# Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Merger Wins Again in Court
## Appeals Court Rejects FTC’s Antitrust Challenge
In a major victory for Microsoft, the Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court’s decision, ruling that the tech giant’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard does not violate antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had fought hard to block the deal, arguing it would stifle competition—but the court wasn’t convinced.
### Why Did the FTC Object?
The FTC claimed Microsoft might restrict access to blockbuster games like Call of Duty on rival platforms, harming competition. They also argued the merger could hurt gaming subscription services and cloud streaming. However, the court found no evidence that Microsoft planned to withhold games from competitors.
Judge Daniel P. Collins noted that exclusive titles are common in the gaming industry, stating:
> “All major manufacturers have engaged in this practice.”
Microsoft has also been expanding access to formerly Xbox-exclusive games—like Hi-Fi Rush and Forza Horizon 5—on PlayStation, further weakening the FTC’s case.
### A Long Legal Battle
The deal, which officially closed in October 2023, has faced repeated FTC challenges. This isn’t the first time the Ninth Circuit rejected the agency’s arguments—they previously denied an emergency injunction to halt the merger.
Despite the FTC’s persistence, Microsoft has steadily moved forward, integrating Activision Blizzard into its gaming division. The agency even raised concerns about post-merger layoffs, but those didn’t sway the court either.
### What’s Next?
With this latest ruling, the FTC may finally have to accept the merger as a done deal. For gamers, this means more titles could land on multiple platforms, while Microsoft strengthens its position in the gaming industry.
Will the FTC appeal again? For now, it seems the legal battle is over—but in the fast-moving world of gaming and antitrust law, nothing’s ever certain.
What do you think—was this the right call? Let us know in the comments!