Recently, consumers have complained of poor Customer service and games with bugs from one of the leading video game publishers.
Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles believes Microsoft would likely not cut jobs if it purchased Activision; however, due to differing work cultures between the companies it may result in some employees leaving.
Origins
After years of declining sales, Activision needed more games and cash infusion to generate growth. In an attempt to do so, the company acquired Florida-based developer and distributor of lower-priced leisure software called Infocom. Unfortunately, its fortunes never recovered even with several strategic purchases like Mech Warrior 2 rights from Id Software and Quake series distribution from Infocom; eventually its games were closed and published on Lost Treasures of Infocom I and II CD-ROMs.
Activision was established in 1979 as an independent developer and distributor of electronic entertainment software in northern California. Activision founder Bob Kotick, former Con-Agra snack foods president Robert Kelly and president/COO Ron Doornink took key executive decisions during its infancy period that have propelled its success ever since.
Early Years
By 1983, the electronic gaming industry was experiencing tremendous growth while declining quality. To stay at the forefront, Activision quickly diversified their computer gaming efforts with innovative titles like David Crane’s artificial life simulation Little Computer People and complex adventure/strategy title Hacker; further expanding their presence through an unfortunate purchase of text adventure game pioneer Infocom.
By the late ’80s, Activision had already made an impressionful mark in PC gaming with titles like mech simulator Mechwarrior 2 and action/strategy hybrid Battlezone. Furthermore, they collaborated with id Software on Quake and made millions licensing games to movie studios for movie tie-ins; their commitment to annual franchises led them into more controversy than many expected.
Early Franchises
Once Activision Ban Appeal found its footing, they flourished through high-profile franchises such as Call of Duty and Crash Bandicoot/Spyro games. Unfortunately, an unfortunate acquisition of text-based adventure publisher Infocom nearly derailed them; after which executives sought to redirect the firm towards business software. By 1988 the name Activision had been replaced by Mediagenic while they attempted to transition the firm away from gaming entirely.
Crane, Miller and Whitehead left Atari in 1979 to form Activision. Together they developed a development system and recruited talent for their studio’s name that appeared above Atari’s in alphabetical lists of console developers – Activision was then known by that moniker in alphabetical listings of console developers. Beenox made Crash Bandicoot games while Demonware made several support titles before Sledgehammer brought Call of Duty along with remaster versions of Tony Hawk Pro Skater under their wings.
Current Franchises
Microsoft will take over Activision Blizzard this week and inherit a wealth of intellectual property in the form of classic franchises such as Pitfall, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Geometry Wars and Tenchu as well as modern hits such as Call of Duty World of Warcraft Destiny Candy Crush.
Blizzard also belongs to Activision Blizzard, providing games with an expansive universe of fantasy worlds and characters that span fantasy genres. Due to Blizzard’s vast IP portfolio, its IP repertoire allows it to support merchandising initiatives that generate revenue even when no new games are currently in development.
Beenox Studios of Quebec (Canada) produces Crash Bandicoot games; Demonware in Dublin, Ireland serves as support team; Infinity Ward in Woodland Hills, California is responsible for making Call of Duty; while King Studios, responsible for developing Candy Crush mobile games, also belongs to this company.
Future Franchises
Activision has over the years acquired, closed down and restructured many studios. Today, their focus lies on major franchises like Call of Duty and Blizzard titles as well as mobile game series like King.
ABCPG has long been at the forefront of esports trends, leading with their Overwatch League and Call of Duty World League tournaments which draw massive audiences. Furthermore, ABCPG seeks out best-in-class partners for merchandise opportunities to give fans new ways to play, display, or wear their favorite franchises.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Crytek could see many dormant franchises revived, including classic games such as Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Geometry Wars Pitfall Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Furthermore, Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently confirmed that they’ll support any first-party team who want to revive an old series under their banner.