Activision Blizzard Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI) appointed Lulu Cheng Meservey as the new Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer effective October 6. Meservey, a former board member, will lead communications amid the ongoing acquisition by Microsoft. She brings extensive experience in strategic communications from companies like Substack and TrailRunner International. CEO Bobby Kotick praised her strategic talents, emphasizing the opportunity to reshape the company's narrative during a crucial time.

Blizzard Entertainment has launched Overwatch 2, a free-to-play multiplayer game available on multiple platforms, including PC and consoles. This new phase introduces three new heroes, bringing the total to 35, along with six new maps and a revamped competitive mode. Players can enjoy a free Battle Pass along with a purchasable Premium version for $10, enhancing gameplay with seasonal updates. Overwatch 2 aims to deliver regular content updates, including the upcoming PvE mode expected next year. The game promises cross-platform play to expand its global community.

Blizzard Entertainment announces Dragonflight, the ninth expansion for World of Warcraft, launching globally on November 28 at 3:00 p.m.. Players can explore four new zones and engage with the dracthyr, a new playable race. Pre-purchase options range from $49.99 to $89.99, each including exclusive in-game items. A +50% experience buff begins on October 4 and will end once the pre-expansion patch is live. The expansion introduces a new level cap of 70, eight dungeons, and the first raid set for December 13.

Blizzard Entertainment has launched Wrath of the Lich King Classic, available at no extra cost for all players with an active World of Warcraft subscription. This re-creation features enhanced gameplay improvements while preserving the original experience. The expansion includes a new hero class, Death Knight, starting at level 55, and introduces quality-of-life updates. Players can explore 12 dungeons and will gain access to the first three raids on October 6. Additionally, players can opt for two purchasable upgrades for enhanced gameplay.

Activision will host a major event titled Call of Duty: Next on September 15, 2022, featuring details on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and its multiplayer beta, along with new launches for Warzone 2.0 and Warzone Mobile. The live broadcast begins at 10am PT and will showcase gameplay by top streamers. Fans can watch on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Caution is advised regarding forward-looking statements about product availability and potential delays.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) CEO Bobby Kotick updated employees about the merger process with Microsoft, reaffirming expectations for completion by June 2023. The company has received approvals from multiple countries and is currently engaged in the UK regulatory review process. Kotick emphasized the importance of cooperation with regulators and indicated plans for regular updates through town halls. Despite ongoing challenges, he expressed optimism about the upcoming game launches and the future integration with Microsoft.

Murder at Castle Nathria is a new expansion for Hearthstone, now live, featuring 135 new cards. Players must solve a murder mystery involving Sire Denathrius at a dinner party in his castle. The update introduces new Location cards and the Infuse keyword, enhancing gameplay by allowing cards to transform when conditions are met. With this expansion, Hearthstone continues its Year of the Hydra, enhancing player engagement with exciting new mechanics.

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported second quarter 2022 results with GAAP net revenues of $1.64 billion, down from $2.30 billion in Q2 2021. GAAP earnings per share dropped to $0.36 from $1.12. The company’s development headcount grew 25% year-over-year, bolstered by acquisitions of Proletariat and Peltarion. Despite recent revenue declines, future game releases like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Overwatch 2 are anticipated to enhance user engagement. Cash and short-term investments totaled $10.8 billion as of June 30.

Blizzard Entertainment announced the launch of Wrath of the Lich King Classic on September 26, available at no additional cost for players with an active World of Warcraft subscription. In preparation for this event, a 50%-bonus-XP event called Joyous Journeys is underway. Players will explore the continent of Northrend, face new challenges in 13 dungeons and 9 raids, and engage with the Death Knight hero class. The release aims to provide both returning players and newcomers an authentic experience of one of WoW's most beloved expansions.