What Activision does

Activision Publishing, Inc., headquartered in Santa Monica, California, develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment products, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft following Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023. The company's portfolio centers on the Call of Duty franchise — including Modern Warfare 4, Black Ops 7, Black Ops 6, Warzone battle royale, and Call of Duty: Mobile — supported by legacy IPs Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and the upcoming Spyro: A Realm Beyond. Internal studios (Treyarch, Infinity Ward, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Beenox) develop core franchise content; Elsewhere Entertainment is developing new narrative IP; Toys for Bob was spun off as independent in June 2026 with a publishing agreement.

Underlying technology includes proprietary game engines for first-person shooter development, the RICOCHET kernel-level anti-cheat system integrated with Microsoft Azure Attestation (verifying TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on player PCs), and the new Ballistic Authority weapon system and Kill Block modular map system (500+ configurations) shipping in Modern Warfare 4. Distribution spans PlayStation, Xbox, PC (Steam and Battle.net), Nintendo Switch 2 (via Microsoft's 10-year Nintendo agreement and Ubitus cloud streaming), and mobile, with titles available on Xbox Game Pass, Ubisoft+ Premium, Blacknut, and GeForce NOW.

The revenue model combines premium full-game license sales ($69.99 standard, $99.99 Vault Edition), recurring seasonal battle passes and BlackCell subscriptions at $29.99 per season, in-game microtransactions through COD Points for cosmetics and weapon blueprints, mobile freemium (Call of Duty: Mobile), licensing and media rights (including a Paramount Pictures Call of Duty film targeted for June 30, 2028), and re-releases of legacy titles (Black Ops 1 & 2 ports at $39.99 each via Iron Galaxy). Primary customer segments are console and PC gamers across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, plus mobile gamers and a smaller cohort of enterprise brand partners (e.g., Polaris). Go-to-market is event-driven, with new game launches and seasonal content drops (including celebrity crossovers such as Nicolas Cage and franchise IPs including Fallout, Persona 5, The Boys) serving as primary demand-generation moments.

Name

Activision

Legal name

Activision Publishing, Inc.

Website

https://activision.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Activision Publishing develops and distributes interactive entertainment, anchored by the Call of Duty franchise (Modern Warfare, Black Ops, Warzone, Mobile) across console, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile, with additional Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk, and Spyro IPs, now operating as a wholly-owned Microsoft subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Video Game Publishing

NAICS

Software Publishers (5132)

SIC

Retail-Computer & Computer Software Stores (5734)

akta.pro primary industry

Strategy/4X/Management Game Studios (MPAFAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

PC & Console Game Distribution Platforms (BPAMAKAA), Subscription, Bundling & Membership Distribution (Game Pass-like, Humble-like) (MPAFABAI)

Keywords

• Video game publishing
• Interactive entertainment
• First-person shooters
• Live-service gaming
• Game development

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Monica

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Full-Game Sales: Activision generates primary revenue from sale of full retail and digital game copies at $69.99 standard and $99.99 vault editions for new releases. Legacy titles (Black Ops 1 & 2 ports) sold at $39.99 each.
2. Seasonal Battle Pass / Season Pass: Recurring seasonal content passes (Battle Pass / BlackCell) at $29.99 per season, with 1,100 COD Points (~$10) for standard passes. Season passes for legacy titles reduced to $30 from $50.
3. In-Game Microtransactions (COD Points): COD Points used to purchase cosmetic bundles, operator skins, weapon blueprints, and battle pass tier skips. Store bundles include Reactive, Mastercraft, and Ultra weapon blueprints. Controversial Supply Drops reintroduced in Black Ops 7 for free random rewards without real-money purchase.
4. Licensing and Media Rights: Film adaptation of Call of Duty in development with Paramount Pictures, directed by Peter Berg, written by Taylor Sheridan, scheduled for June 30, 2028 theatrical release. Represents ongoing expansion of the franchise into film and television under Paramount deal.
5. Mobile Gaming: Call of Duty: Mobile (iOS/Android) generates revenue through in-game purchases and battle passes. Warzone Mobile was shut down April 17, 2026 after underperformance ($1.4M in first four days per AppMagic). Focus shifted back to Call of Duty: Mobile as primary mobile offering.
6. Classic Game Remasters/Ports: Revenue from re-releases of classic titles including Black Ops 1 and 2 ports for PS4/PS5 (~$40 each), with DLC packs at $10 and season passes at $30, developed by Iron Galaxy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Activision develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment software, primarily the Call of Duty franchise of first-person shooters across console, PC, and mobile, supplemented by classic franchises including Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. The company operates a live-service business combining premium full-game launches (e.g., Modern Warfare 4, Black Ops 7) at $69.99 standard and $99.99 Vault editions with recurring seasonal battle passes, in-game microtransactions (COD Points), and platform subscription distribution.

Product overview

Activision is a video game publisher operating a multi-franchise platform across multiple genres and platforms. The core portfolio centers on the Call of Duty franchise (Modern Warfare 4, Black Ops 7, Black Ops 6, Warzone, Mobile), supplemented by classic brands including Spyro (including the upcoming A Realm Beyond), Crash Bandicoot (Team Rumble, N. Sane Trilogy), and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater (3+4, 1+2). The company distributes through major gaming platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, Steam, and Battle.net, with titles also available via subscription services (Xbox Game Pass, Ubisoft+ Premium, Blacknut). Anti-cheat services are provided through the proprietary RICOCHET system with Microsoft Azure integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Call of Duty: Military shooter franchise featuring multiple sub-series including Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and Warzone
• Crash Bandicoot
• Spyro
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
• Call of Duty Endowment
• RICOCHET Anti-Cheat

Products and services

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Next installment in the Call of Duty franchise from Infinity Ward, set on the Korean Peninsula with a campaign featuring Private Park and Captain Price, 12 multiplayer maps, rebuilt Ballistic Authority weapon system, DMZ extraction mode, and Kill Block modular map system with over 500 configurations. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Treyarch and Raven Software developed Call of Duty title featuring campaign, multiplayer, Zombies, and Endgame co-op extraction modes. Includes seasonal content updates with new maps, weapons, and events. Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and via Xbox Game Pass.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Previous Treyarch-developed Call of Duty title available on Xbox Game Pass, featuring campaign and multiplayer modes. Continues to receive ongoing live-service updates.
• Call of Duty: Warzone Free-to-play battle royale mode integrated with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, featuring multiple maps including Verdansk and Avalon variations. Supported by the Warzone Black Ops Royale mode and being phased out on PS4 and Xbox One.
• Call of Duty: Mobile Free-to-play mobile shooter for iOS and Android featuring multiplayer, battle royale, and seasonal content collaborations including Persona 5 and The Boys. The primary mobile offering after Warzone Mobile was shut down April 17, 2026.
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 Reboot of the Tony Hawk skateboarding franchise combining THPS3 and THPS4, featuring dozens of skaters and tricks, nineteen parks, cross-platform multiplayer, and expanded Create-A-Park/Create-A-Skater features. Available across console, PC, and Nintendo platforms.
• Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remastered collection of the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater games (THPS 1 and 2) with updated graphics and gameplay, available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
• Crash Team Rumble Toys for Bob developed 4v4 team-based Crash Bandicoot game featuring platforming gameplay with unique characters across nine arenas. Available for purchase via the Crash Bandicoot website.
• Spyro: A Realm Beyond First new mainline Spyro title in nearly 20 years developed by Toys for Bob, featuring true dragon flight mechanics for unrestricted flight gameplay. Tom Kenny returning as voice actor. Scheduled for spring 2027 release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2, and PC.
• Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Remastered collection of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy (Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, and Crash Bandicoot: Warped) with updated graphics. Distributed across console, PC, and cloud gaming platforms.
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy Remastered collection of the original Spyro trilogy (Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, Spyro: Year of the Dragon) with updated graphics. Distributed across console, PC, and cloud gaming platforms.
• RICOCHET Anti-Cheat System Proprietary anti-cheat system for Call of Duty using kernel-level drivers, Microsoft Azure Attestation for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot verification, behavioral analysis, and device detection for third-party cheating hardware. Upgraded June 2026 with expanded Azure Attestation protections.

Quantifiable outcome

• $35 billion lifetime revenue; 1 billion+ players; 13 of 16 years as top-selling US game franchise (2009-2024)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Toys for BobcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 June 2026Toys for Bob, a studio that spent years supporting Warzone and Overwatch 2, bought back its independence from Activision/Microsoft. The studio is developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond as its first original new Spyro title in nearly 20 years, with Activision as publishing partner. Tom Kenny returns as Spyro's voice actor. Game scheduled for spring 2027 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2, and PC.
• Polaris Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 December 2025Polaris expanded its in-game vehicle collaboration with Call of Duty: Warzone, adding Polaris RZR Pro R 4 and Sportsman XP 1000 to Warzone Season 01 and Black Ops 7 Campaign and Multiplayer modes. Polaris collaborated directly with Call of Duty developers for authentic vehicle replication. Multi-week giveaway December 2025 through January 2026 offering real vehicles and gaming gear as prizes.
• Paramount PicturescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Paramount and Activision announced a Call of Duty film adaptation with Peter Berg directing and Taylor Sheridan writing. Scheduled for theatrical release on June 30, 2028. Deal includes potential for expanding the Call of Duty universe across film and television beyond the initial movie.
• Nicolas CageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNicolas Cage added as playable operator character in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 4 Reloaded, launching June 25. Features two versions of Cage available through paid event pass track, alongside new weapons, Zombies map, and multiplayer content. Part of Summer of Action event.
• Persona 5 / AtlusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCall of Duty Mobile collaboration with Persona 5, featuring Phantom Thieves characters Joker, Ann, Makoto, and Sumire as operator skins in a 'Take Your Heart' event launching July 1, 2026.
• BlacknutminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlacknut cloud gaming platform added Activision Publishing and Blizzard Entertainment titles (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Diablo III) through Ubisoft+ Premium partnership. Games accessible on Smart TVs, PCs, tablets, and mobile without downloads across 65+ regions.
• NVIDIA GeForce NOWminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorActivision signed on as a publisher using NVIDIA GeForce NOW's Cloud Playtest feature for development, and select Xbox games added to the instant-play library. Major publishers including Activision, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, and Xbox Game Studios have joined the Cloud Playtest feature.
• Ubisoft (via Ubisoft+ Premium)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUbisoft secured exclusive 15-year cloud streaming rights to Activision Blizzard content as a regulatory remedy during Microsoft's acquisition. Blacknut accesses Activision titles through this Ubisoft+ Premium integration.
• Microsoft / XboxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActivision is wholly owned by Microsoft following the 2023 acquisition. Under Asha Sharma's leadership as new Xbox Gaming CEO, the company has restructured Game Pass pricing, removed day-one CoD releases from Game Pass, and confirmed a 10-year agreement to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms including Switch 2.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Krafton: Krafton is a direct peer primarily through PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile, which compete directly with Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Mobile in the battle royale and mobile FPS categories respectively.
• Bungie: Bungie is a direct FPS-focused peer (Halo, Destiny) now owned by Sony. It competes for the same core FPS audience and similar raid/multiplayer/co-op shooter mechanics that overlap with Call of Duty's multiplayer, Zombies, and DMZ modes.
• Ubisoft: Ubisoft is a direct peer with a comparable multi-franchise AAA publishing model (Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege) and similar live-service / seasonal content strategy across console, PC, and mobile.
• Take-Two Interactive: Take-Two is a direct peer as a publicly-traded AAA publisher of comparable scale, relying on GTA, Red Dead Redemption, NBA 2K, and annual sports releases with similar post-purchase monetization mechanics.
• Valve: Valve is a direct peer both as a PC distribution competitor to Battle.net/Activision Store via Steam and as an FPS creator (Counter-Strike 2, Half-Life). Their platforms compete head-to-head for Call of Duty PC sales.
• Riot Games: Riot Games is a direct peer through Valorant, which competes with Call of Duty's multiplayer for the competitive-FPS audience, and Teamfight Tactics and League of Legends for the broader live-service PC/console ecosystem.
• Electronic Arts: EA is a direct peer as a major multi-genre AAA publisher with the Battlefield franchise (a direct FPS competitor to Call of Duty), plus FIFA/EA Sports, Apex Legends, and a similar live-service / annual-release model.
• Bethesda Game Studios: Bethesda (Microsoft-owned since 2021) is a direct peer publishing AAA single-player and multiplayer titles (Fallout, Doom, Elder Scrolls). The Fallout crossover in Season 1 Reloaded explicitly demonstrates direct franchise-interplay with Activision's Call of Duty.
• Epic Games: Epic Games is a direct peer whose Fortnite Battle Royale directly competes with Call of Duty: Warzone, and whose Unreal Engine technology underlies much of the AAA shooter ecosystem. Both operate live-service FPS with similar seasonal content cadence.

Broad incumbents

• Sony Interactive Entertainment: Sony Interactive Entertainment is a broad incumbent in console gaming and now Bungie's parent; it operates a competing platform (PlayStation) distributionally relevant to Activision's multi-platform launch strategy, and competes for AAA live-service mindshare via PlayStation Studios.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/activision
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ActivisionGames
• Facebookfacebook.com/activision
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/activision
• Instagraminstagram.com/activision

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A6 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Activision