Activisions

The number of unionized workers for Microsoft's video game subsidiaries keeps growing, and the latest group to join the pool is the largest one yet. Approximately 600 quality assurance workers at Activision have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), making them the biggest certified union in the US video game industry. They're also the first Activision workers to organize under the agreement between Microsoft and the CWA. If you'll recall, Microsoft agreed to respect the right of Activision Blizzard workers…

Microsoft's recent announcement of 1,900 layoffs within its Xbox division, including Activision Blizzard employees who joined Microsoft with the buyout, has prompted the United States government to call Microsoft out. The US' Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said in a memo (via The Verge) that the layoff plan "contradicts" how Microsoft represented itself in its proceedings to get the deal done in the first place.Microsoft's $74.5 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard is already done, but the FTC said it…

Earlier today, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick formally announced that Friday December 29th, 2023 will be his last day at Microsoft Gaming. Under Bobby’s watch, Activision Blizzard in its many incarnations has been an enduring pillar of video games. Whether it’s Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush Saga or any number of other titles, his teams have created beloved franchises and entertained hundreds of millions of players for decades. I’d like to thank Bobby—for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his…

Over the years, Call of Duty campaigns have delivered the closest distillation of Michael Bay-style cinematic set piece action in video games. The first-person military shooter franchise, perhaps the most popular series of games in the world, has increasingly tilted in favour of its money-spinning multiplayer modes, with gradual introduction of battle passes, microtransactions, and downloadable content, but some of its single player campaigns remain a benchmark for bombastic sequences in the medium. Memorable missions…

It looks like Microsoft will finally be acquiring Activision-Blizzard afterall. Sony and Microsoft have reached a deal that ensures Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation, resolving a dispute about its future. This agreement comes after a US judge dismissed attempts to prevent Microsoft from acquiring games publisher Activision Blizzard. Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s representative, confirmed that both companies have entered into a legally binding agreement to maintain Call of Duty…

Activision Blizzard Inc. Chief Executive Officer Bobby Kotick called UK regulators' decision to block Microsoft Corp.'s $69 billion acquisition of his company “irrational” and predicted the deal will ultimately win approval.In a Bloomberg Television interview, Kotick didn't say whether the companies would extend their purchase agreement beyond a July deadline. The pair are preparing their response to the UK decision, he said, adding, “I think the appeals process will work in our favor.” On Wednesday, the UK's Competition…

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 players are apparently being permanently banned from the game, despite doing nothing wrong. With the issue apparently caused by Modern Warfare 2’s Ricochet anti-cheat software, several players are now seeking legal advice after purchasing a game they can no longer play. Detailing the issue on his blog, former Microsoft employee and casual Modern Warfare 2 player Mike Swanson explained how “Activision’s blind faith in the infallibility of their Ricochet anti-cheat software, combined with a…

Former Blizzard director Jay Wilson has said that Activision’s effect on the company was “like a frog in a boiling pot of water”. READ MORE: What the hell has happened at Activision and why should you care? Wilson, who worked on Diablo 3 and the Warhammer series, was speaking at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo recently about the closure of Blizzard North in 2005. The video game studio, originally founded as an independent firm by Diablo creator David Brevik, was one of very few studios that was able to effectively work…

The QA department at Blizzard Albany, the studio formerly known as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2’s Vicarious Visions, has become the second QA department within Activision Blizzard to organize a union. Today, we announce a new union at Activision Blizzard.QA is currently an undervalued discipline in the games and software industries. We strive tofoster work environments where we are respected and compensated for our essential role in thedevelopment process. 1/5— GWA Albany (@WeAreGWAAlbany) July 19, 2022 The group,…

Activision Blizzard unveiled a management shakeup Tuesday following employee protests and a California state lawsuit alleging the Call of Duty game maker enabled toxic workplace conditions and discriminated against women.The head of the Blizzard Entertainment unit, J. Allen Brack, is leaving "to pursue new opportunities," the company said in a statement, and will be replaced by company veterans Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra."With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, I am…