What Company Did Blizzard Buy?
In the world of video games, mergers and acquisitions are common occurrences. Companies in the industry often merge to share resources, expertise, and expand their reach. Blizzard, a renowned gaming company, has been involved in a few significant acquisitions throughout its history. In this article, we will delve into the company that Blizzard acquired and the reasons behind these deals.
What Did Blizzard Buy?
The company that Blizzard bought is King, a renowned gaming company known for its hit mobile game, Candy Crush Saga. In November 2015, Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Blizzard, acquired King for a staggering $5.9 billion. This acquisition was the largest in the history of the gaming industry at the time.
Why Did Blizzard Buy King?
Blizzard acquired King for several reasons. First, King’s expertise in creating mobile games was an area where Blizzard wanted to improve. At the time, Blizzard’s focus was on PC and console games, and they wanted to diversify their portfolio. The acquisition of King brought experienced mobile game developers under one roof, allowing Blizzard to create mobile games more effectively.
Second, King’s hit game, Candy Crush Saga, was a highly successful title that reached over 500 million players. Blizzard saw an opportunity to leverage King’s successful gameplay and monetization strategies to create new games.
Finally, the acquisition gave Activision Blizzard a foothold in the mobile gaming market, which was becoming increasingly important in the gaming industry.
What Games Does King Develop?
King is known for its beloved mobile games, including:
• Candy Crush Saga: A popular match-three puzzle game
• Farm Heroes Saga: A farming-themed puzzle game
• Bubble Witch Saga: A bubble-shooter game
• Pet Rescue Saga: A pet-themed puzzle game
What Does Blizzard Make Money From?
As a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, King generates revenue through various channels:
• In-app purchases: Players can purchase in-game items, such as in-game currency, lives, or boosters.
• Advertising: King shows ads in its games, generating revenue from advertisers.
• Subscriptions: Some games offer in-app subscriptions, providing access to premium content or exclusive items.
What is King’s Revenue Structure?
Here is a rough estimate of King’s revenue structure:
| Revenue Channel | Percentage of Total Revenue |
|---|---|
| In-app Purchases | 60% |
| Advertising | 25% |
| Subscriptions | 15% |
Conclusion
Blizzard’s acquisition of King marked a significant milestone in the gaming industry. The move allowed Blizzard to diversify its portfolio, improve its mobile game development capabilities, and tap into the mobile gaming market. As King continues to develop hit mobile games, Blizzard is positioned to reap the benefits of this acquisition.
In conclusion, Blizzard bought King, a renowned gaming company, for $5.9 billion in 2015. The acquisition has allowed Blizzard to strengthen its position in the mobile gaming market and diversify its portfolio. With its expertise in mobile game development and monetization, King has become an essential part of Blizzard’s success story.