FTC Halts Xbox-Activision Merger Trial, PlayStation Fans' Attempt Rejected

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has agreed to withdraw its trial challenging the Xbox-Activision Blizzard merger, signaling a potential end to its administrative challenge. Experts believe the FTC has little chance of winning the case, and members of Congress have called on the agency to back off. Xbox and Activision Blizzard are now focusing on negotiations with the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to reach a merger agreement. If the deal goes through, Xbox will gain control over major franchises such as Call of Duty and Overwatch.