Microsoft has solidified another legal win in its high-profile acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) faces yet another setback in its attempt to block the deal. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco today denied the FTC’s appeal aimed at halting Microsoft’s landmark $69 billion acquisition of the renowned game developer behind Call of Duty and other major franchises (via Reuters). This decision by a three-judge panel effectively upholds the earlier ruling from July 2023, closing the door on further challenges from the FTC.
Since its announcement in late 2021, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been under intense regulatory and public scrutiny. Concerns were initially raised by several U.S. Senators who feared that the growing consolidation in the tech sector could be accelerated by Microsoft’s expansion into gaming through the purchase of such a prominent studio. Among the primary concerns was the future availability of popular titles like Call of Duty, with fears that they might be locked behind Xbox exclusivity for extended periods. However, Microsoft repeatedly assured players and competitors alike that it had no plans to restrict access to key franchises or impose long-term exclusivity deals.
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Despite ongoing legal battles throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully closed the acquisition in October of that year. While the FTC’s final appeal posed a potential disruption to normal operations, the court’s decision marks what appears to be the end of the agency’s efforts to halt the transaction.
For an in-depth look at the complete timeline of Microsoft’s journey toward acquiring Activision Blizzard, click here.
