Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update] - Kotaku Comments

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

larzini — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:00:33 MST

Any chance we'll the Marvel Comics, err, Entertainment franchise put into some capable hands for a proper MMORPG.

According to the Wikipedia entry for Marvel Universe Online, as of Nov. 13, 2007, "several sites...have indicated that the project is expected to be canceled within the next few weeks."

Hmmm...although Microsoft had involvement with the other project, so it may truly never see the light of day.

larzini

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ShaggyB — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:08:58 MST

@JonRemedy: Oh no an Actizzard..... Its your turn Blizzendi. Go get him.

Ok Blizzendi hit him with "frozen throne" attack.

ShaggyB

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Arthois — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 05:38:22 MST

Well, shit.

Arthois

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

FancyRat — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:45:01 MST

@Raziel3333: Your name isn't a reference to what I think it is, is it?

FancyRat

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Rob Phelps — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:11:13 MST

Vizactabliz!

Rob Phelps

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Spartan1308™ — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:55:41 MST

Since Blizzard isn't changing and Activision has been a big name in games for 20+ years, they should probably just call it Activision.

Spartan1308™

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Thrillhaus — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:27:29 MST

Like everyone else, hate the new name. Vivendi activision would seem to make much more sense and sounds alot more natural, but then im sure the whoring of the blizzard name was done to appease the new activision stakeholders as part of the deal. Most investor types couldnt tell you what games vivendi has a hand in, but they know blizzard = world of warcraft = insane revenue stream. Especially with the expected warcraft movie on the way, the blizzard name has never been more reputable or marketable. This sucks for long-time fans who have come to equate the blizzard name with guaranteed quality, as they start seeing shit like blizzard presents: spiderman 4 or blizzard presents: barbie island princess 2, but such is the way of big business. Heck, back in the genesis days, the name "electronic arts" used to guarantee a pretty damn good game too. Oh well, le sigh...

Thrillhaus

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

JOAT — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 22:14:39 MST

I swear to God if they become like EA, someone is going to be poked to death.

JOAT

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Coherent — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:43:14 MST

@DrakeLake: Maybe you'll get an Interstate 76 MMO now :) I'd play it!

Coherent

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

slimky — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:34:49 MST

That's a big news. As most of the Kotakuites, I didn't see that one coming. I would call it a way to put pressure on EA. And I really think that EA will be thinking again for a fusion with another player (*cough* Ubisoft *cough*) if tehy want to keep the lead.

The bad side of this fusion is the dillution of the brand names. Blizzard means litterally "AAA-Titles" and taking this name to create a new compagny is like sucking their success and maybe lowering it. Smells bad.

slimky

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

belo — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:30:18 MST

Thats... interesting. Crappy name though.

@CrimzinD: WTF you're plugging on Kotaku? lol least its not monday....

belo

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

andregalan — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:23:44 MST

Egads what the hell are you people on. First off, Blizzard is not changing hands! Vivendi Games has owned Blizzard for years. They're just merging Vivendi Games with Activision. Also, the board will be majority controlled by Vivendi.

"Activision Blizzard" is just the stockholder name, it'll appear on press releases and NOTHING ELSE. Not Blizzard games, not Activision games!

This is not the apocalypse that some of you mouthbreathers are making it out to be, nothing will change, at all, in any way that will affect you unless you own stock.

andregalan

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

vine — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:19:47 MST

Yay, a new EA for us to flame in all the message boards. With what I've heard from colleagues working for Vivendi I'm sure this will turn into a spectacular cluster f**k. I can't wait for World of Warcraft 2009 "Quest For Yet 10 More Levels".

vine

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ScytheRexx — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:17:54 MST

@Heliophage:

I can understand the lack of trust under this situation, since Blizzard is not the one themselves that handle the cash.

My thing is, that everyone said the same things when Vivendi bought Blizzard, and we still have people saying Blizzard has "gone downhill" since that day, something I disgree with in every fiber of my being. Vivendi has shown great restraint in pushing around Blizzard because they are the golden egg, and since Vivendi own MAJORITY share, I don't see the policies they have put with Blizzard changing anytime soon.

This merger was more of a way to consolidate resources, and while in the past things have gone sour from mergers, I have faith Vivendi, owning majority share, would not allow Activisions minority share to drive a wedge in such a strong brand.

ScytheRexx

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

SuperMaxZero — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:46:54 MST

Guitarcraft should be awesome. Pick a song, get units based on your performance, maneuver for awhile until time is up, and then you have the final showodown super rocking climax section. Perfect!

SuperMaxZero

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

guy_jin — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:46:43 MST

all hail Actiblizzard!

(at least, until people start blaming a decline in blizz games to activision's influence.)

guy_jin

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Babygames — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:33:06 MST

Its going to be harder and harder to find a good job in this industry, without the hollywood approach to it...

Babygames

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Wyld — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:24:40 MST

"Good games for the people"?

I wish. now wow will have AD´s and you can get to lvl 90 with a click.

Wyld

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Heliophage — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:57:28 MST

@ScytheRexx:

As much as I'd like to believe that, that disclaimer is always reiterated when a merger occurs. BioWare has said the same thing for their merger with EA, but if prior acquisitions are of any indication, that clearly won't be the case after a year.

The biggest thing to note is that they don't forsee any changes as a result of the new management in the parent company. That's hardly any consolation, considering past instances that suggest the contrary.

Heliophage

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Ed-the-Third — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:32:17 MST

@17-A: How is this any better?! Now they'll have Starcraft 2 full of ads for junk like Axe and they'll transform the game into a hollow copy of the original.

They'll market it with famous astronauts like... well I don't know any astronauts who would be interested in RTS games, but they'll find one.

Ed-the-Third

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ScytheRexx — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:30:02 MST

Please everyone, Blizzard is not changing because the merger had nothing to do with them on the development scale.

Vivendi Games and Activision merged, and named it Activision Blizzard to cash in on Blizzard popularity, but Blizzard themselves are not changing anything, they still have exclusive self-publishing rights. Vivendi gave Blizzard lots of freedom because they knew how Blizzard became a success, and Vivendi still has majority share of the new management company.

Blizzard is not even going to have "Activision Blizzard" on the box.

ScytheRexx

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

WhiskeyJak — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:05:07 MST

Haha, and Riccitiello (EA's big boss) was saying that there wouldn't be any more major mergers in the industry for a while.

WhiskeyJak

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

huginn — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:59:25 MST

Activison has a history of rushed games, and blizz has a history of gold taking as long as it needs.

This is not good!!!

huginn

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

RavingRabbid — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:58:45 MST

Like banks in the early 1990s, more conglomerates are going to pop up in the gaming industry. We have reached the point where video games are becoming a lucrative medium, since they are the only true form of interactive media. With the Wii, Halo 3, and everything else, EA's boss did a 180 from the reality: it will be a conglomerate war this generation, and so many developers will be bought out. First EA buys BioWare and Pandemic, now Activision Blizzard. I see something happening with Sega down the road. Bye-bye local banks in the early 90s, bye-bye small developers now. It's inevitable.

RavingRabbid

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

elevenoverzero — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:39:54 MST

World of Guitar Hero would rule...

elevenoverzero

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Mr. Fap☆Fap! — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:38:26 MST

Activizzle.
...for shizzle, my rizzle tizzle nizzle.

Mr. Fap☆Fap!

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Frank — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:34:20 MST

They probably need someplace to offload Starcraft: Ghost.

Either way, welcome to the new gaming Global Community.

Frank

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

munkah — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:17:34 MST

ACTIVEBLIZZ

munkah

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

robinhood1013 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:15:20 MST

oh my freaking goodness.....

robinhood1013

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

OrionTheSmiter — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:10:27 MST

'Big Mergers Are Off The Menu', Says EA Boss

Right there on the sidebar when you read this article. Hilarious.

OrionTheSmiter

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Americo — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:07:58 MST

@Lyme: Which one is which?

Americo

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Americo — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 16:06:54 MST

Just as a time saver, I'll be referring to this monstrosity as "Azzard".

Americo

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Flakor — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:48:30 MST

As long as it doesn't effect Blizzard I am alright with it.

Flakor

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Huxle — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:40:36 MST

@ShaggE:

Very scary, I think there's a deeper meaning behind this merge. It's the Davinci Code all over again. The Davactivisioninci Code

Huxle

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Codexx — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:51:51 MST

Blizzard should have gotten out of their with it's money while it had the chance.

Codexx

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Saith17 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:46:43 MST

@Spiderbait: Agreed, i mean they were probably just sitting there... "Who could we buy?"

Also, the press release does pretty blatantly say, " we're making a console game...
"This alliance is a major strategic step for Vivendi and is another illustration of our drive to extend our presence in the entertainment sector"

And, IMO Activizard or keeping Blizzard would have been best.

Saith17

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

JoyOfJoys — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:17:29 MST

ActiBlizzCon.
Don't like the sound, for branding reasons they better not modify either when it comes to any upcoming game... nor should they include Guitar Hero/Quake Tournaments in between SC2 and WoWArena at events.
Activison Blizzard is a HORRID name and the thought of it rubs me the wrong way.
Aside from that, it could work out nicely, at the very least for guitar hero fans, as previously pointed out.

JoyOfJoys

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Melnikai — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:09:50 MST

Through the Fire and the Flames on Expert is no match for my lvl. 70 Night Elf Warrior

Melnikai

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Atheist Jew — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:09:06 MST

Considering how Vivendi Universal is one of the most evil conglomerates on the planet, this is not good.

SHIT, even.

Atheist Jew

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Lyme — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:07:30 MST

It is the beginning of the end! A well performer merging with a underperformer.

Lyme

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

superbeast1370 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:42:49 MST

Two colossal Egos merging. If they're gonna give EA some serious (and I mean SERIOUS) competition, Then I'm all for it.

superbeast1370

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Moonshadow101 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:38:41 MST

@Raziel3333: Activision's ranked higher than EA for a while.

Moonshadow101

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

knulpm — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:38:12 MST

It's already begun! Look what dropped for me in WoW today:

Ancient Les Paul of Smiting
Epic
Two Handed Axe
666-1111 Speed 1.1
807.7 Damage per second
+666 Strength
+666 Stamina
+666 Agility
Chance on Hit: Enter "Solo" mode

"The Axe of an Epic Shredder"

knulpm

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Spiderbait — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:29:33 MST

Huh, guess Blizzard finally found something to do with that shitload of money. Not only buy Activision but also have the new company named Activision Blizzard. As in Blizzard not Vivendi games.

Spiderbait

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Dakkonfire — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:18:26 MST

WHAAA?!?! Worlds are colliding. What the hell?! I... I...***

Dakkonfire

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Crosswayboy — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:13:30 MST

I'm starting to wonder whether Activizzard and EA might someday merge to create the ultimate publisher and just say:

'Fuck Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft... let's just make our own single platform and be done with it.'

Crosswayboy

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Mattz — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:09:20 MST

:( This means an end to the sheer excellence of Blizzard titles as they farm them out to a dev who's more interested in punting out unimaginative rehashes than an actual gaming experience
Also @RavenGT : I would totally play that :D

Mattz

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

The Vampire Raziel — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:04:29 MST

did i just hear EA shudder cause theres a company that not exsactly a contender but almost or as big as them?

The Vampire Raziel

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

BlahDev — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:03:10 MST

@uppitycracker: Sounds like Shadowrun with guitars to me. ;)

BlahDev

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

bugula — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:00:58 MST

andrewmp: right on

Can't help but imagine that Vivendi's music properties had something to do with this. Rock Band might end up on even ground.

bugula

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Sugoi — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:57:53 MST

I guess theoretically this could turn Activision around but... dear god... that name is just horrible! It isn't even easy to condense like squeenix!

Just call it Blizzard and be done with it. C'mon, you know you want to cash in on that solid brand name you got going there, Vivendi.

Sugoi

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

scarshapedstar — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:57:17 MST

By Jove, I've got it! They can make World War II Online!

Wait... never mind.

scarshapedstar

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

MasterSauce — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:54:49 MST

Good. Cow.

Perhaps then my dream of having a FPS variant of Starcraft will come true...in seven to ten years.

MasterSauce

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

spaceJASE — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:54:12 MST

Activendi

Maybe they'll shorten it to "AB Games" ala EA.

This is a pretty big holiday present for some people...

Hopefully games won't suffer for it.

spaceJASE

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

OmegaKulu — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:49:24 MST

Oh wow... what a news for sunday morning... glade Vivendi is getting majority tho.

OmegaKulu

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Yacjuman — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:48:27 MST

hopefully Blizzard will be able to outsource some of their development to Activision. more blizzard games plz :)

Yacjuman

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

HikariOblivion — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:47:41 MST

wow, Activision have been sucking of late, so, here's the confirmation: now they'll suck even more!

endless Guitar Hero sequel-whoring in 3.. 2...

HikariOblivion

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ScytheRexx — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:45:28 MST

All this really means is that Activision and Blizzard individually are going to have a much larger pool of money for development, they are not bleeding into eachother since Blizzard, Sierra, Neversoft, etc... are all going to stay individual companies.

Blizzard is even keeping it own publishing rights, everything will still be sold under the "Blizzard" name.

ScytheRexx

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Mister Adequate — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:44:36 MST

Active Lizard.

Mister Adequate

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Dopefish — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:40:57 MST

Can you imagine if Blizzard had bought out BioWare or something instead? This is still great news, but man...

Dopefish

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Scherzo — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:40:56 MST

Does this mean that I have to beat Through the Fire and Flames on expert to get my Tier 7? >.>

Scherzo

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

argh — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:36:38 MST

That is pretty huge.

Activision & Blizzard >>>>>> EA & Bioware

And I love Bioware :(.

argh

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Mogs — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:33:23 MST

@cchrist:

I sense a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of independent developers cried out in unison and were suddenly...silenced.

Mogs

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

JoyOfJoys — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:31:52 MST

Do-not-call-it-THAT.
For even simple branding purposes, Blizzard and all that it has done, should be identified as Blizzard, it rubs me the wrong way to even think of the presentation logo.
Anyone looking forward to hearing all the news from ActiBlizzCon? Guitar Hero Tournament now included alongside Starcraft, WC3 and Arena! ... Yeah.

JoyOfJoys

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

StrikerGold — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:30:23 MST

should be *helm* not *help*

StrikerGold

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

StrikerGold — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:29:49 MST

Hmmm.... Ulitmate Alliance (or at least an X-men game) with Blizzard at the help would be sweet. Too bad most of the Diablo creators are gone now.

Still seems like an odd combo, but this could mean the return of Blizzard games to consoles.

StrikerGold

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Brianvis — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:29:31 MST

Activision Blizzard: Sounds like something you would get from Dairy Queen.

Brianvis

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Al2x — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:26:36 MST

Does this mean Activision is even colder to their customers (Wii owners) now that their name includes a blizzard?

Al2x

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

CrimzinD — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:25:36 MST

@Maldron: Nah. Gmail rules all spam with it's awesome filter hammers.

CrimzinD

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

supercrap — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:21:14 MST

Activizzle Veblizzle

supercrap

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Cchrist — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:16:33 MST

@Mogs:
We're gonna need a bigger boat?

Cchrist

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Mogs — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:15:05 MST

I have a bad feeling about this...

Mogs

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

AndrewMP — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:14:29 MST

Congratulations Guitar Hero, you just received complete access to the whole Vivendi Universal Music Group library -- the world's largest record label.

The "Rock Band/MTV/EA vs. Guitar Hero/UMG/Activision Blizzard"-fight just got cranked to 11!

AndrewMP

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Sober — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:13:33 MST

Everyone please stop the Guitar Hero/Call of Duty + (World of) WarCraft/Starcraft inventions, you know that'll never happen unless the board of directors decide to all eat a 9mm somewhere down the line.

The worst we could see is the Activision logo at the start of StarCraft II (which I still highly doubt will ever see).

Sober

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Draconis — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:12:54 MST

Holy hell. As if there weren't enough news bombshells in the last couple of days.

Draconis

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Polluted — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:10:57 MST

@DrakeLake:

I'm pretty sure they made Interstate '82 at some point. You could get out of your car in that one. I don't recall if you could in '76.

Polluted

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

thomas c — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:09:46 MST

wow, i didn't realize vivendi was so enormous. then again, i haven't brushed up on my knowledge of french megacorporations in a few evers.

thomas c

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

compyadmin — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:09:06 MST

AHHH HELP!!! AHH HELP!! AHHH HELP!!! AHHHH HELP!!! LITTLE HELP HERE!!! JARED!! AHH HELP!!

compyadmin

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

RavenGT — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:08:38 MST

World of Call of Duty
Lich King's Pro Skater: Azeroth Wasteland
Warcraft Hero (?)

RavenGT

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ghnvt — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:08:15 MST

EA is gonna have a huge hangover tomorrow after they drink their brand new problems away. BOOM HEADSHOT EA.

ghnvt

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ScytheRexx — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:08:13 MST

Just so everyone knows, Blizzard is not changing. This merger was between Vivendi Games and Activision.

The new company, Activision Blizzard, is going to be the main company, just like Vivedni Games has been, while Blizzard itself is a sub-company that retains all its freedoms its always had under Vivendi Games.

[www.blizzard.com]

Blizzard will still be Blizzard, BlizzCon will still be BlizzCon, they will not even change the packaging or the logo, because the only thing that changed is the company that they send the massive checks to.

ScytheRexx

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

blankfacehooker — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:06:52 MST

vivendi is a HUGE company, they own blizzard..but they also own interscope records..which owns a bunch of other record companies..i think they also own some tv stations maybe..i may be off on that..but they are in a lot of different things.

blankfacehooker

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

tk. — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:06:51 MST

World of Kaboomcraft!

tk.

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

oneofmanynicks — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:06:00 MST

@SuperCracker: Supercracker? or did you mean Nick? lol

oneofmanynicks

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Medicine Seller [ZTF] — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:05:50 MST

@WillSerenity: Even if WoW makes a lot of money, Blizzard itself doesn't see much of it. Also, it seems like Vivendi gives them pretty wide creative liscense, so why bother?

Medicine Seller [ZTF]

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

BigChiefSmokem — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:04:33 MST

note that the word Activision comes before the word Blizzard

that is NOT a good sign

BigChiefSmokem

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

SteveBOX360 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:04:29 MST

ya right!

SteveBOX360

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

WillSerenity — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:02:56 MST

I think Blizzard should pull a Bungie and buy themselves from Vivendi. Heck, WoW alone makes enough for all of them to retire...and Starcraft 2 is like that IRA you let sit for 30 years.

This is crazy news that I don't think anyone saw coming though. It's kinda like waking up and finding out MS bought Nintendo...wai, I better not give Bill any ideas...

WillSerenity

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Maldron — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:02:38 MST

@CrimzinD man alive you are probably going to regret putting your e-mail in properly...

good luck on your paper.

Maldron

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Stormrider — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:01:57 MST

This is crazy. These two companies were already flipping huge, and now getting together makes them enormous. I'm going to be interested to see how both the American and French governments react to this merger, because after this 'Activision Blizzard' (which is an awful name, as stated by other commenters) will be far and away the largest third party publisher. Hell, Activision was catching up to EA even before all this happened. As long as this doesn't affect Brutal Legend, I guess I don't have a problem with it, but this is still totally unexpected.

Stormrider

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ShaggE — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:01:28 MST

@huxle: I get Bald Razz Ionic Visit.

Scary.

ShaggE

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Iceman B. — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:59:28 MST

Starcraft Hero, bring it on :D

Iceman B.

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

SpishackCola — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:57:13 MST

So, does that mean World of Pro Skateboarding will be coming soon?

I'm totally gonna be a Draenei street hunter with proficiencies in rail grinding, marksmanship, and urban tracking.

SpishackCola

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

nman — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:55:45 MST

I can just imagine people playing World of Guitar Hero... Spending 15 hours a day making money to buy better riffs, or unlocking more notes that they can use when fighting groupies.

nman

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

thomas c — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:54:07 MST

activision is a name that traces its roots to the beginnings of the industry. it's like the acquisition of at&t by SBC and then SBC changing its name to at&t...regardless of relative success, there is more public awareness of the older of the two companies. (more applicable to this industry would be the infogrames-atari relationship.) blizzard is considered one of the world's best developers and a cash cow. vivendi had nothing to lose in giving up its identity to a company within its own ranks that more people can identify.

what i don't get is: how is vivendi acquiring activision and not the other way around? activision has been on somewhat of a roll lately and it's pretty common knowledge they had usurped EA's number one third party status. what gives? anyone know how vivendi was able to do that?

by the way, if you haven't played "activision anthology" on the ps2, treat yourself. it's totally rad. to the max.

thomas c

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Huxle — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:53:58 MST

If you take the words from Activision and Blizzard, it rearranges to:

Bad Violins Zitarics

What could this mean? Violin Hero? Bad guitar lyrics? Zit guitars? We'll never know...

Huxle

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

JonRemedy — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:52:50 MST

Actizard, I choose you!

JonRemedy

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Shadowmist — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:51:53 MST

Wow... I mean, wow... Completely out of the blue. Talk about being blindsided here. I hope this doesn't effect Starcraft 2 or whatever...

Shadowmist

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:51:47 MST

@Roxeraz: He said GOOD sequel...

TalKeaton: A Force to be Reckoned With

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Rumbletown — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:51:26 MST

Anyone know if this will make them the new big guy on the block? It sounded like it would in the press release. I wonder how EA feels about all this.

Blizzactive Games ftw...

Rumbletown

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

pcgecko85 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:51:15 MST

just get rid of the activision name, people like blizzard better anyways

pcgecko85

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

SuperCracker — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:51:12 MST

@oneofmanynicks:
You stole my name. *Seppuku*

SuperCracker

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

diablodevil2 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:50:18 MST

@mespme: Diablo 3? Sadly probably less likely then those >.<

@oneofmanynicks: Eerie indeed o.o;

As far as the name...hmm...too bad Snowblind is taken. Maybe...spluh. No wonder they didn't bother trying, this is hard >.<

diablodevil2

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

CrimzinD — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:50:06 MST

I apologize for the below off-topicness.

I'm currently writing a research paper for my godforsaken freshman comp class, about the flawed ESRB rating system. I heard, or read something from a reviewer about Manhunt 2, about how they played the unedited/uncensored version, and they said it didn't desevere the AO rating.

I'm trying to figure out where I read/heard this. I know if I heard it, it was on the 1up yours podcast, but hell if I know which one, and I don't have the sanity to spare searching through 15+ 3 hour podcasts. Not to mention the time.

Of course, I would be just as happy with ANY reviewer or publication that states that the uncensored version of Manhunt didn't deserve the rating it go.

Thanks for any info. I'll be checking in here regularly, or hit me at CrimzinD@gmail.com

CrimzinD

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Roxeraz — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:49:46 MST

@Drakelake
You did, it's called Interstate 82, and it came out 8 years ago...

Roxeraz

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Furious_Liver — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:48:40 MST

World of Duty.

Furious_Liver

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Tull — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:46:05 MST

I wonder how long before EA goes after Take-Two with an offer even those guys can't refuse.

Tull

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ShaggE — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:44:45 MST

@Sasuntsi Davit: Vizzactive? Think of the Snoop Dogg endorsements!

ShaggE

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

jayntampa — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:44:26 MST

@dblueguy: It's time to form Blizzion! Starcraft and Diablo, you form the legs! World of Warcraft and Call of Duty, you from the arms! And, I'll form the head! Blizzion is GO!!!!!!

jayntampa

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Huxle — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:44:12 MST

Wa wa wee wa, great success!

Huxle

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Sasuntsi|Davit — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:42:19 MST

World of GuitarCraft: Duty Calls, brought to you by
Universal Vizzactive!

Sasuntsi|Davit

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

BolognaFire — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:38:53 MST

I haven't done a double take when reading Kotaku since Crecente put on the Master Chief helmet.

BolognaFire

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

notquiteallhere — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:38:19 MST

@cchrist: Bunny gets my vote.

Imagine if EA tried a rebranding like this with Mythic, Bioware and Pandemic...!

Seriously, why not just call it Blizzard? They have, after all, just made Activision their bitch.

notquiteallhere

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

The_Inquisitor — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:37:21 MST

I think Juggernaut: Crusher of Men, Destroyer of Dreams is more appropriate - but I suppose it doesn't fit to well on the letterhead.

The_Inquisitor

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Sheogorath — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:36:44 MST

Huh, maybe they'll finally get around to making Evil Genius 2.

Sheogorath

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

StupidDufus — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:35:07 MST

I'm interested now in seeing how this all plays out.

StupidDufus

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

uppitycracker — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:33:51 MST

call of the world of guitar duty craft hero, there we go, got the perfect name for the game! now time to develop it!

just slap some shit together with machine guns, spells, and a world war between two fantasy-driven races, all along the road to superstardome and we'll have the next big MMO!

uppitycracker

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

humorbot — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:31:39 MST

Homina homina homina!! First Electronic-Pande-Bio-Arts-Ware, now Activizard... There will be more. Looks backwards a few decades at the movie studios and other big media and all the condensation that happened there. Once the money reaches a sort of critical mass and competition becomes excruciating, the mergers commence.

humorbot

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Heliophage — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:31:38 MST

@ShaggE:

Does Viblactiv sound like a gastrointestinal medicine to anyone else?

Heliophage

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Raynre — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:31:25 MST

Yep... yep, I'm tasting smoke. Something fried itself in my brain.

...

WHY?

Raynre

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

mespme — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:29:36 MST

world of guitar? warcraft hero? world of call of duty?

mespme

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Pseudo94 — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:29:22 MST

They really should have named the new company Project Origin.

Pseudo94

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Cchrist — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:29:19 MST

@Heliophage:

Blizzard Activision?
Active Blizzard?
Blizzard Vision?
Bunny?
Blact?
Blizzion?
Actard?
Very cold sight doing something?

Cchrist

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

TheRemedy — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:29:07 MST

Blizzavision Universal!

TheRemedy

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

cynopt — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:28:35 MST

Blizzivision: both a name for the new company, and for the eye disorder that causes launch-dates to appear years closer than they really are.

cynopt

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

The SmacK — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:28:20 MST

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa....

Are you tellin me Blizzard and Id Software could possibly, maybe, work on a game together in the future.

This could be nifty....very nifty....

The SmacK

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Raynre — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:26:24 MST

Wait wait wait wait. Wait.

...

Wha?

I think something short-circuited in my mind...

Raynre

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

ShaggE — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:25:14 MST

Gotta throw the Vivendi name in too. Vivevisioblindi. Blivension. Viblactiv. Blactivendi.

I'm having way too much fun with this.

Actizzarvend.

I'll stop.

ShaggE

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

akwinters — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:22:20 MST

Activision is the new bully on the playground now - move aside, EA!

akwinters

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Raynre — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:22:19 MST

Hubba-wha?

Raynre

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Drake Lake: Encased in a Circuit Board — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:22:06 MST

I'm never gonna get my good Interstate 76 sequel, am I? :(

Drake Lake: Encased in a Circuit Board

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

captronj — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:21:26 MST

@uppitycracker: Uh yea, turns out in the next expansion that Al Queda is part of the Burning Legion and Osama bin Laden is a Pit Lord - Whoa?!?!?!

captronj

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

dblueguy — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:18:55 MST

Blizzion would be a better name!

dblueguy

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

captronj — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:18:52 MST

Blizzard has made like, what, 15 games ever? And they have sold so well that they are a huge part of a $18.9 Billion Merger? That's what I call talent.

captronj

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

oneofmanynicks — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:18:23 MST

Sorry to steal this from the penny arcade guys but its kinda spooky in relation to the Call of Duty/World of Warcraft posts

[www.penny-arcade.com]

oneofmanynicks

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Proz — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:15:32 MST

Actually it is time to come up with the crossover titles.

Diablo Hero
Tony Hawk Craft
Zerg of Duty

Proz

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

uppitycracker — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:15:06 MST

Does this mean Call of the world of Duty craft? Modern crusade maybe? Wewt!

uppitycracker

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

dMage — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:13:42 MST

why did this happen?

and yes, the name Activision Blizzard sounds terrible.

dMage

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

17-A — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:12:09 MST

@Roxeraz: I'm just glad it wasn't EA who merged with Vivendi....

@Heliophage: Blizzard-Vision: Active!

17-A

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

LittleBallOfHate — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:12:00 MST

Actiblizzion.

LittleBallOfHate

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

dead_red_eyes — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:10:50 MST

Actard?
Blizzvision?

Muahahaha!

dead_red_eyes

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Touy — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:10:33 MST

I bet that guy who said that the days of huge corporate mergers the other day is doing an freakin' epic facepalm right now.

Touy

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

oneofmanynicks — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:10:17 MST

@Heliophage: Oooo, perhaps Blizzavision?

oneofmanynicks

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Leaderz0rz — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:09:57 MST

Activizzard!

Leaderz0rz

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Lixie — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:09:45 MST

IW and Blizzard making an MMOFPS would be a dream.

Lixie

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

dead_red_eyes — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:09:36 MST

"Activision Blizzard" ?!

What a HORRIBLE name.

dead_red_eyes

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Roxeraz — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:08:31 MST

EA just felt a little smaller

Roxeraz

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

Heliophage — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:07:55 MST

Activision Blizzard is a horrible name.

I trust that many of my fellow Kotakuites could do better... any takers?

Heliophage

Vivendi Games and Activision Merge to Create Activision Blizzard [Update]

WaterMedia — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:06:25 MST

WHA?!

I mean.

WHA?!

WaterMedia