Update: IGN has just published an interview with Mike Morhaime concerning the merger.
From the interview:
Quote:
IGN: It sounds like there are plenty of advantages to the deal. Is there anything about being part of an even larger company that you feel you'll need to watch out for in the future?
Mike Morhaime: There isn't really anything right now. I think the biggest change for us is more spotlights from financial press, which we really haven't had to deal with in the past because we've been really insulated from that in the past. One of my jobs as CEO of Blizzard Entertainment is to insulate the developers from that distraction so we can focus on making games like we always have.
Source:Mike Morhaime's Merger Interview with IGN
Today, the French telecommunications conglomerate, Vivendi Universal ( parent company of Blizzard Entertainment) announced that its gaming holdings would be merging with Activision (Guitar Hero III, Spiderman 3). Vivendi is to contribute Vivendi Games valued at $8.1 billion (this includes Blizzard Entertainment, plus $1.7 billion in cash in exchange for approximately 52% stake in Activision Blizzard (the new company) at closing;
Total Transaction Valued at $18.9 Billion.
From the Activision Blizzard FAQ:
Quote:
How will this impact Blizzard's games?
A: This will not impact Blizzard's games. We remain committed to providing the same high-quality game content and support that we always have. Development on Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II, as well as on our unannounced games, is continuing as normal.
Will there be any visible differences in Blizzard's logo or packaging/marketing materials as a result of this deal?
A: No, there won't be any changes to our company name, logo, packaging/marketing materials, or anything else along those lines.
Will there be any management changes at Blizzard as a result of this deal?
A: No, there won't be any management changes at Blizzard as a result of the combination.
Will Activision and Blizzard now share development teams?
A: No, both of our companies will continue to operate as they have previously with regard to game development.
Will the release schedules for any Blizzard games be impacted?
A: No, the transaction will not have any impact on our games, our day-to-day operations, or our release timelines.
This has shocked the gaming community and responses have been very mixed. Luckily, it seems like Blizzard will still retain its relative independence and no game plans have changed. We'll be closely watching to see what, if any, effect this has on the development or publishing of any Blizzard title, including StarCraft II.
Sources:Activision Blizzard - Official DetailsOfficial Blizzard Press ReleaseBlizzard's Merger FAQReuters ArticleBusiness Wire Article
