How Much Did Activision Buy Infinity Ward For?
In 2002, Activision made a groundbreaking acquisition that would significantly impact the gaming industry. The company purchased Infinity Ward, a fledgling game studio, for $5 million. This relatively small investment turned out to be a smart move, as Infinity Ward went on to develop the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise, which has become a behemoth in the gaming world.
Early Years of Infinity Ward
Infinity Ward was founded in 2002 by Grant Collier, Jason West, and Vince Zampella, three industry veterans with a passion for game development. The studio was initially based in Neveda, USA, and consisted of a small team of developers. Despite its small size, Infinity Ward was determined to create a new type of first-person shooter that would stand out from the crowd.
The Acquisition
In the summer of 2002, Activision, one of the largest video game publishers in the world, acquired Infinity Ward for $5 million. The deal was seen as a strategic move by Activision to expand its portfolio and gain access to the new and innovative ideas being developed by Infinity Ward.
What Did Activision Get for $5 Million?
For $5 million, Activision got a team of talented developers with a vision for a new type of first-person shooter. Infinity Ward was still in its early days, but the studio had already made significant progress on its first game, which would eventually become Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Activision saw the potential for the game and was willing to take a chance on the small studio.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The acquisition of Infinity Ward had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It marked a new era for Activision, which had traditionally focused on sports and adventure games. The success of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, released in 2007, catapulted Activision to the forefront of the first-person shooter genre, and the game became a massive hit, selling millions of copies worldwide.
What Did Activision Do with Infinity Ward?
After the acquisition, Activision provided financial support to Infinity Ward, allowing the studio to develop Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, which was released in 2007 to critical acclaim. The game’s success led to a franchise, with subsequent games in the series being released regularly.
Today
Infinity Ward is still a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video game companies in the world. The studio has continued to develop Call of Duty games, with recent releases including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Infinity Ward for $5 million in 2002 marked a significant turning point in the history of Activision. The deal gave Activision access to innovative and talented developers, which would lead to the creation of one of the most popular first-person shooter franchises in the world. The impact of this acquisition can still be felt today, as Activision Blizzard continues to dominate the gaming industry with its Call of Duty franchise.
Table: Acquisitions by Activision Blizzard
| Year | Acquired Company | Amount Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Infinity Ward | $5 million |
| 2008 | Blizzard Entertainment | $5.9 billion |
| 2022 | King Digital Entertainment | $5.9 billion |
Note: The amounts paid for each acquisition are approximate and sourced from various online reports.
Bullets: Key Points
• $5 million: The amount Activision paid for Infinity Ward in 2002.
• Early Years of Infinity Ward: Infinity Ward was founded in 2002 by three industry veterans with a passion for game development.
• Strategic Move: Activision’s acquisition of Infinity Ward was seen as a strategic move to expand its portfolio and gain access to innovative ideas.
• Call of Duty Franchise: The success of Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare led to the creation of a successful franchise.
• Continued Success: Infinity Ward continues to develop Call of Duty games, with recent releases including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
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