Blizzard and Activision Announce $18.8bn Merger

[T-D-C]

Taken from Slashdot

"The BBC reports that Blizzard and Activision have announced an $18.8bn merger. Activision's CEO, Bobby Kotick, will become the head of the joint company, while Vivendi, Blizzard's current parent company, will become the largest single investor in the new group. Even with the size of the merger, the combined company will still be smaller than the industry giant EA. 'As part of the merger plan, Blizzard will invest $2bn in the new company, while Activision is putting up $1bn. The merged business will be called Activision Blizzard and its chief executive will be Activision's current CEO Bobby Kotick. Vivendi will be the biggest shareholder in the group.'"

So what do you all think? They will still be smaller than EA? I wonder if/how it will effect support for WoW?

[Firestormalpha]

Does this mean that the gaming world as we know it is going to collapse inward on itself and explode?

Rather, are we going to see more pieces of crap released for the sake of making a buck as opposed to genuinely good games?

[SpiritWarrior]

Originally Posted by T-D-C Taken from Slashdot So what do you all think? They will still be smaller than EA? I wonder if/how it will effect support for WoW?

Well WoW is their baby so I am sure Activision are thrilled to get in on that. They've done some okay games (and some not so okay games). It feels similiar to the Bioware/EA merger in a way. It also looks like these big corporate companies are realizing the obvious: Great design is what gamers want. So they see no choice but to join the reigning companies.

[ZFR]

Originally Posted by Firestormalpha Rather, are we going to see more pieces of crap released for the sake of making a buck as opposed to genuinely good games?

OK:
Can you name ONE "genuinly good game" that was released not for "the sake of making a buck"?

[Trogdor]

Untill Guitar Hero, AFAIK Activision was in a fair bit of financial trouble, but this looks like it could bump then right back into the game.

To bad for them they still don't compare to the size of EA.

[Firestormalpha]

Originally Posted by ZFR OK: Can you name ONE "genuinly good game" that was released not for "the sake of making a buck"?

Not saying the good ones aren't released for that purpose, but you have to admit there are some really crappy games out there that they didn't put any effort into but they want you to pay $30 for it.

And yes, I worded my comment poorly.

[Kakero]

WOW is a cash cow for Blizzard and of course for Vivendi. I doubt that with this merger Vivendi will pull the financial plug off Blizzard and let it rot.

Will Activision start to become like Blizzard and start to make some good games? We'll see...

[Trogdor]

I can see it now......

"Blizzard are pleased to announce a new Hero Class to be playable in the next Exciting expansion to World of Warcraft.

THE GUITAR HERO

This exciting new class brings with it what we feel was a desperatly needed addition to the Warcraft Lore scene.

The Guitar hero has many unique features such as Hammer on's....etc.etc."

[Lord of Alcohol]

I hate EA, I hope Blizz doesnt make me hate them too

[Harkoliar]

i miss mechwarrior activision did that years ago. not sure if Microsoft owns it now though.