Microsoft finally able to go through with the accusation of Activision Blizzard later when Fedaral Trade Commision dropped its case against the company. Microsoft President Brad Smith addressed that the decision publicly, calling it common sense.
In January 2022, Microsoft finalised the deal process with Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion, making it the most expensive video game-related acquisition to date. The Federal Trade Commission attempted to block the merger, arguing it would be a threat to competition in gaming, especially in first-party titles and subscription services.
As there was a three-year battle between Microsoft and the FTC. It was the motion which was denied by the Court of Appeals, which, when the FTC submitted a preliminary injunction. This was also denied in July 2023. The FTC kept trying on May 7, 2025, but it was forced to drop the case.
Microsoft President Said FTC Case Dropped
While it was dropped on May 7, it was not until May 22 when Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brand Smith spoke out on the case on X.
Today, the decision is a victory for the players across the country and for common sense in Washington,n DC. We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement, which was shared by Brad Smith.
As the document highlighting the case being dismissed was also shared, revealing that the United States District Court would be denying the commission application for the preliminary injunction to block the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Later, they even continued saying the commission has determined the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in the case. Which means the entire case was officially dismissed.
Which means that Microsoft can officially purchase Activision Blizzard after three years of waiting. As this will bring new games and those previously controlled by Activision Blizzard, but yet to be revealed. The main intention for this purchase was to gain control over the company’s mobile games.
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