The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to drop its legal case against Microsoft’s big acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This means Microsoft’s purchase of the popular video game company, which cost $69 billion, will not be blocked or undone.
What Was the Case About?
Back in 2023, Microsoft announced it would buy Activision Blizzard, a giant in the video game industry known for games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. This was one of the biggest deals ever in gaming.
However, the FTC was worried. The agency thought this deal could hurt competition. Their concern was that Microsoft would gain too much power in the gaming market, especially for Xbox consoles and online game services. The FTC believed this might make it harder for other companies to compete, which could be bad for gamers.
The Legal Battle
The FTC filed a complaint to stop the deal, leading to a long legal fight. Microsoft argued the acquisition was good for gamers and the industry, promising more investment in games and new technology.
The case went through several rounds, including appeals and planned court hearings. But in early 2025, Microsoft won an important appeal, which weakened the FTC’s position.
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Why Did the FTC Drop the Case?
After losing the appeal and facing a possible trial in July 2025, the FTC decided continuing the case wasn’t worth it. They filed an order to dismiss their complaint officially on May 22, 2025.
The FTC said dropping the case was in the public interest. It recognized that Microsoft had already completed the acquisition in October 2023. Trying to undo the deal now would be complicated and might not benefit gamers or competition as much as originally thought.
What Does This Mean?
This decision is a big win for Microsoft. It clears the last major legal obstacle for the company’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. Microsoft can now fully focus on integrating Activision Blizzard into its gaming business.
For gamers, this might mean more games and services powered by Microsoft’s resources. But some critics still worry about less competition in the industry.
The FTC dropping its case ends a major antitrust battle over one of the biggest deals in gaming history. Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard stands firm, signaling a new era for the gaming world.
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