Activision Blizzard, Inc. - ATVI STOCK NEWS

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI) plans to release its second quarter 2022 results post-market on August 1, 2022. The company is currently involved in an acquisition by Microsoft, valued at $95.00 per share, subject to regulatory approval, expected to close by the end of Microsoft's fiscal year on June 30, 2023. Due to this acquisition, Activision will not host a conference call or provide earnings guidance for the quarter. Both companies' boards and Activision's shareholders have approved the acquisition.

Blizzard Entertainment has completed its acquisition of Boston-based Proletariat to enhance the player experience in World of Warcraft. This strategic move aims to expand development resources and improve game content delivery. Blizzard plans to hire hundreds of developers over the next two years, with Proletariat's team playing a crucial role in these efforts. The integration of Proletariat aligns with Blizzard's commitment to innovation and player satisfaction. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Akshon Media has been appointed as the official content production company for the 2022 seasons of the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League. Following a successful three-year partnership producing highlight videos for the Overwatch League, Akshon will now expand its role to include post-game highlights and additional video content. The Overwatch League features 20 teams and began its season on May 5, 2022, while the Call of Duty League includes 12 teams and has already achieved historic viewership milestones.

Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) held its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually, with 647,887,763 votes represented, marking 82.9% of total shares. All director nominees, including Lulu Cheng Meservey and Kerry Carr, were reelected with an average of 91% approval. Executive compensation received 88% support, and PwC was ratified as the independent auditor with 97% approval. A stockholder proposal for an employee representative director was rejected by 95%. However, 67% voted in favor of a report on workplace efforts. Results will be certified and reported in a Form 8-K.

Blizzard Entertainment has announced the pre-purchase availability of Dragonflight, the latest expansion for World of Warcraft, set to launch later this year. The expansion takes players to the newly awakened Dragon Isles with new zones and features like Dragonriding. Digital pre-purchase options include Base ($49.99), Heroic ($69.99), and Epic editions ($89.99), each offering unique bonuses. Additionally, a boxed Collector’s Set is available, including exclusive merchandise. This expansion aims to enhance player experience with significant updates and a new playable class.

King has acquired Peltarion, a Swedish AI software company known for its no-code machine learning platform. This strategic move aims to enhance King’s AI and machine learning capabilities, contributing to innovative game design and operations. With 250 million monthly active users, King expects this acquisition to deliver more engaging content. The Peltarion leadership team will join King to further develop AI initiatives. Financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but it is seen as a significant step toward leveraging AI for better player experiences in mobile gaming.

Blizzard Entertainment announced the launch of Diablo IV in 2023, introducing the Necromancer as the fifth playable class. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with cross-play support. Players can explore a massive world filled with over 140 dungeons and engage in various activities, such as Nightmare Dungeons and PvP zones. The game emphasizes player choice and expansive character customization, promising an adventurous experience in the Sanctuary realm.

Overwatch 2 will launch on October 4 with dynamic PvP content on various platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. This update features a new five-versus-five multiplayer format, cross-platform play, and a free-to-play model. Players will encounter a new tank hero, Junker Queen, alongside the game's significant updates such as new heroes, maps, and modes. Blizzard Entertainment promises ongoing updates for Overwatch 2, ensuring an evolving competitive experience.

On June 10, 2022, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick announced negotiations with the Communications Workers of America for 27 quality assurance employees at Raven Software. The company aims to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement to enhance workplace inclusivity and game quality. Recent investments include increased pay, converting temporary QA workers to full-time, and expanding performance bonuses. Kotick emphasized the importance of this opportunity for employees and the company's ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment.