FTC Drops Opposition to Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Merger: A Win for Common Sense and Gamers

Despite the fact that the $68.7 billion deal between **Microsoft** and **Activision Blizzard** was finalized in the fall of 2023, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continued to attempt to label the acquisition as unlawful. It seems the agency has exhausted its efforts and has **abandoned** its lawsuit against the transaction.

On May 22, the FTC submitted a document formally withdrawing its complaint. Earlier that month, a court **rejected** the agency’s appeal to block the agreement between **Microsoft** and **Activision Blizzard**. The Commission commented that ending the administrative investigation into the matter «best serves the public interest.»

«This decision is a victory for gamers nationwide and for rationality in Washington, D.C. We appreciate the FTC for their announcement today.» [https://t.co/nnmUI76q0l](https://t.co/nnmUI76q0l) 

**Brad Smith**, President of **Microsoft**, responded to the news by calling the FTC’s action a «victory for common sense.» He tweeted, «Today’s ruling is a win for players across the country and for logic in Washington. We are thankful to the FTC for their statement today.» [Tweet link](https://t.co/BradSmi/status/1925660906702156072).

To recall, the FTC raised concerns regarding **Microsoft’s** acquisition of **Activision Blizzard** back in [2022](https://stopgame.ru/newsdata/56193/federalnaya_torgovaya_komissiya_ssha_podala_v_sud_na_sdelku_mezhdu_microsoft_i_actibilzz). At that time, U.S. antitrust regulators claimed that the deal «would harm competition in several dynamic and rapidly expanding gaming markets.» Following extensive scrutiny that attracted global attention, the court sided with **Microsoft** in [July 2023](https://stopgame.ru/newsdata/59073/microsoft_vyigrala_sud_s_ftc_po_delu_o_priobretenii_activision_blizzard), and the acquisition was completed a few months later.