When Did Activision Buy Out Blizzard?
Activision Blizzard is one of the largest video game companies in the world, with a rich history dating back to the 1970s. In this article, we will explore the history of Activision and Blizzard’s acquisition.
Early History of Activision
Activision was founded in 1979 by David Crane and Alan Miller, who developed some of the earliest games for the Atari 2600 console. The company was originally called "Activision," a combination of the words "action" and "vision." Over the years, Activision developed many successful games, including "Pitfall!" and "River Raid."
Blizzard’s Early Days
Blizzard Entertainment, on the other hand, was founded in 1991 by a group of three UCLA graduates – Mike Morhaime, Frank Pearce, and Allen Adham. The company was initially called "Silicon & Synapse," and it developed games for various platforms, including PC and console.
Mergers and Acquisitions
In 1998, Activision merged with Vivendi, a French media company, to form Vivendi Universal Games (VUG). This move gave Activision access to new markets and resources.
Blizzard’s Growth
Blizzard continued to grow and develop successful games, including "Warcraft" and "StarCraft." In 2000, the company changed its name to Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
The Big Acquisition
On July 9, 2008, Activision merged with Vivendi Games to form Activision Blizzard, creating one of the largest video game companies in the world. This move brought Blizzard Entertainment under the Activision umbrella.
Key Milestones
Here are some key milestones in the acquisition:
- July 8, 2008: Activision and Vivendi Games announce the merger, with the deal expected to close by the end of the year.
- October 2008: The merger is approved by Activision’s stockholders, and the deal closes for approximately $18.9 billion.
- 2009: Activision Blizzard begins operating as a single entity, with Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Lévy sharing leadership responsibilities.
What Does This Mean for Gamers?
The acquisition has had several implications for gamers:
- More Games: Activision Blizzard has access to a broader range of platforms and markets, allowing the company to develop and release more games.
- New Franchises: Blizzard’s successful franchises, such as "World of Warcraft" and "StarCraft," are now part of the Activision Blizzard family.
- Increased Investment: With the merger, Activision Blizzard has increased resources and investment in its games, leading to higher-quality products and more features.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Blizzard by Activision in 2008 has been a significant turning point in the history of both companies. The merged entity, Activision Blizzard, has become one of the largest and most influential video game companies in the world, with a wide range of successful franchises and a commitment to delivering high-quality games to gamers worldwide.
Table: Acquisition Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 8, 2008 | Announcement of merger between Activision and Vivendi Games |
| October 2008 | Merger closes for approximately $18.9 billion |
| 2009 | Activision Blizzard begins operating as a single entity |
Key Players
- Bobby Kotick – CEO, Activision Blizzard
- Jean-Bernard Lévy – CEO, Vivendi
- Mike Morhaime – CEO, Blizzard Entertainment
- Frank Pearce – Chief Operations Officer, Blizzard Entertainment
- Allen Adham – Founder, Blizzard Entertainment