Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
EA's Saudi Arabian owners are reportedly considering forming an ubermegacorp by merging them with Savvy Games
Following the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts, the PIF is reportedly considering merging EA with its existing firm, Savvy Games Group. This potential 'ubermegacorp' aims to better coordinate the PIF's gaming investments, though no decision has been made. Concerns exist regarding potential layoffs and the influence of the Saudi government's human rights record on creative decisions.
Saudi Arabia's PIF reportedly considering to combine EA with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. EA's acquisition by the PIF was finalized last month, with assurances that creative control and player-first values would remain intact.
Saudi Arabia reportedly looking at merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its other gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This potential merger, which would consolidate significant gaming assets under one umbrella, is said to be contingent on the PIF's acquisition of Moonton and would likely face regulatory scrutiny. The move could also lead to cost-saving measures, including layoffs at Electronic Arts, which recently incurred substantial debt from the PIF's acquisition.
Potential EA and Savvy Merger Would Create Gaming Giant
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly exploring a merger between Electronic Arts and Savvy Games Group to create a major player in the global gaming industry. The potential deal aims to consolidate PIF's investments and improve coordination, though no final decision has been made and regulatory hurdles are anticipated. This move would combine EA's console and PC presence with Savvy's mobile gaming operations and could serve as a vehicle for future acquisitions.
Call of Duty introduces a gun skin that you can only see on an Xbox console
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is introducing a gun skin, the 'Inner Circuit' blueprint, that appears differently on Xbox consoles compared to PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. While the weapon performs identically across platforms, the Xbox version features exclusive visual elements tied to the original Xbox's design and branding, a move the article criticizes as confusing platform-specific marketing.
Blizzard Workers Win Historic Union Contract That Could Set A New Standard For Game Developers
Blizzard Entertainment employees, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have secured a historic union contract with Microsoft. The agreement includes workplace flexibility, guaranteed wage increases, AI job automation guardrails, and job-recall rights for laid-off employees. This contract is seen as a potential blueprint for other video game industry unions.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers vote through a "historic" union contract securing protections against layoffs and gen-AI
Approximately 1,900 unionized workers at Blizzard Entertainment have ratified their first contract, securing protections against layoffs and mandating bargaining over the use of generative AI. This historic agreement provides enhanced severance and recall rights for employees across multiple game teams, including World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo.
Unionised Blizzard workers vote through contract giving them a say on genAI adoption and protection against layoffs
Unionized Blizzard Entertainment workers have ratified a new contract that requires the company to negotiate with them over the use of generative AI tools and provides protections against layoffs. The contract covers approximately 1900 staff and includes provisions for recall rights for laid-off employees and additional severance pay. This development occurs amidst ongoing workforce reductions at Microsoft's gaming division.
"It's a new day at Blizzard": Union wins historic contract protecting 1,900 World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and more workers as Microsoft plans another 1,600 layoffs
Blizzard Entertainment union members, represented by the CWA, have secured a new contract covering 1,900 workers across titles like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. The agreement includes strong protections against layoffs and mandates negotiation over the use of AI in game development. This comes as parent company Microsoft plans further layoffs across Xbox.
Nearly two thousand Blizzard developers secure a union contract that includes AI safeguards and layoff protection
Nearly two thousand unionized Blizzard Entertainment developers, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have secured a new contract. This agreement includes wage increases, a hybrid work week, and significant protections regarding layoffs and the use of artificial intelligence in development. CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. lauded the contract as a new industry standard.
Blizzard union workers ratify historic contract covering 1,900 employees
Employees at Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Microsoft, have ratified a new union contract covering 1,900 workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The historic agreement includes protections for AI usage, layoff recall rights, improved severance, wage increases, and a three-day hybrid work week, setting a new industry standard.
Xbox Game Pass Adds A Great Call Of Duty Game Today
Xbox Game Pass has added Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to its service starting September 8. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the 2020 title is available on Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass, supporting cloud streaming. This addition marks a selective approach by Microsoft to integrate Activision Blizzard titles into the subscription service.
UK software sales chart for the week ending September 5, 2026 – Onimusha, Orbitals debut
The UK software sales chart for the week ending September 5, 2026, shows Onimusha: Way of the Sword debuting at #2 with 87% of sales on PlayStation 5. The Nintendo Switch exclusive Orbitals launched at #3. The Blood of Dawnwalker took the top spot.
September 2026 Nintendo Direct predictions
This article speculates on potential announcements for upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, focusing on predictions for the September 2024 events. It covers potential reveals for remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, new entries in series like Metroid, and updates for existing titles such as Pikmin 4, while also discussing rumors and leaks.
After a massive 2021 office expansion, Bungie is now trying to sublease its 211,000 square foot headquarters
Bungie is attempting to sublease its massive 211,000 square foot headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, which it expanded in 2021. The move comes after multiple rounds of layoffs and a shift to a digital-first and remote work model, rendering the large office space unnecessary. The company's overextension is highlighted as a contributing factor to the industry's recent cost-cutting measures.
Something Is Brewing With StarCraft
Blizzard Entertainment has sparked speculation about new StarCraft content with "glitching" visual elements on the official StarCraft Remastered website, ahead of BlizzCon. While the franchise has been largely dormant, rumors of a StarCraft shooter and Nexon's potential interest in a new RTS have surfaced, raising hopes for fans of the acclaimed strategy series.
"We can get any IP" - Saber CCO on why reviving dormant franchises is the big, obvious secret the the publisher's success, and why Xbox could learn from it
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits believes the company's success stems from its strategy of reviving dormant franchises and ensuring projects can generate four times their cost. He highlighted titles like World War Z and Snow Runner as examples of profitable ventures, and suggested that larger companies like Microsoft could benefit from a similar approach by revitalizing underutilized IPs.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 29, 2026 – Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition debut
The UK software sales chart for the week ending August 29, 2026, sees Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 debut at number one, with 80% of sales on PlayStation 5. Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition enters at number five. The chart also features strong performances from other major titles like EA Sports FC 26 and Pokemon Pokopí.
StarCraft 3 rumors resurface as new report claims Nexon and IP owner Blizzard are nearly ready to finalize a deal
Rumors suggest that Nexon is close to finalizing a deal with Blizzard Entertainment to acquire the development rights for the StarCraft franchise, potentially leading to the creation of StarCraft 3. The report indicates that Nexon has already begun work on a hypothetical StarCraft sequel, separate from Blizzard's own internal efforts.
GTA 6 Removes The Series’ Worst Feature
Grand Theft Auto 6 will remove the series' traditional mash-or-hold face button sprinting mechanic in favor of clicking the analog stick, a change that Rockstar Games apparently agrees is overdue. This update, along with other features like a larger map and new systems, aims to make the game a massive entertainment launch.
