Activision Blizzard#Studios

The original Activision company was founded in 1979, as a third-party developer for games on the Atari Video Computer System. In 1988 the company expanded into non-gaming software and renamed itself Mediagenic. This venture was not successful, incurring heavy losses. In 1991 a group of investors led by Bobby Kotick bought the company. Kotick instituted a large restructuring to reduce debt, including renaming the company back to Activision and moving it to Santa Monica, California. By 1997 the company was profitable again. Kotick spent the next decade expanding Activision's products through acquisitions of around 25 studios. This resulted in Activision publishing several successful series of games, including Tony Hawk's, Call of Duty, and Guitar Hero. However, by around 2006, the popularity of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games started to grow. Such games provide a constant revenue stream to their publishers, rather than only a single purchase, making them a more valuable proposition. None of Activision's subsidiaries had an MMO or the capability to make one quickly. Activision was also facing tougher competition from companies like Electronic Arts, as well as slowdowns in sales of their key game series.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0202/052.html#788254c31a16 |title=Activision's Unlikely Hero |first=Peter |last=Beller |date=January 15, 2009 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |work=Forbes |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806105646/https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0202/052.html#788254c31a16 |url-status=live}}

Around 2006, Kotick reached out to Jean-Bernard Lévy, the CEO of the French media conglomerate Vivendi. Vivendi at that time had the games division Vivendi Games, a holding company principally for Sierra Entertainment and Blizzard Entertainment. Kotick wanted to get access to Blizzard's World of Warcraft, a successful MMO, and suggested a means to acquire this to Lévy. Lévy instead offered that he would be willing to merge Vivendi Games with Activision, but only if Vivendi kept majority control of the merged company. According to those close to Kotick, Kotick was concerned about this offer as it would force him to cede control of Activision. However, after talking to Blizzard's CEO Mike Morhaime, Kotick recognized that Vivendi would be able to give them inroads into the growing video game market in China.

Kotick proposed the merger to Activision's board, which agreed to it in December 2007. The new company was to be named Activision Blizzard and would retain its central headquarters in California. Bobby Kotick of Activision was announced as the new president and CEO, while René Penisson of Vivendi was appointed chairman.{{cite news |title=Vivendi and Activision to Create Activision Blizzard - World's Largest, Most Profitable Pure-Play Video Game Publisher |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=279372 |publisher=Activision.com |date=December 2, 2007 |access-date=January 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207161213/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=279372 |archive-date=February 7, 2012}} The European Commission permitted the merger to take place in April 2008, approving that there weren't any EU antitrust issues in the merger deal.{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/eu-greenlights-activision-vivendi-merger |title=EU greenlights Activision-Vivendi merger |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420084009/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/eu-greenlights-activision-vivendi-merger/ |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=May 3, 2008 |df=mdy-all}} On July 8, 2008, Activision announced that stockholders had agreed to merge, and the deal closed the next day for an estimated transaction amount of US$18.9 billion.{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/887/887251p1.html |title=Activision/Vivendi Games Merger Approved: Stockholders support Activision Blizzard venture |last=Thang |first=Jimmy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801174639/http://wii.ign.com/articles/887/887251p1.html |archive-date=August 1, 2008}}

File:Bobby Kotick executive photo.jpg (pictured in 2012) was the CEO of Activision Blizzard from 2008 to 2023]]

Vivendi became the combined company's majority shareholder at 54% of outstanding shares, equating to 52% if shares were to be fully diluted.{{cite web |title=Activision Blizzard Merger Official |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |url=http://kotaku.com/5023049/activision-blizzard-merger-official |publisher=Kotaku |date=July 8, 2008 |access-date=January 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165325/http://kotaku.com/5023049/activision-blizzard-merger-official |archive-date=March 3, 2016}} The rest of the shares were held by institutional and private investors, and were to be left open for trading on the NASDAQ stock market for a time under the ticker symbol ATVID, and subsequently as ATVI (Activision's stock ticker). At this point, Lévy replaced René Penisson as chairman of Activision Blizzard.{{cite web |last1=Thorsen |first1=Tor |last2=Sinclair |first2=Brendan |date=May 5, 2009 |title=Vivendi CEO Activision Blizzard's new chairman |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/callofduty5/news.html?sid=6209171&mode=news |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717071345/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/callofduty5/news.html?sid=6209171&mode=news |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2009 |publisher=GameSpot}} The merger was completed on July 9.{{cite press release |url=https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vivendi-and-activision-complete-transaction-create-activision |title=Vivendi and Activision Complete Transaction to Create Activision Blizzard |date=July 10, 2009 |publisher=Activision Blizzard |access-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030141637/https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vivendi-and-activision-complete-transaction-create-activision |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/5023808/activision-blizzard-merger-finalized |title=Activision Blizzard Merger Finalized |first=Leigh |last=Alexander |website=kotaku.com |date=July 10, 2008 |access-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720195139/https://kotaku.com/5023808/activision-blizzard-merger-finalized |url-status=live}} While Blizzard retained its autonomy and corporate leadership in the merger, other Vivendi Games divisions such as Sierra ceased operation.{{cite web |url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/1677/blizzard-stay-autonomous-in-activision-merger-sierra-not-so-lucky |title=Blizzard stay autonomous in Activision merger, Sierra not so lucky - Strategy Informer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729072534/http://www.strategyinformer.com/news/1677/blizzard-stay-autonomous-in-activision-merger-sierra-not-so-lucky |archive-date=July 29, 2008}} With the merger, Kotick was quoted stating if a Sierra product did not meet Activision's requirements, they "won't likely be retained." Some of these games ultimately were published by other studios, including Ghostbusters: The Video Game, Brütal Legend, The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, and 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/470753 |title=Gaming merger leaves Ghostbusters in limbo |publisher=Toronto Star |first=Marc |last=Saltzman |date=August 2, 2008 |access-date=February 13, 2009 |archive-date=September 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907020813/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/470753 |url-status=live}} However, a number of Sierra's games such as Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Prototype were retained and are now published by Activision.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6195113.html |title=Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters, more dropped by Activision |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407033023/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6195113.html |archive-date=April 7, 2009}}{{cite web |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/04/20/activision-blizzard-aims-to-breathe-new-life-into.aspx |title=Activision Blizzard Aims to Breathe New Life Into This Classic Franchise |first=Keith |last=Noonan |date=April 20, 2018 |access-date=March 2, 2019 |work=The Motley Fool |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043625/https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/04/20/activision-blizzard-aims-to-breathe-new-life-into.aspx |url-status=live}}

In early 2010, the independent studio Bungie entered into a 10-year publishing agreement with Activision Blizzard.{{Cite news |first=Patrick |last=Klepek |title=Industry Shocker: Developer Bungie Signs Deal With Activision |url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/704328/industry-shocker-halo-developer-bungie-studios-signs-deal-with-activision/ |work=G4tv.com |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112172405/http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/704328/industry-shocker-halo-developer-bungie-studios-signs-deal-with-activision/ |archive-date=January 12, 2013}}{{Cite magazine |first=Chris |last=Kohler |title=Bungie, Activision Sign 10-Year Publishing Deal |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/04/bungie-activision/ |magazine=Wired |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100502010736/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/04/bungie-activision/ |archive-date=May 2, 2010}} By the end of 2010, Activision Blizzard was the largest video games publisher in the world.{{cite news |title=Computer games industry hits at tax rethink |first1=Maija |last1=Palmer |first2=Tim |last2=Bradshaw |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6e111258-83de-11df-ba07-00144feabdc0.html |newspaper=Financial Times |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703153014/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6e111258-83de-11df-ba07-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=July 3, 2010}} The 2011 release of Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 grossed $400 million in the US and UK alone in its first 24 hours, making it the biggest entertainment launch of all time.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5857400/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-shatters-all-sales-records-surprises-no-one |title=Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Shatters All Sales Records |publisher=Kotaku |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=November 11, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113070522/http://kotaku.com/5857400/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-shatters-all-sales-records-surprises-no-one |archive-date=November 13, 2011}} It was also the third consecutive year the Call of Duty series broke the biggest launch record; 2010's Call of Duty: Black Ops grossed $360 million on day one; and 2009's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 brought in $310 million. Call of Duty: Black Ops III grossed $550 million in worldwide sales during its opening weekend in 2015, making it the biggest entertainment launch of the year.

In 2011, Activision Blizzard debuted its Skylanders franchise,{{cite web |title=Bobby Kotick On Hatching Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure |first=David |last=Ewalt |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2011/07/29/bobby-kotick-skylanders-spiros-adventure/ |newspaper=Forbes |date=July 29, 2011 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527040751/http://www.forbes.com/sites/davidewalt/2011/07/29/bobby-kotick-skylanders-spiros-adventure/ |archive-date=May 27, 2015}} which led to the press crediting the company with inventing and popularizing a new toys-to-life category.{{cite web |title=Skylanders story |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/16/5614716/skylanders-story-toys-for-bob-skylanders-swap-force |publisher=polygon.com |date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901050142/http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/16/5614716/skylanders-story-toys-for-bob-skylanders-swap-force |archive-date=September 1, 2015}}{{cite news |title=With Skylanders Giants, Activision could dominate toys and video games (video and gallery) |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/06/05/with-skylanders-giants-will-activision-rule-dominate-toys-and-video-games-video-interview-and-gallery/ |newspaper=VentureBeat |date=June 5, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122115421/http://venturebeat.com/2012/06/05/with-skylanders-giants-will-activision-rule-dominate-toys-and-video-games-video-interview-and-gallery/ |archive-date=January 22, 2016}} The first release Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure was nominated for two Toy Industry Association awards in 2011: "Game of the Year" and "Innovative Toy of the Year".{{cite web |last=Appell |first=Adrienne |title=Toy Industry Unveils Nominees for 2012 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards; Announces Inductees into Toy Industry Hall of Fame |url=http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=16688 |publisher=Toy Industry Association |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607160341/http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=%2FCM%2FContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=16688 |archive-date=June 7, 2012 |access-date=July 8, 2017 |df=mdy-all}} Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure and its sequels were released for major consoles and PC, and many were released on mobile devices as well.

File:Activision-Gamescom 2013.JPG, where the company exhibited 2013 titles such as Call of Duty: Ghosts and Skylanders: Swap Force.]]

On July 25, 2013, Activision Blizzard announced the purchase of 429 million shares from owner Vivendi for $5.83 billion, dropping the shareholder from a 63% stake to 11.8% by the end of the deal in September.{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130725006767/en/Activision-Blizzard-Announces-Transformative-Purchase-Shares-Vivendi |title=Activision Blizzard Announces Transformative Purchase of Shares from Vivendi and New Capital Structure |access-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728104839/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130725006767/en/Activision-Blizzard-Announces-Transformative-Purchase-Shares-Vivendi |archive-date=July 28, 2013}} At the conclusion of the deal, Vivendi was no longer Activision Blizzard's parent company,{{cite news |title=Activision Blizzard completes buyback from Vivendi Universal in multi-billion dollar deal |first=Timothy |last=Seppala |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/13/activision-blizzard-vivendi-buyout/ |publisher=Engadget |date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103075959/http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/13/activision-blizzard-vivendi-buyout/ |archive-date=January 3, 2016}} and Activision Blizzard became an independent company as a majority of the shares became owned by the public. Bobby Kotick and Brian Kelly retained a 24.4% stake in the company overall. In addition, Kotick remained the president and CEO, with Brian Kelly taking over as chairman. On October 12, 2013, shortly after approval from the Delaware Supreme Court, the company completed the buyback, along the lines of the original plan.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-blizzard-completes-buyback-from-vivendi/1100-6415550/ |title=Activision Blizzard completes buyback from Vivendi |publisher=GameSpot |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015054126/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-blizzard-completes-buyback-from-vivendi/1100-6415550/ |archive-date=October 15, 2013}} Vivendi sold half its remaining stake on May 22, 2014, reducing its ownership to 5.8%.{{cite web |url=http://www.vivendi.com/press/press-releases/vivendi-to-sell-41-5-million-activision-blizzard-shares-22-may-2014/ |title=Vivendi to sell 41.5 million Activision Blizzard shares |access-date=July 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714232325/http://www.vivendi.com/press/press-releases/vivendi-to-sell-41-5-million-activision-blizzard-shares-22-may-2014/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014}} and completely exited two years later.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vivendi-sells-remaining-activision-blizzard-stake-/1100-6433856/ |title=Vivendi Sells Remaining Activision Blizzard Stake to Unknown Buyer |first=Tamoor |last=Hussain |date=January 15, 2016 |access-date=January 23, 2018 |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002070555/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/vivendi-sells-remaining-activision-blizzard-stake-/1100-6433856/ |url-status=live}}

Activision Blizzard released a new title, Destiny, on September 9, 2014. The game made over $500 million in retail sales on the first day of release, setting a record for the biggest first day launch of a new gaming franchise.{{cite news |title='Destiny' Crosses $500 Million On Day One, Biggest New Video Game Launch Ever |first=Erik |last=Kain |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/09/10/destiny-crosses-500-million-on-day-one-biggest-new-video-game-launch-ever/ |newspaper=Forbes |date=September 10, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910192609/http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2014/09/10/destiny-crosses-500-million-on-day-one-biggest-new-video-game-launch-ever/ |archive-date=September 10, 2014}} On November 5, 2013, the company released Call of Duty: Ghosts, which was written by screenwriter Stephen Gaghan.{{cite news |title=Challenge for Activision CEO: capitalizing on next-gen game consoles |first=Dawn |last=Chmielewski |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-et-ct-bobby-kotick-activision-ceo-20131210-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=August 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024182236/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/10/entertainment/la-et-ct-bobby-kotick-activision-ceo-20131210 |archive-date=October 24, 2015}} On its first release day the game sold $1 billion into retail. In 2014, Activision Blizzard was the fifth largest gaming company by revenue worldwide,{{cite web |url=http://www.newzoo.com/insights/the-top-25-public-companies-generated-54-1bn-game-revenues-in-2014-up-10-4-year-on-year/ |title=The Top 25 Public Companies Generated $54.1Bn Game Revenues in 2014, Up 10.4% Year-on-Year |publisher=NewZoo |date=April 20, 2015 |access-date=May 22, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522133829/http://www.newzoo.com/insights/the-top-25-public-companies-generated-54-1bn-game-revenues-in-2014-up-10-4-year-on-year/ |archive-date=May 22, 2015}} with total assets of US$14.746 billion and total equity estimated at US$7.513 billion.{{cite web |url=http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ACTI/3305760073x0x746096/2205B72D-1007-4DCB-A5F1-2D121D8EC95C/Activision_Blizzard_2013_AR.1.pdf |title=Activision Blizzard - Annual Report 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174237/http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/ACTI/3305760073x0x746096/2205B72D-1007-4DCB-A5F1-2D121D8EC95C/Activision_Blizzard_2013_AR.1.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}

File:Activisionheadquarters.jpg

Activision Blizzard joined the S&P 500 stock index on August 28, 2015, becoming one of only two companies on the list related to gaming, alongside Electronic Arts.{{cite news |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=August 27, 2015 |title=Call of Duty publisher Activision Blizzard joins the S&P 500 |newspaper=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/08/27/call-of-duty-publisher-activision-blizzard-joins-the-sp-500/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905054750/http://venturebeat.com/2015/08/27/call-of-duty-publisher-activision-blizzard-joins-the-sp-500/ |archive-date=September 5, 2015}} The company released the next iteration of the Skylanders franchise in September 2015, which added vehicles to the "toys to life" category.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-03-skylanders-superchargers-adds-vehicles-to-the-mix |title=Skylanders SuperChargers adds vehicles to the list |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |work=Eurogamer |date=June 3, 2015 |access-date=June 3, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706115106/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-06-03-skylanders-superchargers-adds-vehicles-to-the-mix |archive-date=July 6, 2015}} On September 15, 2015, Activision and Bungie released Destiny: The Taken King, the follow-up to the Destiny saga. Two days later, Sony announced that the game broke the record for the most downloaded day-one game in PlayStation history, in terms of both total players and peak online concurrency.{{cite news |title=Destiny: The Taken King claims PSN's records |first=Ben |last=Parfitt |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/destiny-the-taken-king-claims-psn-s-records/0156101 |publisher=MCV - UK |date=September 18, 2015 |access-date=October 23, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022112952/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/destiny-the-taken-king-claims-psn-s-records/0156101 |archive-date=October 22, 2015}}

Activision Blizzard acquired social gaming company King, creator of casual game Candy Crush Saga, for $5.9 billion in November 2015.

In November 2015, Activision Blizzard announced the formation of Activision Blizzard Studios, a film production arm that would produce films and television series based on Activision Blizzard's franchises.{{cite news |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |title=Call of Duty Movie, Skylander TV Show Headline New Activision Blizzard Film Studio |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/call-of-duty-movie-skylanders-tv-show-headline-new-activision-film-studio |access-date=November 6, 2015 |work=IGN |date=November 6, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106193815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/06/call-of-duty-movie-skylanders-tv-show-headline-new-activision-film-studio |archive-date=November 6, 2015}} The outfit is co-headed by producer Stacey Sher and former The Walt Disney Company executive Nick van Dyk.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/13/10759524/activision-blizzard-studios-films-stacey-sher |title=Activision Blizzard recruits ex-Tarantino producer to turn its video games into films |last=Vincent |first=James |date=January 13, 2016 |website=The Verge |access-date=December 19, 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123944/https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/13/10759524/activision-blizzard-studios-films-stacey-sher |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/05/call-of-duty-franchise-activision-blizzard-next-disney-marvel-film-franchise |title=Could the Call of Duty franchise be the next Marvel? |last=Jackson |first=Jasper |date=April 5, 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 19, 2018 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209212628/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/05/call-of-duty-franchise-activision-blizzard-next-disney-marvel-film-franchise |url-status=live}}

In June 2017, Activision Blizzard joined the Fortune 500 becoming the third gaming company in history to make the list after Atari and Electronic Arts.{{cite web |url=http://fortune.com/2017/06/07/fortune-500-activision-blizzard/ |title=Activision Blizzard Aims for the Big Leagues |access-date=January 23, 2018 |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125093844/http://fortune.com/2017/06/07/fortune-500-activision-blizzard/ |url-status=live}}

In its 2018 fiscal year earnings call to shareholders in February 2019, Kotick stated that while the company had seen a record year in revenue, they would be laying off around 775 people or around 8% of their workforce in non-management divisions, "de-prioritizing initiatives that are not meeting expectations and reducing certain non-development and administrative-related costs across the business", according to Kotick. Kotick stated that they plan to put more resources towards their development teams and focus on esports, Battle.net services, and the publisher's core games which include Candy Crush, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Warcraft, Diablo, and Hearthstone. Prior to this, Activision Blizzard and Bungie agreed to terminate their distribution deal with Destiny 2 as it was not bringing in expected revenue for Activision, with Bungie otherwise retaining all rights to Destiny.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/02/activision-blizzard-lays-off-775-people-after-record-results-in-2018/ |title=Activision-Blizzard lays off 775 people after "record results in 2018" |first=Samuel |last=Axon |date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |work=Ars Technica |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212234817/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/02/activision-blizzard-lays-off-775-people-after-record-results-in-2018/ |url-status=live}} This transaction allowed Activision Blizzard to report {{USD|164 million}} as part of its 2018 fiscal year filings.{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/destiny-2/bungie-activision-contract |title=Activision reports $164 million in revenue from handing Destiny back to Bungie |first=Dustin |last=Bailey |date=March 1, 2019 |access-date=March 2, 2019 |work=PCGamesN |archive-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302063337/https://www.pcgamesn.com/destiny-2/bungie-activision-contract |url-status=live}}

The company announced that Daniel Alegre would replace Coddy Johnson as president of Activision Blizzard effective April 7, 2020, with Johnson transitioning to special advisory role.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-blizzard-has-a-new-president-heres-how-/1100-6474690/ |title=Activision Blizzard Has A New President -- Here's How Much Money He Makes |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=March 11, 2020 |access-date=March 11, 2020 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726142923/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-blizzard-appoints-new-president-heres-h/1100-6474690/ |url-status=live}}

During the second quarter of 2020, the company's net revenues from digital channels reached $1.44bn due to the growing demand for online games driven by COVID-19 lockdowns.{{Cite news |date=May 6, 2020 |title=Lockdown and loaded: virus triggers video game boost |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52555277 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709090259/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52555277 |url-status=live}} By January 2021, the company's net value was estimated to be {{US$|72 billion|long=no}} based on its stock trading price due to the ongoing demand for video games from the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-blizzard-is-currently-valued-at-dollar72-billion/ |title=Activision Blizzard is currently valued at $72 billion |first=Mollie |last=Taylor |date=January 21, 2021 |access-date=January 21, 2021 |work=PC Gamer |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121145151/https://www.pcgamer.com/activision-blizzard-is-currently-valued-at-dollar72-billion/ |url-status=live}}

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia acquired 14.9 million shares of Activision Blizzard, valued at {{US$|1.4 billion|long=no}}, in February 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/saudi-investment-fund-acquires-shares-in-activision-blizzard-take-two-and-ea |title=Saudi investment fund acquires shares in Activision Blizzard, Take-Two, and EA |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=February 18, 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2021 |work=Gamasutra |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218155641/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/377610/Saudi_investment_fund_acquires_shares_in_Activision_Blizzard_TakeTwo_and_EA_.php |url-status=live}}

In April 2021, Fernando Machado, former Brazilian executive at Burger King, joined the company as chief marketing officer (CMO).{{cite web |website=Ad Age |title=Fernando Machado join Activision Blizzard as CMO |accessdate=October 9, 2021 |date=April 2, 2021 |url=https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/fernando-machado-joining-activision-blizzard-cmo/2326201 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009202545/https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/fernando-machado-joining-activision-blizzard-cmo/2326201 |url-status=live}} The company also announced in April 2021 that Kotick will remain CEO through April 2023, through Kotick agreed to take a 50% cut of his pay, equal to {{USD|875,000|long=no}}. Kotick will remain eligible to receive annual bonuses, and while he agreed to reduce his target bonus by 50% as well, he potentially can earn up to 200% of his base pay based on the company's performance.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-04-29-activision-blizzard-ceo-bobby-kotick-takes-50-percent-pay-cut |title=Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick takes 50% pay cut |first=Danielle |last=Partis |date=April 29, 2021 |accessdate=April 29, 2021 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121114015/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-04-29-activision-blizzard-ceo-bobby-kotick-takes-50-percent-pay-cut |url-status=live}}

{{Main|California Department of Fair Employment and Housing v. Activision Blizzard|Activision Blizzard worker organization|Acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft}}

{{anchor|DFEH}}On July 20, 2021, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a suit alleging sexual harassment, employment discrimination and retaliation on the part of Activision Blizzard. A second lawsuit was filed against the company by its shareholders asserting it falsified knowledge of these problems in their financial statements,{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/shareholders-sue-activision-blizzard-for-withholding-harassment-info/ |title=Shareholders sue Activision Blizzard for withholding harassment info |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=August 3, 2021 |accessdate=August 3, 2021 |work=Ars Technica |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803213108/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/shareholders-sue-activision-blizzard-for-withholding-harassment-info/ |url-status=live}} though this suit was dismissed due to failure to meet thresholds for claims,{{cite web |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/social-justice/activision-gets-initial-investor-suit-over-sex-harassment-tossed?context=search&index=0 |title=Activision Gets Investor Suit Over Sex Harassment Probes Tossed |first=Maeve |last=Allsup |date=April 20, 2022 |accessdate=April 20, 2022 |work=Bloomberg Law}} The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had also filed suit against Activision-Blizzard from their own investigation of the workplace conditions but the company had settled the same day it was filed, which included setting aside an {{USD|18 million|long=no}} relief fund for affected employees.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/27/22697341/us-eeoc-sues-activision-blizzard-sexual-harassment-discrimination |title=US employment watchdog sues Activision Blizzard over discrimination claims |first=Adi |last=Robertson |date=September 27, 2021 |accessdate=September 27, 2021 |work=The Verge |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927223119/https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/27/22697341/us-eeoc-sues-activision-blizzard-sexual-harassment-discrimination |url-status=live}} Ultimately, the DFEH and Activision Blizzard agreed to a $54 million settlement in December 2023 to cover pay and promotion inequities at the company, both agreeing there was no substantial evidence of widespread harassment.{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/business/dealbook/california-activision-blizzard-sexual-harassment.html | title = California Drops Sexual Harassment Suit in $54 Million Settlement With Activision | first1 = Andrew Ross | last1= Sorkin | first2 = Lauren | last2 = Hirsch | date = December 15, 2023 | accessdate = December 15, 2023 | work = The New York Times }}

On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced that it would be acquiring Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in an all-cash deal, or approximately $95 per share. Activision Blizzard's stock price jumped nearly 40% that day in pre-market trading. The deal would make Microsoft the third-largest gaming company in the world and the largest headquartered in the Americas, behind Chinese company Tencent and the Japanese conglomerate Sony. Activision Blizzard's shareholders approved of the acquisition near-unanimously in April 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/activision-blizzard-shareholders-approve-687-bln-microsoft-deal-2022-04-28/ |title=Activision Blizzard shareholders approve $68.7 bln Microsoft deal |work=Reuters |date=April 28, 2022 |accessdate=April 29, 2022}} While the deal has been approved by several countries ahead of the planned October 18, 2023, deal closure, including the European Union and China, both the United States' Federal Trade Commission and the United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority have challenged the merger as anticompetitive and have initiated legal procedures in their respective countries.

To resolve these issues, Microsoft agreed to outsource the cloud gaming rights of Activision Blizzard's games to Ubisoft, which was cleared by regulators. The acquisition was completed on October 13, 2023.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-has-officially-completed-its-acquisition-of-activision-blizzard/| title = Microsoft has officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = October 13, 2023 | accessdate = October 13, 2023 | work = Video Games Chronicle }} The last time Activision Blizzard reported their annual financial results for its shareholders before Microsoft acquired them was on February 6, 2023. Activision Blizzard reported $7.54 billion in revenue and $1.52 billion in net income.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=Activision Blizzard Announces Fourth Quarter and 2022 Financial Results |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/activision-blizzard-announces-fourth-quarter-210500845.html |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}} As part of the acquisition deal, Kotick announced his resignation as CEO the same day, along with other high level executives, though Kotick will remain onboard through the end of 2023 to help with the transition.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-officially-acquires-activision-nearly-two-years-later-bobby-kotick-resi/1100-6516016/ | title = Microsoft Officially Acquires Activision, Nearly Two Years Later; Bobby Kotick Resigns | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = October 13, 2023 | accessdate = October 13, 2023 | work = GameSpot }} Bobby Kotick departed Activision Blizzard on December 29, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2023-12-20 |title=Microsoft Sets New Activision Blizzard Management Structure as Bobby Kotick Confirms Exit Date |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/bobby-kotick-exits-activision-blizzard-microsoft-management-1235847653/ |access-date=2023-12-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Microsoft and unions#United States}}

In May 2022, QA testers of Activision Blizzard subsidiary Raven Software went public as the Game Workers Alliance (GWA) with the support of Campaign to Organize Digital Employees-CWA and voted to unionize with a count of 19 – 2 in favor.{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=2022-01-21 |title=Members of Activision's Raven Software QA team form a union |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/01/members-of-activisions-raven-software-qa-team-form-a-union/ |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}} The National Labor Relations Board recognized GWA as a union.{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Austin |date=May 23, 2022 |title=Activision Blizzard employees form first major NA games union, hope to inspire "growing movement of workers" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/activision-blizzards-raven-software-wins-landmark-union-vote-its-a-beautiful-day-to-unionize |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614213540/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/activision-blizzards-raven-software-wins-landmark-union-vote-its-a-beautiful-day-to-unionize/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022 |website=GamesRadar+}}{{cite web |last1=Paul |first1=Kari |date=May 23, 2022 |title=Activision Blizzard's Raven Software workers vote to form industry's first union |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/may/23/activision-blizzard-raven-software-union-vote |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614213533/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/may/23/activision-blizzard-raven-software-union-vote |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=14 June 2022 |website=The Guardian}}

Following the Raven Software's successful unionization, the 20-member QA team of Blizzard Albany announced a unionization drive in July 2022 as GWA Albany.{{cite web |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Blizzard QA workers in Albany are organizing Activision's second union |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/19/23270108/blizzard-qa-workers-union-activision-gwa-albany-vicarious-visions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801055231/https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/19/23270108/blizzard-qa-workers-union-activision-gwa-albany-vicarious-visions |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |access-date=August 1, 2022}} The vote passed (14–0), forming the second union at an Activision Blizzard subsidiary.{{Cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |date=2022-12-02 |title=Blizzard Albany becomes second unionized studio at Activision Blizzard |url=https://www.polygon.com/23490063/activision-blizzard-albany-qa-union-vote-win |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126175937/https://www.polygon.com/23490063/activision-blizzard-albany-qa-union-vote-win |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=2023-02-11 |work=Polygon |language=en-US |df=mdy-all}}

In February 2023, Activision Blizzard announced to employees that it would end its full-time remote policy starting between April and June that year.{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Activision Blizzard planning to end full remote work |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/activision-blizzard-reportedly-planning-to-end-remote-work |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=www.gamedeveloper.com |language=en}} On November 30, quality assurance staffers were told that the company would end its hybrid work model and bring employees in Austin, Texas, Eden Prairie, Minnesota and El Segundo, California back to the office full time in 2024. ABK Workers Alliance accused the company of forcing out employees with this decision.{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2023-12-19 |title=Activision Blizzard to end hybrid work for QA employees |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/activision-blizzard-to-end-hybrid-work-for-qa-employees |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}

On March 8, 2024, 600 QA testers at 3 Activision studios in Austin, Eden Prairie, and El Segundo formed the union "Activision Quality Assurance United-CWA" and voted to unionize (390–8) in favor, making it the largest video game union in the United States. Microsoft voluntarily recognized the union.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=2024-03-08 |title=600 Activision QA workers unionize, Microsoft voluntarily recognizes |url=https://www.polygon.com/24093254/activision-qa-600-workers-union-microsoft |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2024-03-09 |title=Activision QA workers form the largest US video game union yet |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/8/24094602/activision-blizzard-qa-workers-unionizing-microsoft |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=The Verge |language=en}} On July 24, 2024, 500 artists, designers, engineers, producers, and quality assurance testers who work on World of Warcraft also voted to unionize.{{Cite news |last=Eidelson |first=Josh |date=2024-07-24 |title=Microsoft's 'World of Warcraft' Gaming Staff Votes to Unionize |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-24/world-of-warcraft-unionizes-growing-foothold-at-microsoft-s-activision-blizzard |access-date=2024-07-24 |work=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}

• List of Activision video games
• List of Blizzard Entertainment games
• List of King games

Activision Blizzard is divided into three key business segments:{{cite web |url=https://investor.activision.com/static-files/ace1c2fc-c2c8-4461-b9fe-157d7fd1e9c2 |title=2017 Annual Report |publisher=Activision Blizzard |access-date=July 20, 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730064228/http://investor.activision.com/static-files/ace1c2fc-c2c8-4461-b9fe-157d7fd1e9c2 |url-status=live |pages=2–3}}{{cite web |title=About Our Company: Our Operating Units |url=https://www.activisionblizzard.com/content/atvi/activisionblizzard/ab-touchui/ab/web/en/about-us.html |website=Activision Blizzard |access-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118192835/https://www.activisionblizzard.com/content/atvi/activisionblizzard/ab-touchui/ab/web/en/about-us.html |url-status=live}}

• Activision, which handles the development, production, and distribution of video games from its subsidiary studios. It also houses the Call of Duty League.
• Blizzard Entertainment, which handles the development, production, and distribution of Blizzard's games. It also maintains Battle.net, organizes BlizzCon, and houses the Overwatch League.
• King, which handles the development and distribution of its mobile games.

Activision Blizzard owns the Call of Duty and StarCraft franchises, both of which have been popular as esports.{{Cite web |title=Activision Blizzard beefs up e-sports muscle |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/activision-blizzard-beefs-up-e-sports-muscle/ |website=CNET |access-date=January 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103201140/http://www.cnet.com/news/activision-blizzard-beefs-up-e-sports-muscle/ |archive-date=January 3, 2016}}{{cite web |last=Walton |first=Mark |title=Report: Major League Gaming shuttered after $46 million Activision buyout |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/01/report-major-league-gaming-shuttered-after-31-million-activision-buyout/ |website=Ars Technica |date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=January 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104172440/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/01/report-major-league-gaming-shuttered-after-31-million-activision-buyout/ |archive-date=January 4, 2016}} On October 21, 2015, Activision Blizzard announced the upcoming establishment of a new esports division.{{cite web |url=http://fortune.com/2015/10/22/activision-blizzard-new-esports-division/ |title=Why Activision-Blizzard just launched a new eSports division |first=Chris |last=Morris |website=Fortune |date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=November 13, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110225337/http://fortune.com/2015/10/22/activision-blizzard-new-esports-division/ |archive-date=November 10, 2015}} Named Activision Blizzard Media Networks, the division is led by sports executive Steve Bornstein and Major League Gaming (MLG) co-founder Mike Sepso, with assets from the acquisition of the now defunct IGN Pro League. Bornstein was appointed the new division's chairman. On December 31, 2015, it was reported that "substantially all" of Major League Gaming's assets would be acquired by Activision Blizzard. The New York Times reported that the acquisition was intended to bolster Activision Blizzard's push into esports, as well as its plan to develop an esports cable channel.{{cite news |title=Activision Buys Major League Gaming to Broaden Role in E-Sports |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/05/technology/activision-buys-major-league-gaming-to-broaden-role-in-e-sports.html |website=The New York Times |date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=January 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114163411/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/05/technology/activision-buys-major-league-gaming-to-broaden-role-in-e-sports.html |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |last1=Wingfield |first1=Nick}} Reports indicated that MLG would be shuttered and that the majority of the purchase price would go towards paying off the company's debt. Activision Blizzard acquired MLG on January 4, 2016 for $46 million.

In November 2016, Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, announced the launch of Overwatch League,{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |title=Blizzard to launch pro sports league for 'Overwatch' |website=USA TODAY |language=en |access-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914222840/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |url-status=live}} a professional video gaming league. The league's first season began during the second half of 2017 with 12 teams.{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |title=Blizzard to launch pro sports league for 'Overwatch' |website=USA TODAY |language=en |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914222840/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/11/04/blizzard-launch-pro-sports-league-overwatch/93292006/ |url-status=live}} The league's structure is based on traditional sports structures, including recruiting traditional sports executives as team owners, such as Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and Jeff Wilpon, COO of the New York Mets.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/16/activision-blizzard-is-building-a-professional-esports-league.html |title=Activision Blizzard is building a professional esports league |last=Song |first=Kelly |date=July 16, 2017 |website=www.cnbc.com |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153527/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/16/activision-blizzard-is-building-a-professional-esports-league.html |url-status=live}}

The inaugural Overwatch Grand Finals was played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in July 2018 and attracted 10.8 million viewers worldwide.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-league-grand-finals-reached-nearly-11-mi/1100-6461043/ |title=Overwatch League Grand Finals Reached Nearly 11 Million Viewers |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=August 8, 2018 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153525/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-league-grand-finals-reached-nearly-11-mi/1100-6461043/ |url-status=live}} The league hopes to have 18 teams competing during the second season in 2019, with the ultimate goal of 28 teams across the world.{{Cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/23715508 |title=Overwatch League aims to get teams to their home cities by 2020, sources said |date=June 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106204346/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/23715508 |url-status=live}}

In 2018, Activision Blizzard signed a multi-year deal with The Walt Disney Company to stream Overwatch League games on both ESPN and Disney XD cable channels.{{Cite news |url=https://www.investors.com/news/technology/click/activision-overwatch-league-disney/ |title=Activision Signs Esports Broadcast Deal With Disney For Overwatch League |last=Seitz |first=Patrick |date=July 11, 2018 |website=Investor's Business Daily |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106153917/https://www.investors.com/news/technology/click/activision-overwatch-league-disney/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ceo-bobby-kotick-on-inspiring-play-competition-and_us_58d8848ce4b06c3d3d3e6f46 |title=Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick on Inspiring Play, Competition, and Community |last=Gutierrez |first=Carlos M. Jr. |date=March 27, 2017 |website=Huffington Post |language=en-US |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006042351/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ceo-bobby-kotick-on-inspiring-play-competition-and_us_58d8848ce4b06c3d3d3e6f46 |url-status=live}} The company also secured an exclusive multi-year deal with Google to stream all subsequent Activision Blizzard esports events, including Call of Duty and Overwatch events, through YouTube, and to use Google's cloud services for its game hosting infrastructure; this came after a prior two-year deal with Twitch for the Overwatch League had concluded. The deal with YouTube was estimated to be valued at {{USD|160 million}}, double what it had with Twitch.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-exclusive-activision-blizzard-e-sports-overwatch-call-of-duty-1203479140/ |title=YouTube Scores Exclusive Streaming for Activision Blizzard's E-Sports, Including Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues |first=Todd |last=Spangler |date=January 24, 2020 |access-date=January 24, 2020 |work=Variety |archive-date=May 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526223030/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/youtube-exclusive-activision-blizzard-e-sports-overwatch-call-of-duty-1203479140/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://esportsobserver.com/sources-youtube-actiblizzard-160m/ |title=Sources: YouTube's Deal With Activision Blizzard Valued At $160M |first=Adam |last=Stern |date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=February 16, 2020 |work=The Esports Observer |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216182735/https://esportsobserver.com/sources-youtube-actiblizzard-160m/ |url-status=live}}

Due to declining viewerships and profits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Activision eventually shuttered Major League Gaming by January 15, 2024.{{cite web |url= https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/fans-support-mlg-being-brought-back-under-microsoft-acquisition-2336417// |title=Fans support MLG being brought back under Microsoft acquisition

|first= Daniel |last=Appleford |website=Dexerto |date=October 14, 2023 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128200855/https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/fans-support-mlg-being-brought-back-under-microsoft-acquisition-2336417/ |archive-date=January 28, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Gwynn |first=Dafydd |title= Online tournament organiser GameBattles to shut down in 2024 |url= https://esportsinsider.com/2023/11/gamebattles-to-shut-down-in-2024 |access-date=January 28, 2025 |website=Esports Insider |date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250128203547/https://esportsinsider.com/web/20250128203547/https://esportsinsider.com/2023/11/gamebattles-to-shut-down-in-2024 |archive-date=January 28, 2025}}

{{main|Call of Duty Endowment}}

Since 2009, when Kotick launched Call of Duty Endowment (CODE), over 50,000 veterans have been placed in high-quality jobs.{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/call-of-duty-endowment-50000-milestone-1202980338/ |title=Call of Duty Endowment Finds Jobs For 50,000 Veterans |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=October 15, 2018 |website=Variety |language=en |access-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216071028/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/call-of-duty-endowment-50000-milestone-1202980338/ |url-status=live}} In 2013 CODE started the "Seal of Distinction" program, which recognizes non-profit organizations that are successful in placing veterans in good jobs. Winners receive a $30,000 grant to use in their veteran job placement activities.{{cite web |last1=Gutierrez |first1=Carlos M. Jr. |title=Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick on Inspiring Play, Competition, and Community |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ceo-bobby-kotick-on-inspiring-play-competition-and_us_58d8848ce4b06c3d3d3e6f46 |work=Huffington Post |access-date=January 20, 2019 |date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006042351/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ceo-bobby-kotick-on-inspiring-play-competition-and_us_58d8848ce4b06c3d3d3e6f46 |url-status=live}} The goal of CODE is to help 100,000 US and UK veterans find high-quality jobs by 2024.{{cite web |last1=Fogel |first1=Stefanie |title=Call of Duty Endowment Finds Jobs For 50,000 Veterans |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/call-of-duty-endowment-50000-milestone-1202980338/ |website=Variety.com |access-date=January 20, 2019 |date=October 15, 2018 |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216071028/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/call-of-duty-endowment-50000-milestone-1202980338/ |url-status=live}} The endowment helps soldiers transition to civilian careers after their military service by funding nonprofit organizations and raising awareness of the value veterans bring to the workplace.{{Cite web |title=Call of Duty Endowment and U.S. Army create Code Bowl esports event for armed forces |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/05/call-of-duty-endowment-and-u-s-army-create-code-bowl-esports-event-for-armed-forces/ |date=December 5, 2019 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US |access-date=May 27, 2020 |archive-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531073309/https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/05/call-of-duty-endowment-and-u-s-army-create-code-bowl-esports-event-for-armed-forces/ |url-status=live}}

Worlds, Inc. was issued several United States patents around 2009 related to "System and method for enabling users to interact in a virtual space", which generally described a method of server/client communications for multiplayer video games, where players would communicate through avatars. In early 2009, Worlds, Inc. stated its intent to challenge publishers and developers of MMOs, naming Activision as one of its intended targets.{{cite news |title=Worlds.com CEO: We're 'Absolutely' Going To Sue Second Life And World Of Warcraft |first=Eric |last=Krangel |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/worldscom-ceo-were-absolutely-going-to-sue-second-life-and-world-of-warcraft-2009-3 |newspaper=Business Insider |date=March 11, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404124348/http://www.businessinsider.com/worldscom-ceo-were-absolutely-going-to-sue-second-life-and-world-of-warcraft-2009-3 |archive-date=April 4, 2016}} Worlds, Inc. had already challenged NCSoft for its MMOs in 2008. The companies ultimately settled out of court by 2010.{{cite web |url=http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/worlds-com-vs-ncsoft-lawsuit-settled/ |title=Worlds.com vs. NCsoft lawsuit settled |first=Rudi |last=Bayer |date=April 27, 2010 |access-date=February 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210032819/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/worlds-com-vs-ncsoft-lawsuit-settled/ |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |work=Joystiq}}

Worlds, Inc. launched its formal lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, including both Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Publishing, in March 2012, stating that Call of Duty and World of Warcraft infringed on their patents.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-06-activision-blizzard-sued-for-patent-infringement-of-virtual-worlds-usage |title=Activision Blizzard sued for patent infringement of virtual worlds usage |website=GamesIndustry.biz |date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219183401/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-06-activision-blizzard-sued-for-patent-infringement-of-virtual-worlds-usage |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Activision Publishing Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit against Worlds Inc. and Worlds Online Inc. |url=http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=795031 |publisher=Activision Blizzard press release |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416183456/http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=795031 |archive-date=April 16, 2016}} Activision Publishing filed a separate patent infringement lawsuit in October 2013, asserting that Worlds, Inc. was using two Activision-owned patents in its Worlds Player software,{{cite news |title=Activision files virtual worlds patent countersuit against Worlds Inc |first=Mike |last=Suszek |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/07/activision-files-virtual-worlds-patent-countersuit-against-world/ |publisher=Engadget |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426165705/http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/07/activision-files-virtual-worlds-patent-countersuit-against-world/ |archive-date=April 26, 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/7/4812104/activision-files-software-patent-infringement-suit-against-worlds-inc |title=Activision files software patent infringement suit against Worlds Inc |first=Alexa Ray |last=Corriea |date=October 7, 2013 |website=Polygon |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002739/https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/7/4812104/activision-files-software-patent-infringement-suit-against-worlds-inc |url-status=live}} but this suit was dismissed with prejudice by June 2014.{{cite web |url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/activision-publishing-lawsuit-against-worlds-113000973.html |title=Activision Publishing Lawsuit Against Worlds Inc., Worlds Online Dismissed With Prejudice |publisher=Worlds Inc. |via=Yahoo! Finance/Marketwired |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130836/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/activision-publishing-lawsuit-against-worlds-113000973.html |url-status=live}}

In Worlds, Inc. case against Activision, the judge issued a summary judgement in Activision's favor, as they had demonstrated that Worlds, Inc. had demonstrated the technologies of their patents in their client programs AlphaWorld and World Chat, released before the 1995 priority date, though this was related to filing irregularities that were subsequently corrected by the Patent Office.{{cite news |title=Blizzard scores a victory against patent troll Worlds, Inc. |first=Elizaabeth |last=Harper |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/03/19/blizzard-scores-a-victory-against-patent-troll-worlds-inc/ |work=Engadget |date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426165755/http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/19/blizzard-scores-a-victory-against-patent-troll-worlds-inc/ |archive-date=April 26, 2016}} Activision did not challenge the updated patents through an inter partes review (IPR), and subsequently after a statutory one-year waiting period, Worlds, Inc. filed a subsequently lawsuit against Activision, asserting Call of Duty: Ghosts violated its resolved patents.{{cite news | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/activision-blizzard-wins-patent-lawsuit-after-nine-years | title=Activision Blizzard wins patent lawsuit after nine years | first=Marie | last=Dealessandri | work=Gamer Network | date=May 6, 2021}} Later, Worlds, Inc. stated the intent to add Bungie to the lawsuit contending that Destiny also fell afoul of their patents. Bungie subsequently filed three IPRs with the Patent Office for each of the three Worlds, Inc. patents at the core of the lawsuit. While Bungie initially won its IPR ruling at the USPTO, on appeal in September 2018, Worlds, Inc. won a ruling questioning whether Bungie had legal standing to file its IPRs.{{cite press release |title=Worlds Wins Full Reversal of PTAB Invalidation Ruling from U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2018/09/10/1568521/0/en/Worlds-Wins-Full-Reversal-of-PTAB-Invalidation-Ruling-from-U-S-Court-of-Appeals-for-the-Federal-Circuit-CAFC.html |website=Globe Newswire |access-date=January 18, 2022 |date=September 10, 2018 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118192309/https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2018/09/10/1568521/0/en/Worlds-Wins-Full-Reversal-of-PTAB-Invalidation-Ruling-from-U-S-Court-of-Appeals-for-the-Federal-Circuit-CAFC.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Decker |first1=Susan |title=Worlds Wins Appeals Court Ruling in Activision Patent Fight |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/worlds-wins-appeals-court-ruling-in-activision-patent-fight?context=search&index=3 |website=Bloomberg Law |date=September 7, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118192309/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/worlds-wins-appeals-court-ruling-in-activision-patent-fight?context=search&index=3 |url-status=live}}

The new Worlds, Inc. case against Activision Blizzard was heard on October 3, 2014. With Bungie's IPRs pending at the Patent Office, the judge put the trial on hold pending the outcome of the IPRs. Worlds, Inc. challenged the IPRs at the Patent Office, as they did not include Activision as an interested party, a requirement that would have been necessary given the publisher/developer relationship between Activision and Bungie. The Patent Office did not accept this argument, and subsequently agreed with the Bungie IPRs that portions of Worlds, Inc. patents were invalid. Worlds, Inc. appealed to the Federal Circuit Appeals Court, challenging the validity of the IPRs due to the lack of Activision's involvement. The Federal Circuit court ruled in favor of Worlds, Inc. in September 2018, invalidating the Patent Office's decision.{{cite web |url=http://patentarcade.com/2019/02/worlds-inc-v-bungie-inc.html |title=Worlds Inc. v. Bungie, Inc. – Patent Arcade |website=patentarcade.com |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219130422/http://patentarcade.com/2019/02/worlds-inc-v-bungie-inc.html |url-status=live}} Worlds, Inc.'s case presently remains at the Patent Office stage, which is re-reviewing the IPRs in consideration of the Federal Circuit's ruling.{{cite press release |url=http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/12/01/969856/0/en/USPTO-Review-Validates-6-Worlds-Inc-Patent-Claims-for-Multi-Player-Online-Gaming-Technology.html |title=USPTO Review Validates 6 Worlds Inc. Patent Claims for Multi-Player Online Gaming Technology |date=December 1, 2016 |publisher=Worlds Inc. |via=GlobeNewswire News Room |access-date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002847/http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/12/01/969856/0/en/USPTO-Review-Validates-6-Worlds-Inc-Patent-Claims-for-Multi-Player-Online-Gaming-Technology.html |url-status=live}} The lawsuit was dismissed in 2021, when a US district court ruled that "Worlds' patents were abstract ideas that were not sufficiently transformative to be legally patentable."{{cite web |last1=Boudreau |first1=Ian |title=After nine years, judge throws out WoW patent lawsuit |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/world-of-warcraft/worlds-inc-vs-activision-blizzard-patent-infringement-suit |website=PC Games N |access-date=January 18, 2022 |date=May 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118191059/https://www.pcgamesn.com/world-of-warcraft/worlds-inc-vs-activision-blizzard-patent-infringement-suit |url-status=live}}

In early 2010, Activision fired Vince Zampella and Jason West, two of the founders of its studio Infinity Ward, on the basis of "breaches of contract and insubordination"; the move caused several other Infinity Ward staff to resign. Zampella and West created a new studio, Respawn Entertainment, with help from Electronic Arts' partner program, hiring the majority of those that departed Infinity Ward in their wake.{{cite web |last=Kollar |first=Phil |url=https://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/03/01/news-what-s-going-down-at-infinity-ward.aspx |title=UPDATE: Infinity Ward Vs. Activision |publisher=GameInformer |date=March 1, 2010 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-date=May 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508000150/http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/03/01/news-what-s-going-down-at-infinity-ward.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-4556-Future-Modern-Warfare-Releases-Could-Be-Vetoed-By-West-and-Zampella.html |title=Future Modern Warfare Releases Could Be Vetoed By West and Zampella |work=Xbox360Achievements |date=March 4, 2010 |first=Richard |last=Walker |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604004445/http://www.xbox360achievements.org/news/news-4556-Future-Modern-Warfare-Releases-Could-Be-Vetoed-By-West-and-Zampella.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Who Remains At Infinity Ward ? |url=http://www.cynicalsmirk.com/who_remains_at_infinity_ward.html |access-date=2022-01-23 |website=www.cynicalsmirk.com |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230020509/http://www.cynicalsmirk.com/who_remains_at_infinity_ward.html |url-status=live}}

Zampella and West filed a lawsuit in April 2010 against Activision, claiming unpaid royalties on the studio's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Activision filed a countersuit against the two, accusing the pair of being "self-serving schemers".{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jim |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/108/1082893p1.html |title=Activision Countersues Former Infinity Ward Execs |publisher=IGN |date=April 9, 2010 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-date=May 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515184803/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/108/1082893p1.html |url-status=live}} Activision later sought to add Electronic Arts to their suit, discovering that Zampella and West had been in discussions with them while still working for Activision, and further added claims against Zampella and West that the two had not returned all material related to Call of Duty while they were working at Respawn. A separate lawsuit was filed against Activision in April 2010 by several current and former members of Infinity Ward on the same basis of lack of unpaid royalties.{{cite web |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |author-link=Dan Ryckert |url=https://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/04/27/new-iw-acti-lawsuit.aspx |title=Activision Sued By New "Infinity Ward Employee Group" |publisher=GameInformer |date=April 27, 2010 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-date=June 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604083520/http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/04/27/new-iw-acti-lawsuit.aspx |url-status=live}}

All parties came to an undisclosed settlement to end all suits by May 2012. Electronic Arts and Activision had settled separately on Activision's charges of poaching employees, while the suits between Activision, Zampella, West, and the Infinity Ward employee group were settled by the end of May 2012. All settlements were made for undisclosed amounts.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/5/31/3049988/activision-call-of-duty-trial-placeholder |title=Settlement reached in Call of Duty's billion dollar West v. Activision lawsuit |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=February 19, 2019 |work=Polygon |archive-date=February 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220122610/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/5/31/3049988/activision-call-of-duty-trial-placeholder |url-status=live}}

In May 2024, families affected by the 2022 Uvalde school shooting filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, alongside Meta and the gun manufacturer. The suit against Activision Blizzard alleged that they promoted specific brands of guns to teens through Call of Duty.{{Cite news |last= |first= |title=Uvalde families sue makers of AR-15, 'Call of Duty,' Meta over mass shooting |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/uvalde-families-sue-makers-ar-15-call-duty/story?id=110548748 |access-date=2024-05-25 |work=ABC News |language=en}} Activision Blizzard defended its position that the Call of Duty games are protected by the First Amendment and sought to have the compliant dismissed under anti-SLAPP (Strategic lawsuit against public participation) protections from such lawsuits.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/activision-files-lengthy-defence-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit-that-accused-it-of-grooming-uvalde-school-shooter | title = Activision files lengthy defence in Call of Duty lawsuit that accused it of "grooming" Uvalde school shooter | first = Matt | last = Wales | date = January 9, 2025 | accessdate = January 9, 2025 | work = Eurogamer }}

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