Microsoft has successfully completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The acquisition, valued at $69 billion, received approval from the British market authority, CMA, paving the way for a smooth transition.

The confirmation of the deal’s closure comes directly from Microsoft and has been reported by The New York Times. Initially, there was an effort to expedite the process by shifting the closing date from October 18 to October 13, but this required the green light from CMA. Finally, the market oversight authority granted its approval earlier today.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, announced in January 2022, is the largest ever in the gaming sector. However, the deal generated concerns among Microsoft’s competitors, such as Sony, who worried about potential monopolistic control by the company. Many regulatory bodies also expressed apprehensions regarding the acquisition.

These concerns have been partially addressed, with Microsoft committing to selling streaming rights for cloud gaming to Ubisoft. Nevertheless, there are still ongoing legal actions by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the acquisition, and these legal proceedings can continue even after the completion of the acquisition.