# Activision Blizzard

> American video game company

**Wikidata**: [Q344341](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q344341)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activision_Blizzard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/activision-blizzard

## Summary
Activision Blizzard is a leading American video game company founded in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games. It develops and publishes iconic franchises like *Call of Duty*, *World of Warcraft*, and *Overwatch*, and is a subsidiary of Microsoft following a $68.7 billion acquisition in 2023. The company operates globally, employing over 13,000 people, and is renowned for shaping the gaming industry through innovative titles and esports initiatives.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: July 10, 2008 (as Activision Blizzard)
- **Headquarters**: Santa Monica, California, United States
- **Parent Company**: Microsoft (acquired in 2023)
- **Key Subsidiaries**: Blizzard Entertainment, King, High Moon Studios
- **Notable Franchises**: *Call of Duty*, *World of Warcraft*, *Overwatch*, *Candy Crush Saga*
- **Revenue (2023)**: $8.08 billion
- **Employees**: ~13,000 (2022)
- **Stock Ticker**: ATVI (Nasdaq)
- **Founders**: Bobby Kotick (CEO of Activision at merger)
- **Major Acquisitions**: King (2016), Blizzard Entertainment (merged in 2008)
- **Products**: Video games, esports platforms, gaming hardware (e.g., Xbox collaboration)

## FAQs
**What is Activision Blizzard’s role in the gaming industry?**  
Activision Blizzard is a dominant force in game development and publishing, known for blockbuster franchises like *Call of Duty* and *World of Warcraft*. It also operates Battle.net, a major gaming platform, and has driven esports growth through titles like *Overwatch*.

**Who owns Activision Blizzard?**  
Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023 for $68.7 billion, integrating it into its gaming division alongside Xbox and Bethesda.

**What are Activision Blizzard’s most popular games?**  
The company’s flagship titles include *Call of Duty*, *World of Warcraft*, *Overwatch*, and *Candy Crush Saga*, which collectively attract millions of players worldwide.

**What controversies has Activision Blizzard faced?**  
The company has faced lawsuits and criticism over workplace culture, including allegations of harassment and discrimination, leading to high-profile departures and reforms.

**How does Activision Blizzard contribute to esports?**  
Through franchises like *Overwatch* and *StarCraft*, Activision Blizzard has established professional esports leagues, tournaments, and partnerships, significantly advancing competitive gaming.

## Why It Matters
Activision Blizzard’s influence extends beyond gaming into pop culture and technology. Its franchises redefine entertainment, while its esports initiatives set industry standards. The company’s acquisition by Microsoft solidifies its role in shaping the future of gaming through cloud integration, cross-platform play, and AI-driven content. As a cultural and economic powerhouse, Activision Blizzard’s decisions impact global trends, from gaming mechanics to workplace ethics.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering Esports**: Established the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League, professionalizing competitive gaming.
- **Blockbuster Franchises**: *Call of Duty* and *World of Warcraft* are among the highest-grossing entertainment franchises globally.
- **Microsoft Acquisition**: The $68.7 billion deal marked one of the largest tech acquisitions, reshaping the gaming landscape.
- **Diverse Portfolio**: Operates across PC, console, and mobile gaming, with titles like *Candy Crush Saga* dominating casual gaming.
- **Technological Innovation**: Drives advancements in game engines (e.g., IW Engine), cloud gaming, and AI integration.

## Body
### History and Structure
Activision Blizzard was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games, combining Activision’s publishing expertise with Blizzard’s development prowess. The company expanded through strategic acquisitions, including King in 2016, and was acquired by Microsoft in 2023. Its headquarters in Santa Monica, California, oversee a global network of studios and offices.

### Key Subsidiaries and Studios
- **Blizzard Entertainment**: Developer of *World of Warcraft*, *StarCraft*, and *Overwatch*.
- **King**: Creator of *Candy Crush Saga*, a mobile gaming phenomenon.
- **High Moon Studios**: Known for *Transformers* and *Fall of Cybertron* games.
- **Infinity Ward** and **Treyarch**: Leading *Call of Duty* developers.

### Financial Performance
- **Revenue Growth**: From $4.4 billion (2008) to $8.08 billion (2023), driven by *Call of Duty* and *World of Warcraft* subscriptions.
- **Market Capitalization**: Peaked at $72 billion pre-acquisition, reflecting its dominance in gaming.

### Esports and Community Engagement
- **Overwatch League**: A city-based esports league with global teams and partnerships.
- **Call of Duty League**: Professional competition with franchised teams and live events.
- **Battle.net**: A gaming platform hosting millions of players for Blizzard titles.

### Technology and Innovation
- **Game Engines**: Proprietary engines like the IW Engine power *Call of Duty*’s graphics and gameplay.
- **Cloud Gaming**: Integration with Microsoft’s Azure and Xbox Cloud Gaming expands accessibility.
- **AI Integration**: Experimental use of AI in game development and player matchmaking.

### Workplace Culture and Controversies
- **2021 Lawsuit**: California sued Activision Blizzard over alleged systemic harassment and discrimination, prompting leadership changes and policy reforms.
- **Unionization Efforts**: Employees organized to address workplace issues, reflecting broader industry shifts toward labor rights.

### Global Impact
- **Cultural Influence**: *World of Warcraft*’s " Leeroy Jenkins" meme and *Overwatch*’s diverse heroes permeate pop culture.
- **Economic Contribution**: Generates billions in revenue, supporting jobs in development, esports, and retail.
- **Philanthropy**: Initiatives like *World of Warcraft*’s in-game charity drives raise millions for global causes.

### Future Outlook
Under Microsoft, Activision Blizzard is poised to leverage Xbox’s ecosystem, expanding Game Pass offerings and integrating cloud gaming. Continued innovation in AI, VR, and cross-platform play will define its trajectory, ensuring its franchises remain central to gaming’s evolution.

## References

1. [GRID](https://www.grid.ac/institutes/grid.497037.e)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Activision Blizzard Completes King Acquisition Becomes the Largest Game Network in the World with over 500 Million Users](https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/activision-blizzard-completes-king-acquisition-becomes-largest?ReleaseID=956435)
4. [Source](https://www.game.de/mitglieder/)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Welcoming the Legendary Teams at Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/10/13/xbox-activision-blizzard/)
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Source](http://www.gamespot.com/articles/activison-ea-ceos-named-to-top-leaders-list/1100-6440194/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0b)
9. [Form 10-K. 2010](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746910001649/a2196314z10-k.htm)
10. [Form 10-K. 2011](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746911001413/a2202068z10-k.htm)
11. [Form 10-K. 2013](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746913001506/a2213119z10-k.htm)
12. [Form 10-K. 2014](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746914001688/a2218641z10-k.htm)
13. [Form 10-K. 2015](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746915001298/a2223239z10-k.htm)
14. [Form 10-K. 2016](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746916010584/a2227483z10-k.htm)
15. [Form 10-K. 2017](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746917001072/a2230993z10-k.htm)
16. [Form 10-K. 2018](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746918001114/a2234634z10-k.htm)
17. [Form 10-K. 2019](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000104746919000788/a2237840z10-k.htm)
18. [Form 10-K. 2020](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000071887720000003/atvi-12312019x10xk.htm)
19. [Form 10-K. 2021](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000162828021002828/atvi-20201231.htm)
20. [Form 10-K. 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000162828022003992/atvi-20211231.htm)
21. [Form 10-K. 2023](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000718877/000162828023004842/atvi-20221231.htm)
22. GRID Release 2018-06-25
23. Quora
24. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/things/)
25. [Activision Blizzard | Logopedia | Fandom](https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Activision_Blizzard)
26. [Activision Blizzard Company Culture | Comparably](https://www.comparably.com/companies/activision-blizzard)
27. [Best Activision Blizzard Posts - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/t/activision_blizzard/)
28. Wikirate
29. Video Games Chronicle