of the Call of Duty publisher was denied today by San Francisco's 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, solidifying a deal first announced in late 2022 (via Reuters). A three-judge panel dismissed the FTC's challenge to the July 2023 ruling that cleared Microsoft's path to complete the acquisition.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

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Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard faced intense regulatory scrutiny spanning three years. Several U.S. Senators early opponents raised concerns about tech industry consolidation as Xbox's parent company expanded its portfolio. Amid fears that franchises like Call of Duty might become Xbox-exclusive, Microsoft assured stakeholders it wouldn't restrict major titles to its platform.

Following numerous regulatory hurdles in 2023, Microsoft ultimately closed its Activision Blizzard purchase that October. While the FTC's appeal threatened to disrupt post-acquisition operations, today's decision appears to conclude this lengthy legal battle.

For a comprehensive timeline of Microsoft's challenges in acquiring Activision Blizzard, visit here.