Microsoft Gaming to Layoff Nearly 650 Employees
The unfortunate move follows a previous wave of staff cuts earlier this year, after the newly acquired Activision Blizzard division sought to reduce “areas of overlap.”
Tagged With: Activision Blizzard
Pro Gamers Sue Activision for $100M Over ‘Call of Duty’ Tournament Monopoly Claims
Pro esports players Hector ‘H3cz’ Rodriguez and Seth ‘Scump’ Abner allege the company violated federal antitrust laws by coercing players and team owners to compete under ‘extortionate financial terms’ at the threat of exclusion from the Activision CoD league.
Microsoft to Layoff 1,900 Activision Blizzard, Xbox Employees
The tech giant has begun to cull workers from the newly acquired division to reduce ‘areas of overlap’ during the integration effort, with Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra also exiting the company.
It’s a Done Deal - Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase Approved
Two years after it was first announced, the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finally approves the nearly $70 billion acquisition, the largest ever in the gaming industry.
Is the CMA Set to Approve Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard?
The U.K. authority acknowledged that the restructured deal ‘makes important changes that substantially address concerns,’ in a statement last Friday, and will announce a final decision by October 6.
The Imaginarium Studios Announces New Hires
Leading mocap and performance capture company names Alex Hill business development manager for gaming, Dan Baybutt post-production supervisor, and Lucy Pennington operations managers.
In 3D, Acting, Business, Games, Jobs & Recruiting, People, Technology, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: Europe
New Microsoft Activision Deal May Finally Mean CMA Approval
The new deal divests cloud rights for existing Activision PC and console games to rival Ubisoft instead of Microsoft; the U.K. regulator has until October 18 to decide.
U.S. Court Overrules FTC’s Block of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Takeover
After winning the European Commission’s approval and triumphing over the FTC, the hard-fought acquisition may close by July 18 if the U.K.’s CMA block is rejected.
DIGIC and Axis Studios Partner on ‘Words Apart’ Animated Fantasy Adventure
The studios’ co-development projects kick off with the 4-quadrant film set in a world split by two powerful feuding brothers with clashing convictions.
Xbox Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Approved by European Commission
The approval brings the Microsoft-owned gaming behemoth one step closer to closing its nearly $70 billion purchase, but there is more work to be done before the deal is finalized.
Epic Games to Pay Record $520 Million to Settle FTC Charges Over Child Privacy and Player Manipulation
The Federal Trade Commission has accused the leading video game developer of manipulating young players into unintentional purchases, illegally collecting personal information of kids under the age of 13, and endangering children by connecting them with strangers in its hugely successful ‘Fortnight’ game.
Activision Blizzard to Cooperate with Investigations into Alleged Insider Trading
A new SEC filing confronts the company with another legal battle -- this time over violations possibly made during a meeting held before its sale to Microsoft was announced.
Activision Shareholder Lawsuits Challenge $69 Billion Sale to Microsoft
New suits allege game company’s lack of transparency about the deal, as well as company insiders’ conflicts of interest.
Sony Acquires ‘Destiny’ Developer Bungie For $3.6 Billion
Studio to become independent subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment; acquisition signals big plans for future IP, though FAQ addressing the deal says new titles won’t be published as PlayStation exclusives.
In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All
Activision Blizzard Declines to Recognize Game Workers Alliance Union
The company’s decision means that the newly formed GWA will now seek certification by way of union election.
Second Life Founder Phil Rosedale Is Positioning Platform for a Comeback
Now that metaverse-minded tech companies are catching up with his original idea, the virtual world pioneer believes it’s time to give his groundbreaking platform a second chance.
In 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, People, Technology, AR/VR/XR | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: All
Microsoft Buying Activision Blizzard in Largest Gaming Industry Deal Ever
Tech giant’s planned $68.7 billion purchase signals everyone that it’s all in on capturing future generations of gamers.
Activision Blizzard Employees Gather to Protest ‘Frat Boy’ Culture
Walkout protest follows a lawsuit filed against the gaming giant claiming a deeply abusive culture that ‘fostered sexual harassment and discrimination.’
DDEG and Lex+Otis Launch KRAKN Animation
New production studio joint venture will specialize in pre-production and animation services for real-time 2D and 3D series and features.
In 2D, 3D, Business, CG, Digital Media, Films, People, Television, Virtual Production | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News | Geographic Region: North America
Axis Creates Cinematic Trailer for New ‘Destiny’ Title
Axis and director Stuart Aitken collaborate with Bungie, Activision and Ant Farm to create a new game trailer teasing ‘Destiny: Rise of Iron’ at E3.
In 3D, CG, Games, Short Films, Visual Effects | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: Europe, North America
Matthew Hunt Joins The Refinery AV
Award-winning marketing agency expands its gaming footprint with new VP of Games/Creative Director Matthew Hunt; celebrates big night with Clio Key Art award wins.
In Awards, Business, Commercials, Games, People | ANIMATIONWorld, Headline News, VFXWorld | Geographic Region: North America
