Blizzard, one of the giants in the gaming industry, through its parent company, Vivendi has just announced that they are merging with Activision to form a new company called Activision Blizzard.

This new company is “expected to have approximately $3.8 billion in pro forma combined calendar 2007 revenues and the highest operating margins of any major third-party video game publisher. On closing of the transaction, Activision will be renamed Activision Blizzard and will continue to operate as a public company traded on NASDAQ under the ticker ATVI.” said their official press release.

This Combination Brings Activision’s Best-Selling Video Games, Including Guitar Hero®, Call of Duty®, and Tony Hawk, Together With Vivendi Games’ Portfolio of Leading Franchises, Including Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, and Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft®, Diablo® and Global #1 Subscription-Based World Of Warcraft®

Meanwhile, Blizzard posted an official FAQ which further explains the details of the merger. Basically, that FAQ claims that it’s “business as usual” for the WoW owners.

Here’s part of that FAQ:

Q: What are the details of the deal?
A: Under the terms of an agreement with Vivendi, Blizzard and the other companies that make up Vivendi Games will combine with Activision to form a new public company called Activision Blizzard. We do not anticipate any difference in Blizzard’s operations as a result of the combination. Joining forces with Activision will create a stronger and more diversified company that we anticipate will benefit and strengthen both brands.

Q: What will happen to the Blizzard brand name?
A: The Blizzard brand name will stay the same as it’s always been: Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Q: What will change with regard to the day-to-day operations at Blizzard?
A: There will be no changes in the way Blizzard operates. All of the people, processes, and philosophies that have made Blizzard so successful will be preserved. Blizzard will benefit from all-star sales and distribution teams to service our products. In addition, the combined company will be stronger financially, managerially, and operationally.

Q: How will this impact Blizzard’s games?
A: This will not impact Blizzard’s games. We remain committed to providing the same high-quality game content and support that we always have. Development on Wrath of the Lich King and StarCraft II, as well as on our unannounced games, is continuing as normal.

Let’s cross our fingers and hope that this will be a good development for the gaming industry. Best of luck to the new Activision Blizzard. I’m hoping for a new breed of games this coming 2008 and beyond!

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