FTC's Retreat on Microsoft-Activision Merger Paves Way for Ubisoft's Success

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has withdrawn its legal challenge to Microsoft's acquisition of gaming developer Activision Blizzard, clearing the way for the $69 billion deal to proceed. This decision marks a major win for Microsoft, as the FTC's about-face removes a significant obstacle to the merger. The companies have set a new deadline of October 18 to close the deal, with the UK being the final hurdle. Activision Blizzard is the largest game publisher in North America and owns popular franchises such as "Call of Duty" and "World of Warcraft." If the merger goes through, Microsoft will become the second-largest home console maker by revenue, behind Sony.