Author: by Staff

Following the merger between Activision and Vivendi Games to create Activision Blizzard, the firm has announced a major shake-up of Vivendi properties, confirming Crash Bandicoot and Spyro as key franchises, but suggesting "staff realignment" at Radical and High Moon and possible sales for Vivendi Mobile and Sierra Online. A statement from the firm released late on Monday announced that Activision "...will broaden its product portfolio by adding Vivendi Games' multi-million unit selling properties Crash Bandicoot, Ice Age and Spyro to its roster of proven franchises. The company will also retain two new intellectual properties that are currently in development -- Prototype and a second game that has not yet been announced." Though it's suggested that "...Activision Publishing will continue to support the Vivendi Games' catalogue, including The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor", major Vivendi-published titles such as Ghostbusters and Brutal Legend were not mentioned in the statement. "Four of the five properties that we are keeping will be wholly owned properties that further bolster our strong brand portfolio," said Mike Griffith, CEO of Activision Publishing. "We are very excited to add such recognizable and successful brands as Crash Bandicoot, Ice Age and Spyro, which reinforce our leadership position in movie-based and family entertainment video games." Griffith added, "We have conducted a thorough review of Vivendi Games' brand portfolio and are retaining those franchises and titles that are a strong fit with our long-term product strategy. We are reviewing our options regarding those titles that we will not be publishing." Additionally, Activision Publishing announced that "...the company intends to adapt the Vivendi Games' studio operations to better align the studio structure against the new product slate. The company will realign staffing at Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios and is exploring options regarding Massive Entertainment and Swordfish Studios, including the possibility of divestiture." Griffith continued, "We are focused on improving efficiency across the combined organization and are concentrating on businesses where we have leadership positions that are aligned with Activision Publishing's long-term corporate objectives." According to the statement, the company "...also is evaluating options regarding two non-strategic business units Vivendi Games Mobile and Sierra Online, which provides casual games for the PC and Xbox Live Marketplace, including the possibility of divesting these business units."