Who Owns Blizzard? A Comprehensive Guide

Blizzard Entertainment is one of the most iconic video game developers in the world, responsible for beloved franchises like Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo. But who actually owns Blizzard? The answer is a bit complicated, but here’s a comprehensive guide to the company’s ownership history:

Early Years: The Founding of Blizzard

Blizzard Entertainment was founded in 1991 by three UCLA graduates: Michael Morhaime, Frank Pearce, and Allen Adham.
The company’s first game was The Lost Vikings, released in 1992.
Blizzard’s breakthrough success came with the release of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans in 1994.

Blizzard’s Relationship with Sierra On-Line

In 1994, Blizzard signed a deal with Sierra On-Line to distribute its games.
Sierra provided Blizzard with funding and marketing support, helping the company to grow rapidly.
However, in 1996, Blizzard bought back the rights to its games from Sierra.

Acquisition by Vivendi Universal

In 1998, Blizzard was acquired by Vivendi Universal, a French media conglomerate.
Vivendi gave Blizzard financial resources and support, but it also interfered with the company’s creative process.
In 2003, Blizzard’s founders and other key employees left the company due to disagreements with Vivendi.

Activision Blizzard: A New Era

In 2008, Activision Blizzard was formed through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games.
Activision Blizzard became the parent company of Blizzard Entertainment.
Under Activision Blizzard, Blizzard has continued to release successful games, including World of Warcraft, StarCraft II, and Overwatch.

Conclusion

Today, Blizzard Entertainment is one of the most valuable video game companies in the world. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, which is in turn owned by Microsoft.

Blizzard’s history is a story of innovation, success, and change. The company has overcome many challenges over the years, but it has always remained committed to creating high-quality games for its fans.

Also Read: What Is The Law Of Agency In Real Estate

Recommend: Who Is Icp Signed With

Related Posts: How Do You Make Money On Options

Also Read: How Can You Avoid Highway Hypnosis When You Are Driving

Recommend: How Long To House Train A Dog