The biggest acquisition in video game history appears to be coming to a close. After Microsoft offered to buy Activision Blizzard nearly two years ago—and faced a barrage of government hurdles along the way—the tech company is reportedly readying to close the sale. Sources told The Verge that the $68.7 billion sale finally appears to be winding down, with Microsoft eyeing an October 13 closing date.
UK regulators initially blocked the acquisition last spring, with Microsoft scrambling to tweak the acquisition terms and submitting a “restructured transaction” in August. Under the revision, Microsoft will forfeit the purchase of cloud gaming rights held by Activision, which will instead be purchased by Ubisoft. Meanwhile, EU regulators gave the acquisition a stamp of approval with little friction. Across the pond, things have been chaotic.