Where is Activision from?
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Activision is an American video game holding company based in Santa Monica, California. The company was formally founded on October 1, 1979, with Levy serving as CEO, and has since become one of the most successful standalone interactive entertainment companies in the world.
Overview of Activision
History and Background
Activision was founded by David Crane and Alan Miller—game designers who split with Atari over issues of creator’s rights—and entertainment executive Jim Levy. The company was initially named “Computer Arts, Inc.” while they considered a better title, and the founders had thought of the name VSync, Inc., but feared that the public would not understand or know how to say it.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
- Where is Activision located?: Activision Blizzard, Inc. is an American video game holding company based in Santa Monica, California.
- Who owns Activision?: Microsoft has finalized its $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.
- What was Activision’s original name?: Activision was initially named “Computer Arts, Inc.” while they considered a better title.
- Who founded Activision?: Activision was founded in 1979 by David Crane and Alan Miller—game designers who split with Atari over issues of creator’s rights—and entertainment executive Jim Levy.
- Is Activision American or British?: Activision Blizzard, Inc. is an American video game holding company based in Santa Monica, California.
Mergers and Acquisitions
- Who just bought Activision?: Microsoft has finalized its $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, the publisher of Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo.
- Does Microsoft actually own Activision?: Yes, Microsoft has completed its $69bn (£56bn) takeover of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard in the gaming industry’s biggest ever deal.
- Does Microsoft fully own Activision?: Yes, Microsoft announced on October 13 that it had completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard and was beginning the process of merging the publisher with Xbox.
- Who is selling Activision?: On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, and the deal was finalized on October 13, 2023.
Gaming Franchises
- What does Xbox own now?: Following the UK CMA’s eventual approval of the deal, Xbox now officially owns Activision Blizzard, as well as prestigious franchises such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, Warcraft, Starcraft, Guitar Hero, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro.
- Where is Call of Duty located?: Founded in 2002, Infinity Ward is the original studio behind the Call of Duty franchise, and is located in Woodland Hills, California, just outside of Los Angeles.
- Who owns Call of Duty?: The owner of Call of Duty is Activision, which is now a subsidiary of Microsoft.
Leadership and Operations
- Who is the CEO of Activision?: Bobby Kotick has led the Santa Monica-based company since 1991, helping it become the world’s most successful standalone interactive entertainment company.
- Is Activision based in California?: Yes, Activision Blizzard, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and has nearly fifty operations around the world.
- Why did Activision get bought by Microsoft?: Microsoft wanted to acquire Activision Blizzard to further improve its presence in the gaming industry and the metaverse, and to consolidate itself as the de facto king of cloud gaming.