Microsoft Has Settled an Antitrust Lawsuit With Players Over Activision Blizzard Acquisition

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant worlds of Activision Blizzard games, I must confess that the recent news about Microsoft’s acquisition leaves me feeling a bit like a jilted lover. The prospect of seeing Call of Duty exclusive to one platform was a bitter pill to swallow. However, after two years of legal battles, it seems our day in court has come and gone, much like my hopes for equal access.

Microsoft has reached a settlement regarding an antitrust dispute with various parties, concerning its purchase of Activision Blizzard for approximately $69 million.

On October 14th, 2024, the court rendered its decision on the lawsuit. Both parties were instructed by the court to discuss the case with a permanent resolution in mind, which means that it cannot be re-filed (as reported by Hollywood Reporter). The specifics of the agreement have not been made public, but each party will be responsible for their own legal costs and fees associated with the lawsuit.

After Microsoft announced its plan to buy Activision Blizzard for approximately $68 billion, gamers from various U.S. states decided to file a lawsuit. These players are concerned that the acquisition could lead Microsoft to increase prices and restrict access to popular games like Call of Duty by making them exclusive to their platform.

Over time, it seems like Microsoft is solidifying its grip on the gaming market, prices are creeping up, games are getting axed left and right, development resources appear to be dwindling, and Game Pass looks more and more like a monopoly with each passing day – at least that’s my take as a gamer following these developments closely.

Despite spending two years fighting, they found themselves ultimately unable to sustain their grievance, even after exhausting every possible option such as attempting to bring the lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was finalized on October 13, 2023.

Microsoft revealed in May 2024 that the newest premium edition of Call of Duty, named Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, will debut on Xbox Game Pass on its release day, marking a first for the Call of Duty series to join Xbox’s subscription service upon launch.

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