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Unveiling the Empire: What Companies Are Owned by Activision?

Activision, a name synonymous with gaming giants like Call of Duty and Guitar Hero, isn’t a single entity. It’s a publishing powerhouse, a key component of the larger Activision Blizzard, which, in turn, is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft. Understanding what companies are owned by Activision requires peeling back the layers of this complex corporate structure. At its core, Activision Publishing, Inc. serves as the central publishing arm, overseeing a collection of highly successful and influential development studios. These studios, while operating with a degree of autonomy, ultimately fall under the Activision umbrella.

Activision’s Internal Development Studios: The Creative Engines

The true strength of Activision lies in its portfolio of talented internal development studios. These studios are the creative engines responsible for producing the iconic games that have cemented Activision’s place in gaming history. Here’s a breakdown:

Infinity Ward: Best known for their work on the Call of Duty franchise, particularly the Modern Warfare sub-series. They are considered one of the cornerstone studios within Activision.
Treyarch: Another key player in the Call of Duty universe, Treyarch is responsible for the Black Ops series. They bring a distinct style and narrative focus to their games.
Sledgehammer Games: A relative newcomer compared to Infinity Ward and Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games has also contributed significantly to the Call of Duty franchise, developing titles like Call of Duty: WWII and Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Raven Software: Raven Software has a long history in game development, working on a variety of titles across different genres. More recently, they have played a crucial role in supporting the Call of Duty franchise, particularly with the development of Call of Duty: Warzone.
Toys for Bob: Known for their work on the Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, Toys for Bob specializes in reviving classic franchises and creating engaging platforming experiences.

Activision Blizzard: The Parent Company and Its Subsidiaries

While the above studios are directly linked to Activision Publishing, it’s vital to remember that Activision Publishing is a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard, prior to its acquisition by Microsoft, operated with several key business units. Now under Microsoft’s ownership, these units remain significant components of the overall gaming ecosystem:

Activision Publishing: As described above, the publishing arm overseeing the Call of Duty franchise and other key titles.
Blizzard Entertainment: The creator of iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.
King: The mobile gaming giant behind Candy Crush Saga.
Major League Gaming (MLG): A professional esports league and broadcasting organization (though its role and prominence have shifted over time).
Activision Blizzard Studios: Though less active recently, this division was focused on creating film and television adaptations of Activision Blizzard’s properties.

It is also worth noting that Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard on October 13, 2023.

Microsoft’s Acquisition: A New Era for Activision

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape. Microsoft now owns all of Activision Blizzard’s subsidiaries, including Activision Publishing and its internal development studios. This gives Microsoft control over a vast library of intellectual property and a considerable presence in the gaming industry. While the integration process is ongoing, it’s clear that Microsoft’s resources and expertise will shape the future of Activision and its studios.

The Importance of Understanding Corporate Structure

Understanding the corporate structure of companies like Activision is crucial for several reasons. It provides insight into:

Creative Control: Who ultimately makes decisions about game development and direction.
Resource Allocation: How resources are distributed among different studios and projects.
Market Strategy: How the company plans to compete in the gaming industry.
Intellectual Property Rights: Who owns the rights to various game franchises.

By understanding these factors, gamers and industry professionals alike can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex world of game development and publishing. Also, consider reading more on the relationship between gaming and learning at Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to advancing the research and design of games for learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Microsoft fully own Activision now?

Yes, Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard on October 13, 2023, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary.

2. What are the main studios under Activision Publishing?

The main development studios directly under Activision Publishing include Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software, and Toys for Bob.

3. Who makes Call of Duty games?

The Call of Duty franchise is primarily developed by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, with support from Raven Software.

4. Is Blizzard a part of Activision?

Historically, Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Publishing were sister companies under the Activision Blizzard umbrella. Now, both are part of Microsoft.

5. What is King’s relationship to Activision?

King, the creator of Candy Crush Saga, was a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard and is now owned by Microsoft along with the other former subsidiaries.

6. What happened to Activision Blizzard Studios?

Activision Blizzard Studios was focused on creating film and television adaptations of Activision Blizzard’s properties, but its activity has decreased in recent years.

7. Does Activision own Xbox?

No, Activision does not own Xbox. Microsoft owns Xbox, and now Microsoft also owns Activision Blizzard.

8. Is World of Warcraft still available in China?

No, World of Warcraft is currently unavailable in China due to a licensing disagreement between Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase.

9. What franchises does Microsoft now own because of the Activision Blizzard acquisition?

Microsoft now owns a vast library of intellectual property, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga, StarCraft, Hearthstone, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot, among others.

10. What was the Activision Blizzard controversy about?

The Activision Blizzard controversy centered around allegations of a toxic workplace culture, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and unequal pay, which were detailed in a lawsuit filed by the state of California in July 2021.

11. How has the Microsoft acquisition affected Activision’s studios?

The full impact of the Microsoft acquisition on Activision’s studios is still unfolding. However, it is expected that Microsoft’s resources and expertise will influence game development and strategic direction.

12. Can Blizzard become independent from Activision again?

While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely that Blizzard would split from Activision (now under Microsoft) in the near future, given the complexity of the corporate structure and the recent acquisition.

13. What is Major League Gaming (MLG)?

Major League Gaming (MLG) is a professional esports league and broadcasting organization that was owned by Activision Blizzard.

14. Does Bill Gates still have a major stake in Microsoft after the Activision acquisition?

Bill Gates sold most of his Microsoft shares in 2000 and is no longer the CEO. He still maintains a stake in the company, but it is significantly smaller than it once was. The acquisition has no direct impact on his current shareholding.

15. How does the acquisition of Activision Blizzard influence the future of the gaming industry?

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has reshaped the gaming industry. Now Microsoft has expanded content offerings for Xbox Game Pass and enhanced its ability to compete with rivals like Sony (PlayStation).

What companies are owned by Activision?