Founding (1979)

Activision was established in 1979 by four former Atari game developers: David Crane, Larry Kaplan, Alan Miller, and Bob Whitehead, along with businessman Jim Levy. The company was created because Atari did not credit or adequately reward individual game developers. Activision became the first company to publish games independently for another company’s console, pioneering the modern third-party publishing model used throughout the gaming industry today. 2

Growth During the 1980s

Throughout the early 1980s, Activision released many commercially successful Atari 2600 games, including Pitfall!, River Raid, Kaboom!, Enduro, and Keystone Kapers. The company quickly became one of the largest software publishers for home consoles.

Challenges in the Late 1980s

Following the 1983 video game market crash, Activision faced financial difficulties. To survive, the company expanded into business software and temporarily changed its name to Mediagenic. However, poor financial performance eventually led to new management taking control.

Rebirth Under Bobby Kotick (1991)

In 1991, investor Bobby Kotick acquired the struggling company. He reorganized the business and restored the Activision brand name. Over the following decades, Activision expanded aggressively by acquiring numerous development studios and publishing increasingly successful franchises. 2

Some notable acquisitions include Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Raven Software, Neversoft, High Moon Studios, Beenox, Sledgehammer Games, and Toys for Bob (formerly under Activision Blizzard). These studios became responsible for many of Activision’s flagship franchises.

In 2008, Activision merged with Vivendi Games, owner of Blizzard Entertainment. The new company became Activision Blizzard. This merger brought together major franchises including Call of Duty, Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft, Overwatch, Guitar Hero, and Crash Bandicoot. The combined company became one of the largest video game publishers in the world. 3

On October 13, 2023, Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a deal valued at approximately $69 billion, one of the largest acquisitions in technology history. Following the acquisition, Activision became part of Microsoft Gaming, Xbox gained ownership of Activision’s franchises, and Activision continues operating as its own publishing label under Microsoft. 4

Call of Duty

Activision’s flagship franchise, first released in 2003. Known for first-person shooters, annual releases, Warzone, the Black Ops series, and the Modern Warfare series. It is among the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

Crash Bandicoot

Originally developed by Naughty Dog, later entries and remakes were published by Activision. Notable games include Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and Crash Team Rumble.

Spyro

A fantasy platformer featuring the purple dragon Spyro. A major release is the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

One of the highest-rated skateboarding game series. Recent releases include Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Published by Activision outside Japan and developed by FromSoftware. Winner of Game of the Year in 2019.

Activision works with numerous internal development teams, including Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Beenox, High Moon Studios, Demonware, Activision Shanghai, and Central Tech. These studios collaborate on major franchises, especially the Call of Duty series. 1

Activision earns revenue through full game sales, downloadable content (DLC), season passes, battle passes, in-game purchases, cosmetic items, live-service updates, and mobile gaming. Much of its modern business centers on recurring player engagement and digital content. 3

According to Activision, its mission is to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment while delivering unrivaled gaming experiences enjoyed by players around the world. The company emphasizes three core values: People, Innovation, and Excellence. 1

Activision is widely recognized for creating the first successful third-party game publisher, helping establish the modern video game publishing industry, popularizing annual blockbuster game releases, building some of the highest-selling entertainment franchises in history, and advancing online multiplayer, esports, and live-service gaming through series such as Call of Duty. 2

• Founded in 1979, Activision is considered the first independent third-party video game publisher.
• It has published games across more than four decades of console generations.
• Call of Duty is one of the best-selling entertainment franchises in the world.
• Since 2023, Activision has operated as a publishing label within Microsoft’s gaming organization while maintaining its own studios and brands. 2

1. Activision | About Us
2. Timeline: An infographic history of Activision Blizzard
3. Activision Blizzard | Who We Are
4. Microsoft closes deal to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard after antitrust fights