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 yet 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 deal to purchase the company behind the iconic Call of Duty franchise. This decision, made by a three-judge panel, upholds the July 2023 decision that allowed Microsoft to move forward with the acquisition, initially announced in late 2022, according to Reuters.

The proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been under intense scrutiny for over three years, with opposition coming from various quarters, including select U.S. Senators who were among the first to oppose the transaction. The primary concern was the ongoing consolidation within the tech industry, as Microsoft, the Xbox maker, continued to expand its portfolio by acquiring major companies. Both competitors and gamers expressed worries that popular franchises like Call of Duty might become exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, Microsoft alleviated these concerns by confirming that 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 challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its purchase of Activision Blizzard in October of that year. The FTC's appeal represented a potential late-stage obstacle to normal operations, but with its efforts now thwarted, it appears their pursuit has come to an end.

For a comprehensive timeline detailing Microsoft's journey to finalize the Activision Blizzard acquisition, you can click here.