Today is supposed to see the premiere of Legendary Pictures’ new Warcraft movie trailer, but the company behind the gaming phenomenon has pre-empted the reveal with an announcement of their own.
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Today, Activision Blizzard announced the creation of Activision Blizzard Studios, a new division that will focus on television and movies.
Of course, that is why it hired a Disney veteran to co-run the new studio, the same way it hired from ESPN to run a sports network.
The studio is also working on an animated TV series based on Skylanders, the toys-to-life game that once began as a successor to the Spyro game series. That is set to be followed up by a “robust cinematic universe” based on the Call of Duty franchise.
Kotick said the company has relationships a few Hollywood creative talent who have been recruited to write stories for the “Call of Duty” franchise – a list that includes Mark Boal, David S. Goyer, Stephen Gaghan and Paul Haggis.
Nick van Dyk will act as Co-President of Activision Blizzard Studios and will be responsible for “distribution, physical production, strategy, finance, and operations”. This will be an animated series that is being lead by showrunner Eric Rogers from Futurama. Harland Williams and Richard Horvitz will also join the cast.
Kotick emphasized the company’s deep pockets – “we have a $28 billion balance sheet” – and track record in taking plenty of time and pouring resources into game development.
Meanwhile, Activision is going big with not just a Call of Duty movie, but an entire cinematic universe based on the popular shooter. That also should make the studio “extremely attractive to financial partners”.
The studio is one part of Activision’s ambitious effort to become a multi-platform entertainment and digital power as its stock price has soared 84.4% this year. “This gives us a terrific position to pursue partnerships”. “I’m excited that Nick and his team will be leading this important new growth opportunity for Activision Blizzard”.
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Activision Blizzard announced earlier this week that it is acquiring “Candy Crush” publisher King Entertainment for $5.9 billion.
