The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially decided to end its legal battle against Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard. You might recall that this was one of the largest gaming acquisitions in history, valued at US$68.7 billion. On June 20, the FTC filed a motion to dismiss its complaint, marking the conclusion of a nearly two-year-long legal effort to stop the deal.
This move came shortly after the FTC lost an appeal for a preliminary injunction earlier this month. The injunction had aimed to block Microsoft from closing the acquisition while the legal case was ongoing. With the appeal denied, the FTC has accepted that continuing the case would no longer be in the public interest.
FTC steps back after lengthy court process
The FTC first challenged Microsoft’s acquisition plans in late 2022, seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction from a federal court. At that time, the Commission argued that the deal could reduce competition in the gaming industry and potentially harm consumers.
Today’s decision is a victory for players across the country and for common sense in Washington, D.C. We are grateful to the FTC for today’s announcement. https://t.co/nnmUI76q0l pic.twitter.com/KgLxhZppx3
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) May 22, 2025
However, the legal tide turned in Microsoft’s favour in July 2023 when a judge ruled against the FTC’s request for an injunction. That decision allowed Microsoft to move forward and complete the acquisition in October 2023. Despite the setback, the FTC chose to appeal the ruling, but an appellate court panel rejected the appeal in early June 2025, upholding the lower court’s decision.
With the legal avenues mostly exhausted, the FTC’s decision to dismiss the case is seen as the final step in opposing the deal.
“The Commission has determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in this case,” the FTC wrote in its official filing.
Microsoft welcomes the decision
Microsoft has welcomed the decision, with company leaders expressing appreciation for the FTC’s choice to conclude the matter. Microsoft’s vice chair and president Brad Smith commented on the outcome: “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.”
This news confirms that Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard is now fully secure from regulatory challenges in the US. After facing scrutiny from the FTC and other regulators worldwide, the acquisition gives Microsoft control over some of the world’s biggest gaming franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
A landmark moment in gaming and tech
If you follow the tech and gaming industries, you know this acquisition has been one of the most talked-about topics in recent years. The deal’s completion represents a major shift in the gaming market, with Microsoft aiming to strengthen its position in both console and cloud gaming services.
As a player or industry follower, you’ll likely see the impact of this deal unfold over time. With the FTC stepping back, Microsoft can continue building its gaming empire without further legal hurdles in the United States.
