(Credit: Hakan Nural/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Microsoft rocked the gaming world in January 2022 when it confirmed plans to buy Activision Blizzard for a record-breaking $68.7 billion. The FTC sued to stop it, and that case continued even after the acquisition was completed in 2023. That fight is now officially over.
The FTC confirmed on Thursday it would drop its almost two-year-old case against Microsoft's deal. "The Commission has determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in this case," it said.
The news was confirmed by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. "Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, DC. We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement," he tweeted.
The FTC recently lost an appeal in early May, which asked for a reversal of a judge's decision to allow Microsoft's purchase. The agency had claimed the deal would give Microsoft unfair control over the subscription and cloud-based gaming market, as well as competition to its Xbox consoles. This deal saw Microsoft grab ownership of multiple household name game franchises, including Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Crash Bandicoot, Diablo, Overwatch, and more.
In recent months, Microsoft has released more of its previously exclusive titles on its biggest rival's console. Currently, you can buy Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 on the Sony PlayStation 5. Earlier this week, it was confirmed the previously Xbox exclusive title Senua's Saga: Hellblade II will release on PS5 later this summer.