FTC Abandons Challenge to Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Deal
May 23, 2025 12:33 PMThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially dropped its challenge against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry's landscape. This decision follows the denial of the FTC's appeal by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of Microsoft’s $69 billion deal that includes the renowned Call of Duty franchise. Despite intense scrutiny and concerns about potential exclusivity of popular games, Microsoft has reassured that it does not intend to restrict access to major franchises. The acquisition is now finalized, with the FTC stating that dismissing the complaint aligns with public interest.
What does Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard mean for gamers?Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard signifies potential broader access to beloved gaming franchises across platforms while mitigating concerns about exclusivity. By assuring that popular titles like Call of Duty will remain accessible, Microsoft aims to strengthen its foothold in the gaming market while facilitating competition within the industry.
Activision Blizzard is known for its hit franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch, making this acquisition one of the most talked-about events in gaming history. The deal's completion allows Microsoft to leverage these iconic titles to enhance its gaming ecosystem, particularly through Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming initiatives, ultimately impacting millions of gamers worldwide.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Rolling R!ck commented on: 2025-05-23 13:12:10
Big win for Microsoft, but I’ll believe the ‘no exclusivity’ promise when I see it—corporate talk doesn’t always match reality. Still, Game Pass getting CoD or Overwatch would be a game-changer, no pun intended. (Keeps it light but skeptical, focusing on execution over promises, without rehashing the existing comments.)
Sephiroth commented on: 2025-05-23 13:06:16
Honestly, I'm just hoping this means more day-one Game Pass drops for Activision's heavy hitters—imagine WoW expansions included in the subscription. Though knowing Microsoft, they'll probably play it safe with gradual integrations to avoid rocking the boat too hard. (Keeps it casual while hinting at potential benefits and realistic expectations, without echoing the existing comments about exclusivity concerns or platform accessibility.)
