Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was one of the most turbulent episodes of gaming drama in modern history. From Microsoft's announcement of their intention to purchase Activision Blizzard in January 2022 for $68.7bn cash, through to completion of the sale took almost two years. Microsoft finally sealed the deal in October 2023, 21 months later.

To some it was an exciting process with legal challenges throughout the process including the UK's CMA initial block of the deal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States then brought their own challenges to the merger. Despite challenges from senior bodies, Microsoft was eventually able to prevail and close the deal.

However in a bizarre series of events, despite the merger having already closed the FTC decided to continue their anti-trust appeal to the merger through courts in the US. That was until in court documents filed today (7 May 2025), the 9th Circuit US Court of Appeals said the judge was right to reject the FTC's initial bid to block the acquisition. Both the FTC and Microsoft refused to comment on todays ruling.

Given the long drawn out process of the legal proceedings related to the merger, this may finally be the end of the saga which could fill a lengthy book. Since the merger closed, Microsoft have largely done good on their word to bring more games to more platforms. Call of Duty, now owned by Microsoft, has joined Game Pass and remains available on PlayStation. In an agreement between Microsoft and Nintendo, Call of Duty should also come to Nintendo platforms in due course. Furthermore, titles like Forza Horizon, Indiana Jones and now Gears of War will launch on Sony's platform.

Is this finally the end of the FTC's pursuit of Microsoft's mega-acquisition? Let us know in the comments below and stick with GSC for all your gaming news.