FTC Could Approve Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition Soon

The biggest gaming acquisition in history could gain FTC approval as soon as next month.

Microsoft submitted “Second Request” documents to the government agency regarding its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, which may include details on earnings, sales, and specific games. 

• Once Microsoft and Activision have completed Second Request filings, the FTC has 30 days to respond.
• The agency can opt not to object, ask the parties to alter the deal, or issue a court order seeking to block the deal. The FTC can also extend the evaluation period to seek more information.
• The deal is also under scrutiny by the E.U. and U.K.

Sony’s Stakes

Activision Blizzard, the creator of certain hugely popular titles, including “Call of Duty,” presents a set of choices for Microsoft, should the acquisition go through.

PlayStation-maker Sony could lose $500 million per year if Microsoft makes “Call of Duty” an Xbox-only title, according to an analysis by TweakTown. That move may also cost Microsoft $1 billion in sales, though it could presumably also drive console sales.

Microsoft has said it plans to keep “Call of Duty” on PlayStation and expand it to more platforms, including Nintendo Switch.

Activision earned $1.5 billion each from Apple and Google in 2021 through taking a cut of sales on their platforms, as well as $1.3 billion from Sony and $880 million from Microsoft.