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FTC Abandons Legal Fight Against Microsoft’s $69B Activision Blizzard Takeover

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Washington, D.C., USA

May 24, 2025 0 Neutral General

U.S. (nationwide impact): The Federal Trade Commission dropped its last challenge to Microsoft’s $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, finalizing one of gaming’s biggest mergers. Courts consistently sided with Microsoft, which promised to keep Call of Duty on rival platforms. With the deal complete, Microsoft becomes the third-largest gaming company by revenue, gaining franchises like World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Industry watchers predict major shifts, from Game Pass expansions to heightened rivalry with Sony and Nintendo. The FTC’s loss highlights challenges regulating fast-evolving tech markets—though some remain wary about market concentration.

What this means for you:

•	If you’re a gamer, expect popular Activision titles potentially arriving on Xbox Game Pass—could save money if you subscribe.
•	PlayStation owners might see continued support for games like Call of Duty—Microsoft pledged cross-platform releases.
•	The merger could accelerate subscription-based gaming, so weigh whether multi-platform strategies suit you.
•	Regulatory efforts to block big tech deals may continue, but in this case, the FTC’s defeat sets a precedent—further acquisitions might follow.

Key Entities

• Microsoft – Tech giant expanding its Xbox gaming ecosystem.
• Activision Blizzard – Publisher behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Lost its bid to block the merger.
• Sony & Nintendo – Major console rivals impacted by Microsoft’s expanded portfolio.

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