This War Is Hell Nov 17, 2009
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Youmay have heard that sold nearly 5 million copies in North America and Britain on its first day of release last weekthat's $310 million in sales, what publisher Activision calls "the ." Nevertheless, the game's more noteworthy achievement is an artistic one: It's a first-person shooter that plays as a tragedy, not a power fantasy. It's the most anti-war war game I've ever played, a murder simulator that won't let you forget the nature of your actions. (Slate)
Vivendi's Levy Trumps Telefonica for `Underdog's Revenge' in GVT Takeover Nov 17, 2009
It also controls Canal Plus, Frances biggest pay-TV operator, and bought a majority stake last year in U.S. video-game company Activision, combining it with Vivendi Games to create , producer of such titles as World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero ... In 2008, Vivendi sales rose 17 percent, aided by the Activision and Neuf Cegetel acquisitions. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Reviews: Drive, fight and be a 'DJ Hero' Nov 14, 2009
Reviews: Drive, fight and spin in new game releases - CNN.com. Reviews: Drive, fight and spin in new game releases. (CNN -- Tech)
$300m in a day: Game bigger than films Nov 14, 2009
7 million copies and racked up $310 million in sales in the US and Britain alone when the eagerly anticipated title from Infinity Ward studio made its worldwide debut on Tuesday, according to Activision ... "The Call of Duty franchise has become a cultural phenomenon showing the power of videogames as an entertainment medium," said Activision chief executive Mike Griffith ... Activision believes "MW2" will be such a hit that the California-based company will see record operating margins. (India Times, India)
Dangerous Days for Video Games Nov 14, 2009
For months, video game fans from Topeka to Tokyo had been salivating for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the sixth installment of Activision Blizzard's () blockbuster shootfest ... As of October, according to the research firm NPD Group, sales were off 12% in the U.S. At the same time, production and marketing costs are climbing as Activision and other game makers try to compete with a growing array of other entertainment options ... CEO Robert A. Kotick says Activision ultimately will spend... (BusinessWeek)
DJ Hero Sees Modest Debut Nov 14, 2009
As Activision predicted, sales of its DJ game are a little slow out of the gate. by. (IGN PS2)
Tony Hawk and Live Like a Champion Tour Roll Into Magnolia Science Academy to Promote Active Lifestyles Nov 14, 2009
Activision's Tony Hawk(TM): RIDE(R) Like a Champion Interactive Experience Joins Anthem Blue Cross Live Like a Champion Tour ... Source: Activision Publishing, Inc. ... About Activision Publishing, Inc.. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'Warfare' looks spectacular, but story's weak Nov 14, 2009
Now that I've played "Modern Warfare 2" (Activision, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3), I can report that the airport massacre is absolutely essential to its story ... I'm not giving anything away that you haven't already seen in Activision's TV ads. (Honolulu Advertiser)
MTV Games and Harmonix Release Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as Second Downloadable Album for The Beatles(TM): Rock Band(TM) on November 17th Nov 14, 2009
Guitar Hero is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation," "PLAYSTATION" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Dancing with the Devil: Ars reviews Modern Warfare 2 PC Nov 13, 2009
Activision only allowed the press to play the console version under controlled circumstances, but Ars tackles the red-headed stepchild of the Modern Warfare 2 versions at home, on our own system ... We weren't sure we'd get an advance copy from Activision, so we went to a local game store and put our money down to make sure there would be a copy waiting for us on launch day ... Activision decided to simply take the larger profit margin. (Ars Technica)
NPD: October video game sales tumble 19 percent Nov 13, 2009
First-day sales of Activision Blizzard "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" broke records, raking in an estimated $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone ... Not included in the October sales figures is Activision Blizzard's "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," which went on sale Tuesday and broke entertainment records on its first day in stores. (MSNBC -- Technology)
New Call of Duty rakes in $310 million in 1 day Nov 13, 2009
- First-day sales of Activision Blizzard Inc.'s "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" broke records, raking in an estimated $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone. The video game went on sale all over the world on Tuesday, but Activision provided figures Thursday only for North America and Britain. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Nintendo's Wii Console Sales Decline For Eighth Straight Month, NPD Says Nov 13, 2009
November industry sales will likely get a boost from the Nov. 10 release of Activision Blizzard Inc.s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which set a record of 4. 7 million sold in 24 hours in North America and the U.K.. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Activision: 'Modern Warfare 2' sells 4.7M copies on first day Nov 13, 2009
Activision: 'Modern Warfare 2' sells 4 ... Activision: 'Modern Warfare 2' sells 4 ... Activision estimates first-person shooter Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 sold 4. (USA Today -- Tech)
War game is a hit for Activision Nov 13, 2009
Christmas came early this week for Activision Blizzard. Despite releasing its new game, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," in the doldrums before the holiday shopping season, when videogame buyers are holding off on purchases, Activision moved 4 ... "Call of Duty" set an all-time record for a game launch, achieving Activision's publicly stated goal, and brought in roughly $310 million. (New York Post -- Business)
'Call of Duty' Brings in More Than $300M Nov 13, 2009
Activision Says New 'Call of Duty' Video Game Sets Launch Record ... Video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. planned to release the sixth installment in the "Call of Duty" franchise at midnight in 10,000 stores in the United States ... NEW YORK (Reuters) - Activision Blizzard Inc said it sold 4. (ABC News -- Business)
'I was a little shaken up': first impressions of Modern Warfare 2 Nov 12, 2009
EB Games opened its doors in more than 300 stores across Australia at midnight on Monday to herald the game's arrival, and the game's distributor Activision said it experienced an unprecedented number of pre-order reservations across the globe. It would be our single biggest and fastest selling game of all time. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
Modern Warfare 2 breaks UK record Nov 12, 2009
The publishers of Modern Warfare 2, Activision, have predicted total sales of 3m across the UK while some analysts believe it could sell 10m copies globally in the run up to Christmas. Robert Kotick, CEO of Activision, described it as "one of the largest entertainment launches of any media of all time" ... In response, Activision said the scene was "not representative of overall experience". (BBC News -- Technology)
Read more... Nov 11, 2009
To help combat these alarming trends, Activision Blizzard, Inc., a worldwide online, PC and console video game publisher and publisher of the best-selling Call of Duty video game franchise, has established the ... Activision Blizzard created the organization with a commitment to donate and raise millions of dollars to help raise awareness of veterans' unemployment ... Recognizing that Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2(TM) is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment properties... (PNN Online)
EA plans to revamp 'Medal of Honor' Nov 11, 2009
Medal of Honor, which debuted in 1999, has been overshadowed of late by the increasingly popular Call of Duty franchise from rival Activision. The last two games - Medal of Honor: Airborne and Medal of Honor: Vanguard - were met with when released in 2007. (USA Today -- Tech)
Gamers line up for 'Modern Warfare 2' Nov 11, 2009
FILE - In this file video game image released by Activision, a scene from "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" is shown. (AP Photo/Activision, file) ... FILE - In this photo made Sept. 15, 2009 attendees play "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2," at the multiplayer preview event hosted by Xbox 360 and Activision in Los Angeles. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Connection Between Entertainment and Reality Not Really Confusing Nov 11, 2009
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 from video game publisher Activision, is predicted to be the highest grossing first-day release in the entertainment industry. Its supposed to make more than any book, movie, DVD or video game ever has made on its initial release, including all of the Harry Potter iterations. (Townhall.com)
Video gamers finally get their hands on new Call of Duty Nov 10, 2009
Robert Kotick, CEO of the game's publisher Activision, described it as "one of the largest entertainment launches of any media of all time" ... In response, publisher Activision said the scene was "not representative of overall experience". (BBC News -- Americas)
Electronics Arts buys game maker Playfish Nov 10, 2009
But some expect the market to turn this holiday season, with the launch of big titles, including Activision Inc's "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.Click for related contentPlayfish is owned by its founders, management, staff and outside investors that include Index and Accel. It has more than 150 million games installed and played worldwide on platforms such as Facebook, MySpace, Google, and Apple's iPhone.Playfish Chief Executive Officer Kristian Segerstrale will stay on with the company, which... (MSNBC -- Technology)
Controversial 'Call of Duty' on Sale at Midnight Nov 10, 2009
In a statement, game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. said the footage was taken illegally and is not representative of the game's overall experience. Instead, the scene is designed to evoke the "atrocities of terrorism," Activision said in an e-mailed statement ... Activision says the game is designed so the part can be skipped over without losing any of the story. (Fox News)
EA-Playfish: Social Gaming Deals Gain Buzz Nov 10, 2009
Activision Blizzard () set up a Facebook page for its Guitar Hero game that has attracted more than 1 million fans. Selling Virtual Goods Is Key. (BusinessWeek)
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Nov 10, 2009
Footage courtesy of Activision. SEE ALSO. (BBC News)
Electronic Arts Posts Loss, to Cut Jobs Nov 10, 2009
The company's chief rival, Activision Blizzard Inc , will launch its "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" on Tuesday, in the most anticipated game launch of the year. EA forecast full-year earnings per share at 70 cents to $1, excluding items, on non-GAAP revenue of $4. (ABC News -- Wire)
Eager Fans Greet "Call of Duty" Video Game Launch Nov 10, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Activision Blizzard Inc's hugely anticipated "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" video game went on sale early Tuesday morning, welcomed by eager fans who lined up hours in advance of the release ... Activision partnered with retailers including GameStop Corp and Best Buy Co for more than 10,000 midnight store openings in North America ... With what Activision called a record level of preorders, there was little doubt about the strong demand for a game. (ABC News -- Business)
MPs row over Modern Warfare Nov 10, 2009
Publisher Activision said the section was "not representative of overall experience" ... "It's a traditional first person shooter game which in terms of the game space is one of the most popular between 18-35 year-old males. "'With forecast worldwide sales over 10 million in the run up to Christmas, Modern Warfare 2 expected sales revenues compare very well with the biggest blockbuster movie releases," he said. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Advertisement Footage... (BBC News -- Technology)
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 Nov 9, 2009
Vicarious Visions and Activision team up to produce a sequel to a somewhat disappointing predecessor ... This action-RPG video game, published by Activision, covers the core elements of the 'Secret War' and 'Civil War' storylines taken from the actual Marvel comic book series ... "Unfortunately the fusion of Vicarious Visions and Activision falls a little short of expectation resurrecting the greatest comic book heroes on this Marvel installment". (CBS News -- Sci/Tech)
Infotainment Nov 9, 2009
Videogame publisher Activision Blizzard believes that the sixth installment in the Call of Duty franchise could be the most powerful entertainment. Computer giant Apple Inc will soon open its first French store beneath the Louvre museum just weeks after Microsoft opened a theme cafe to promote its Windows 7 software. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Sales Boycott over Modern Warfare 2 with Steam 'Trojan Horse' Nov 8, 2009
The online PC games storefront with the sales leverage of a lion but the transparency of a two-way mirror reportedly signed a deal with Activision to load its Steamworks technology into retail and digitally distributed PC copies of Modern Warfare 2, and online sales competitors are bristling ... Key digital storefronts , , and --all three boasting comparable games software catalogues--have responded by stating they simply won't carry Activision's first-person modern military shooter, which... (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Activision posts 3Q profit, backs 2009 outlook Nov 8, 2009
It's been a rough year for the video game industry, but Activision Blizzard Inc. reported a profit for its third quarter because of lower costs and a good response for games such as "Guitar Hero 5" and "World of Warcraft." ... Activision said Thursday its net income grew to $15 million, or a penny per share, in the latest quarter ... In the same period of 2008 it lost $108 million, but the results are not completely comparable because Activision Blizzard was formed about 10 days into the... (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Online Retailers Refuse Selling Modern Warfare 2 Nov 7, 2009
"Our issues with the game are solely with the Steamworks bundling. We enjoy a great relationship with Activision and would love to sell the title, but not with Steam."The website also confirmedwill also not be stocking the game for similar reasons. Neither Valve nor Activision have responded to requests for comment at this time ... - September 15th, 2009 Activision pulls the curtain back on more COD. Click inside to see our up-to-the-minute updates. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
AIG, Magna, Activision Blizzard are big movers Nov 7, 2009
Activision Blizzard Inc., up 38 cents at $11. 25. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Online Retailer MW2 Boycott Nov 7, 2009
Neither Valve nor Activision have responded to requests for comment at this time. Cheats. (IGN PC Games)
Wall St shrugs off jobs report Nov 7, 2009
Gains by General Electric, Starbucks and the worlds biggest video games company, Activision Blizzard, helped Wall Street shrug off disappointing jobs data in choppy trading on Friday. The S&P 500 spent less than 15 minutes in the red after Octobers non-farm payrolls report showed that the to 10. (FT.com -- Markets)
IGN's Ultimate Games-to-Film Guide Nov 7, 2009
Last month Activision filed a trademark for a Call of Duty movie. Robert Bowling of Infinity Ward hinted on Twitter that talks have already begun with Hollywood studios. (IGN FilmForce)
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IGN: Activision Not Concerned With Modern Warfare 2 PC Negativity ... Activision Not Concerned With Modern Warfare 2 PC Negativity. (IGN PC Games)
Weekend Game Hunting Nov 7, 2009
I wonder if/when Activision packages them in CD form. What worries me is whether this is a really good game that will suffer from the oversaturation of music titles. (USA Today -- Tech)
Activision not worried about 'Modern Warfare 2' PC complaints Nov 7, 2009
Activision President Mike Griffith says while they will pay close attention to complaints levied against the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the publisher is not "overly concerned.". Griffith commented on the complaints in a recent earnings call in which Activision announced better-than-expected financial results for the third quarter. (USA Today -- Tech)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: Spec Ops Hands-on Nov 7, 2009
We've had a chance to show off some very limited footage of Spec Ops in action, showcasing three levels during a gigantic hands-on article about a month back, but as a final hurrah before Modern Warfare 2's release in just a few short days, Activision has hooked us up with an exclusive look into one more mission. Note: The footage below is comprised of combined multi-console play, not split screen. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Activision Blizzard Announces Better-Than-Expected Third Quarter CY 2009 Financial Results Nov 6, 2009
Source: Activision Blizzard, Inc. ... Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: - ) today announced better-than-expected financial results for the third quarter 2009 ... For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Activision Blizzard's GAAP net revenues were $703 million, as compared to the company's prior GAAP net revenue outlook of $680 million. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
No Doubt sue over video game Nov 6, 2009
No Doubt want Activision to recall the games already sold ... They accuse Activision of breach of contract and fraudulent inducement in papers filed in Los Angeles ... Activision says it "believes it is within its legal rights with respect to the use and portrayal of the band". (BBC News -- Entertainment)
No Doubt sues Activision over 'Band Hero' Nov 6, 2009
No Doubt sues Activision over 'Band Hero ... Several outlets are reporting rock group No Doubt has filed a lawsuit against Activision over the use of their likenesses in the recently released game Band Hero ... Band Hero - Activision's family-friendly version of the Guitar Hero franchise - includes three songs from No Doubt in which players can perform as members of the group. (USA Today -- Tech)
Game Hunters Nov 6, 2009
Activision kicks off ratings education program for parents ... Activision is pairing up with a top mental health and media expert on an educational program for parents on video games, the publisher announced. (USA Today -- Tech)
"Guitar Hero" brings higher revenue for Activision Nov 6, 2009
"Guitar Hero" brings higher revenue for Activision - Yahoo ... "Guitar Hero" brings higher revenue for Activision. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
No Doubt Suing Activision Nov 5, 2009
IGN: No Doubt Files Lawsuit Against Activision [Update ... No Doubt Files Lawsuit Against Activision [Update ... "No Doubt agreed to place avatars containing their name and likeness performing three No Doubt songs in the upcoming Band Hero game of the Guitar Hero series from Activision," the group said in a provided statement. (IGN PS2)
Chinese agencies at war over online game Nov 5, 2009
com not to operate the latest version of Activision Blizzard's "World of Warcraft," the Chinese-language Economic Information Daily said on Wednesday ... Bagga said such a shutdown would cause him to adjust estimates of Activision Blizzard Q4 revenue and EPS estimates by $20-25 million and $0 ... The move against Warcraft put the recently relaunched popular title's future under a cloud in China, and weighed down NetEase and Activision Blizzard shares. (MSNBC -- Technology)
INTERVIEW: 'Modern Warfare 2' composer Hans Zimmer Nov 4, 2009
How did you get connected with Infinity Ward and Activision. This is the first time I even stuck my toe into these waters. (USA Today -- Tech)
Chinese agencies fight for control of Web game Nov 4, 2009
The game is the fourth installment in a series created by Activision Blizzard, an American unit of France's Vivendi SA.. "They are learning. They are making progress," said Yu of Analysys International. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
World of Warcraft May Go Dark in China Nov 4, 2009
A Chinese regulation body has ordered , a Chinese internet company that hosts World of Warcraft in China, to disconnect the game after rejecting NetEase's application to operate Activision Blizzard's The Burning Crusade, the popular MMORPG's second expansion. But wait: Wasn't The Burning Crusade already released in China two years ago, back in September 2007. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' benefits from 'NCIS' writer Nov 4, 2009
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' benefits from 'NCIS' writer - USATODAY.com. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2' benefits from 'NCIS' writer. (USA Today -- Tech)
Behind the Decks of DJ Hero Video Feature Nov 3, 2009
From its inception as a Wii Remote-waving DJ game, through numerous peripheral experiments and eventual transition into Activision's 'Hero' series, FreeStyleGames tells us the story of DJ Hero, its music and the talent behind the tunes ... - September 30th, 2009 Activision reportedly recruiting talent for downloadable songs and sequel ... - June 15th, 2009 Activision might allow players to scratch on tour. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Slinging a guitar not your style? Nov 3, 2009
In this video game image released by Activision, an animated version of DJ-Z-Trip is shown in the video game, "DJ Hero." (Activision / AP). In this video game image released by Activision, an animated version of the late DJ-AM is shown in the video game, "DJ Hero." (Activision / AP) ... Activision's new "DJ Hero" has solved my music video game plight. (Albany Times Union)
Facebook games boost online network's profits Nov 2, 2009
The companies' growth makes them acquisition targets for industry leaders Activision Blizzard Inc., Electronic Arts and Ubisoft Entertainment SA, which are coping with a 12 percent decline in U.S. video-game sales through September, Bagga said. Media companies also may try to acquire them, he said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Infinity Ward Pulls Modern Warfare 2 PSA Video Nov 2, 2009
"I think the core gag is great, the end is a bit too far from the intent of the jokepreciate the concerns. Pulled."While Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's release is just days away, both Infinity Ward and publisher Activision came under fire last week when a supposedof one of the game's early levels hit the net showcasing a terrorist attack upon a civilian airport ... - September 15th, 2009 Activision pulls the curtain back on more COD. Click inside to see our up-to-the-minute updates. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Modern Warfare 2 Leaked Video Survey Results Nov 1, 2009
Activision confirmed the video's legitimacy, adding that players will be able to skip over the gameplay should they find it too offensive ... - September 15th, 2009 Activision pulls the curtain back on more COD. Click inside to see our up-to-the-minute updates. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Hilary Swank on her high-flying career Oct 31, 2009
SPECIALIST Company Activision. OF NURSING Company Advanced Surgery. (San Francisco Chronicle)
'Palimony' figure Michelle Triola Marvin dies Oct 31, 2009
Palimony' figure Michelle Triola Marvin dies. Palimony' figure Michelle Triola Marvin dies. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Leaked video game footage shows terrorist attack Oct 31, 2009
Instead, the game is designed to evoke the "atrocities of terrorism," Activision's public-relations agency said in an e-mailed statement. The game follows players as they "face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse," the company said. (USA Today -- Tech)
Gaming Innovation Celebrated at Record Breaking Golden Joystick Awards Oct 31, 2009
The full list of winners in the 2009 Golden Joystick Awards is: Family Game of the Year: LittleBigPlanet Bliss Handheld Game of the Year: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Retailer of the Year: GAME Mobile Game of the Year: Metal Gear Solid Touch Nintendo Game of the Year: Call of Duty: World at War MSN Multiplayer Game of the Year: Call Of Duty: World At War The Rampage Soundtrack of the Year: Guitar Hero World Tour Xbox Game of the Year: Gears of War 2 PC Game of the Year: Fallout 3 Amiqus... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Guitar Hero(R) Continues to Rock the House as November's Line-Up of Downloadable Content is Announced Oct 31, 2009
Source: Activision Publishing, Inc. ... About Activision Publishing, Inc. ... Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Time for Bears to prove optimists are right Oct 31, 2009
Vittorio Tafur, Chronicle Staff Writer. Friday, October 30, 2009. (San Francisco Chronicle)
