FTC drops administrative challenge against Microsoft-Activision deal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has dropped its administrative challenge that aimed to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The FTC tried to stop the USD 68.7 billion deal in two ways: by filing this case last December before its own administrative judge, who was supposed to hear it on August 2, and by seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction from a US federal court. However, a US federal judge denied the injunction request earlier this month, while an appeals court also refused its request to put an emergency hold on the acquisition. The FTC is still appealing the preliminary injunction denial.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have not finalized the deal yet. They have extended their deadline until October 18. The FTC could still re-file its administrative case, while Microsoft continues to face scrutiny from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer supposedly told employees he is optimistic that the deal will go through soon.

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Microsoft and Activision Blizzard extend deadline for mega video-game deal

Activision Blizzard and Microsoft extended their deadline for the largest video-game deal ever, as they face regulatory challenges in the UK and the US. The USD 69 billion deal would unite the Xbox maker with the Call of Duty publisher, creating a dominant force in the market. Microsoft also agreed to pay more to Activision if the deal falls through after certain dates (from USD 3 billion to USD 3.5 billion after August 29 and USD 4.5 billion after September 15). The companies are confident about completing the deal and expanding their gaming offerings.

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'Call of Duty' to stay on PlayStation for at least another decade despite Microsoft's Activision Blizzard

Image: Activision Blizzard

Microsoft and Sony have reached a deal to keep the popular video game franchise Call of Duty (CoD) on PlayStation consoles for at least another decade, even after Microsoft completes its USD 69 billion purchase of CoD publisher Activision Blizzard.

The agreement ends more than a year of failed negotiations between the two tech giants over the fate of Call of Duty, which is typically the best-selling game of each year and has a loyal fan base across both platforms.

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FTC fails to stop Microsoft’s mega-merger with Activision Blizzard

Microsoft's USD 69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty, cleared a significant hurdle on Friday when a U.S. appeals court denied the FTC's request to halt the deal. The FTC argued that the deal would harm consumers and competition in the video game industry, but a district court judge and an appeals court both rejected that claim. Microsoft offered 10-year licenses to rivals like Sony Group to address the FTC's concerns.

The deal—the largest in video game history—still needs approval in Britain, where the competition regulator is reviewing a new proposal from Microsoft. The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority extended its deadline for a final ruling to August 29. But it hopes to reach a decision as soon as possible. The merger agreement expires on July 18, after which either company can choose to walk away unless they negotiate an extension.

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