Activision Blizzard, Inc. - ATVI STOCK NEWS

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) CEO Bobby Kotick provided an update regarding the ongoing merger with Microsoft, emphasizing the strategic benefits of this collaboration, particularly in attracting talent within the competitive $200 billion gaming industry. The company has received approval from Brazil and is cooperating with global regulators, including the European Commission, as they enter the second review phase. Kotick reiterated the commitment to complete the merger within Microsoft's fiscal year ending June 2023, highlighting the potential for enhanced content creation capabilities and operational synergies.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported Q3 2022 GAAP net revenues of $1.78 billion, down from $2.07 billion in Q3 2021. GAAP EPS was $0.55, compared to $0.82 last year. Despite a 3% decline in net bookings, in-game bookings rose to $1.36 billion. Major launches included Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, which became the fastest-selling title in the franchise history, and Overwatch 2, attracting over 35 million players within a month. The company aims to grow net bookings and income by at least 20% year-over-year in Q4. Cash reserves totaled $10.9 billion.

Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II has achieved impressive milestones, grossing over $1 billion in sell-through within the first 10 days of its release on October 28, 2022. This surpasses the previous franchise record of 15 days set by Black Ops II in 2012. Player engagement is significant, with over 200 million hours played and more than 1 billion matches completed. Additionally, the game records the highest-grossing entertainment opening of 2022 and is set to continue its momentum with the upcoming Warzone 2.0 release on November 16, 2022.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II achieved a record-setting opening weekend, generating over $800 million worldwide within three days, making it the top-selling launch in the franchise's history. This achievement surpasses the box office openings of major 2022 films like Top Gun: Maverick and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The game's success also marked a new record for unique players and hours played, with the franchise anticipating further engagement with the upcoming release of Warzone 2.0 on November 16.

The launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II marks a significant moment for Activision, offering a comprehensive gaming experience across various platforms. This title features a rich single-player campaign, immersive multiplayer modes, and a cooperative Special Ops experience. Accompanied by the upcoming free-to-play Warzone 2.0 launch on November 16, which introduces a new map and gameplay innovations. The game is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, promising to set a new standard in the franchise.

Overwatch 2, launched by Blizzard Entertainment, has already attracted over 25 million players within its first ten days, significantly outperforming the original game’s peak daily player count, which was nearly tripled. The game features a new support hero, Kiriko, and includes cross-platform progression, a five-versus-five format, and new game modes. Future updates promise new heroes and maps, with a PvE mode set to launch next year. Players logging in from October 25 will receive exclusive in-game rewards.

Candy Crush Saga is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a collaboration featuring GRAMMY™ award-winning artist Meghan Trainor. On October 20, players will get exclusive 24-hour access to Trainor's music video for her new single, "Made You Look". Additionally, from October 20 - 26, Trainor will appear as a 'Candified' character in the game, enhancing the player experience with her voice and special features. Candy Crush Saga has been downloaded over 3 billion times and remains a top-grossing mobile game in the U.S.