Microsoft has achieved another significant milestone in its journey to acquire Activision Blizzard, securing a favorable ruling against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Today, San Francisco’s 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the FTC’s appeal aimed at halting Microsoft’s $69 billion deal, reinforcing their initial approval made in July 2023 (via Reuters). The decision came following a review by a three-judge panel, effectively concluding the FTC’s prolonged challenge to the acquisition.
Since the announcement of the acquisition in late 2022, Microsoft has faced extensive scrutiny from various quarters. U.S. Senators were among the early critics, raising concerns over the growing monopolization within the tech industry as Microsoft expanded its portfolio. Despite concerns from competitors and gamers alike regarding the potential exclusivity of popular franchises like Call of Duty, Microsoft clarified that it had no intention of restricting such titles to lengthy platform-specific exclusivity periods.
Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns Following the Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
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Throughout 2023, despite ongoing obstacles, Microsoft successfully completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October. The FTC’s appeal posed a potential last-minute hurdle, but its failure marks the conclusion of a long-drawn legal process. For a comprehensive timeline of Microsoft’s challenges in finalizing this acquisition, click here.
