FTC Drops Microsoft–Activision Blizzard Case, Ending Challenge to $69 Billion Merger
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has formally dropped its legal case against Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, bringing a definitive end to one of the most high-profile antitrust challenges in the gaming industry.
The FTC announced Thursday that it would not pursue further legal action, citing that continuing the case was “not in the public interest.” The decision comes after the agency lost an appeal on May 7 to block the deal, which officially closed in 2023.
The acquisition—the largest in gaming history—gives Microsoft control over blockbuster franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, solidifying its dominance in both console and cloud-based gaming.
Shifting Priorities Under New FTC Leadership
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, recently appointed by President Donald Trump, is redirecting the agency’s focus toward matters aligned with the current administration’s priorities. This includes:
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A probe into advertiser collusion on Elon Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter), as first reported by Reuters.
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Ending legacy antitrust efforts, including a price discrimination case against PepsiCo, also dropped Thursday.
This pivot marks a departure from the aggressive antitrust posture of Ferguson’s predecessor, Lina Khan, who launched the Activision challenge over concerns that Microsoft might use the acquisition to suppress competition in the gaming sector—particularly via Xbox exclusivity and its Game Pass subscription service.
Microsoft’s Response
In a statement, Microsoft President Brad Smith praised the FTC’s decision, calling it:
“A victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, D.C.”
Microsoft has repeatedly argued that the merger will benefit consumers, pledging to keep popular titles like Call of Duty available across platforms, including Sony’s PlayStation.
Background and Legal Outcome
Though the FTC initially failed to secure a preliminary injunction to halt the deal before closing, it retained the option to pursue a post-closing trial in July 2025 aimed at unwinding the acquisition. That option is now off the table.
The deal had already secured regulatory approval in the EU and U.K., the latter after Microsoft agreed to restructure parts of the acquisition, such as cloud gaming rights.
With the FTC now stepping aside, the merger’s legal battles appear fully resolved, cementing Microsoft’s expanded position in the global gaming industry.
