FTC drops 2-year case against Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 8:37 am
FTC Drops Case Against Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisition, Ending Two-Year Battle
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially dropped its two-year legal battle against Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Despite the deal being finalized in 2023, the FTC continued to challenge the merger, raising concerns about Microsoft's potential anti-competitive practices in the gaming industry.
The FTC's decision to dismiss its complaint comes after a series of setbacks, including losing a preliminary injunction to block the acquisition. The commission stated that dismissing the case serves the public interest. This marks the end of a long and contentious legal fight, with Microsoft now free to fully integrate Activision Blizzard into its operations.
The acquisition faced scrutiny over potential impacts on competition, including concerns about Microsoft's control over popular titles like *Call of Duty* and its impact on Game Pass pricing. Microsoft has maintained that the deal benefits players and promotes innovation. The company's vice chair and president, Brad Smith, celebrated the decision as a victory for players and common sense.
The move raises questions about Microsoft's future strategy, particularly regarding pricing and further acquisitions. Consumers will be watching closely to see how the company navigates the gaming landscape now that the FTC's legal challenges are over.
BNN's Perspective: While the FTC's concerns about market dominance are valid, the legal battle seemed increasingly futile, especially after the UK's approval of the deal. The focus now shifts to ensuring Microsoft adheres to its promises and that the gaming market remains competitive, benefiting consumers with diverse choices and fair pricing.
Keywords: Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, FTC, acquisition, gaming, legal battle, Call of Duty, Game Pass, competition, merger, Brad Smith, consumer, market, anti-competitive, regulatory.