Xbox's Activision Blizzard deal has been blocked by the UK, Microsoft to appeal

World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, Diablo 4, and Call of Duty; Modern Warfare 2 images sliced together

What you need to know

• Microsoft is currently working to finish the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for almost $69 billion. 
• The deal has been under intense regulatory scrutiny over the past year, with the FTC in the U.S. seeking to block the purchase entirely. 
• The CMA in the United Kingdom, which once raised a number of possible issues with deal, has now blocked the purchase. 
• Microsoft President Brad Smith has signalled intent to appeal the UK CMA's decision.