FTC ultimately challenge Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard in 2023
Blog Andrew Joseph 24 May , 2025 0
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) formally dropped the case just a few days after losing a snowstorm in Microsoft's acquisition.
FTC calls for blocking Microsoft's $69 billion deal to acquire the company's backend On May 7, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refusedfurther consolidate the purchase Originally announced In the second half of 2022. It was a move decided by a panel of three judges that ended the FTC’s inquiry Decision in July 2023 Allow Microsoft to finalize its purchase.
As we concluded at the time Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has faced scrutiny for more than three yearsIn the U.S. and around the world, some political parties fear that the acquisition will see a popular franchise like Call of Duty becoming exclusive to Xbox. Microsoft confirms It has no interest in prohibiting certain franchises after a lengthy exclusivity periodand Sell Activision Blizzard's cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft Meet the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) objections.
Although challenges continue to emerge in 2023, Microsoft is finally able to Complete the purchase of the event snowstorm October of the same year.
The FTC appeal could have brought about later obstacles. But, edgethe committee has now completely dismissed the complaint and said in a brief brief Register Published on May 22: “The Commission has determined that in this case it is best to dismiss the administrative litigation to provide services to the public interest.”
“On May 7, 2025, the Ninth Circuit confirmed the U.S. District Court’s ruling in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, FTC v. Microsoft Corp. (…) rejected the commission’s application for a preliminary injunction against Microsoft Corp. to prevent approval of Activision Blizzard, Inc.
“The complaints of this matter are therefore dismissed.”
For a schedule of Microsoft's struggles in finalizing its Activision Blizzard acquisition, you can click here.
Vikki Blake is an IGN journalist, as well as a critic, columnist and consultant with over 15 years of experience working with some of the world's largest gaming websites and publications. She is also a guardian, a Spartan, a quiet Hilan, a legend and a permanent chaos. Find her Bruceky.