Xbox maker Microsoft closed its $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard on Friday, swelling its heft in the video-gaming market with best-selling titles including "Call of Duty" to better compete with industry leader Sony.

Microsoft closes $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal after Britain's nod

British regulators on Friday dropped their objections to Microsoft's attempt to buy video game firm Activision Blizzard, the maker of "Call of Duty", paving the way for the US tech titan to close one of the biggest technology acquisitions ever.

Microsoft nears takeover of 'Call of Duty' maker Activision

The deadline for Microsoft's acquisition of video gaming giant Activision on Wednesday (July 19) was extended by three months to October 18 as the two companies work to secure a United Kingdom (UK) approval for the biggest gaming deal (worth $69 billion) in history.

Deadline for Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard extended to Oct 18

A courtroom victory against American competition regulator Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has opened the doors for Microsoft to close its historic $69 billion acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard.

Explained | What is $69bn Microsoft-Activision deal that could transform gaming industry forever?

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick appeared in court on Wednesday to defend Microsoft's intended $69 billion takeover of his video game company against a federal regulator's attempt to halt the deal.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick defends firm’s proposed acquisition by Microsoft in court

Microsoft’s $69 billion takeover of American gaming giant Activision-Blizzard was temporarily blocked by a federal judge in California saying that it "is necessary to maintain the status quo".

Microsoft’s $69 billion takeover of Activision-Blizzard temporarily halted by judge

In yet another roadblock for Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc., a group of video gamers challenged the acquisition in a federal antitrust lawsuit in a San Francisco court.

Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal: Group of video gamers file antitrust lawsuit

The U.S Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, saying the tie-up between the Xbox maker and popular gaming publisher would harm competition.

World Business Watch | FTC seeks to block Microsoft-Activision deal