Technology

Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard stands as a prominent global interactive entertainment company, formed through the strategic merger of Activision and Vivendi Games, evolving from pioneering third-party game development to leading digital ecosystems in the modern gaming industry.

Founded 1979USATechnology
Activision Blizzard logo

Quick Facts

Founded
1979
Founder
David Crane
Origin
USA

Founders

Story Chapters

Timeline

Activision Founded

David Crane and fellow former Atari employees establish Activision, the first third-party video game developer, setting a new precedent in the industry.

First Game Releases

Activision releases its first games, including 'Pitfall!', which becomes a massive hit and solidifies the company's reputation for innovation.

Legal Battle with Atari

Activision faces a lawsuit from Atari, which challenges the legality of third-party development, ultimately resulting in a landmark decision for the industry.

Merger with Mediagenic

Activision merges with Mediagenic, expanding its capabilities and marking the beginning of a new era of growth and diversification.

IPO and Public Offering

Activision goes public, opening on the NASDAQ and raising capital to fuel further expansion and development of new gaming franchises.

Call of Duty Launch

The release of 'Call of Duty' marks the beginning of one of the most successful gaming franchises in history, significantly boosting Activision's profile.

Activision Blizzard Merger

Activision merges with Vivendi Games, parent company of Blizzard Entertainment, creating one of the largest and most influential gaming companies in the world.

World of Warcraft Dominance

'World of Warcraft' reaches its peak with over 12 million subscribers, showcasing the power of the MMORPG genre and Blizzard's dominance in the space.

Overwatch Release

Blizzard launches 'Overwatch,' a team-based shooter that quickly becomes a cultural phenomenon and establishes a strong presence in the esports arena.

Microsoft Acquisition Announcement

Microsoft announces its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard, a move that could reshape the gaming landscape and further consolidate the industry.

Connected Across The Archives

Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, dynasties, and treaties that share history with this company.

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