Showing posts with label Blizzard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blizzard. Show all posts

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Switch Funday - Overwatch 2 - Over an Hour of More Frustration

Yep, i'm back playing Overwatch 2. In yesterday's Online Saturday video, you would've seen that i became ever increasingly frustrated with Overwatch 2 on the PS4. And i didn't expect that i would try the game again. But i realized that the game came out on Nintendo Switch, too. I was genuinely curious as to the quality of the Switch port so i gave it ago.

What i don't show in the video was the process of getting my Battle Pass, which was already linked to my PS4, onto my Switch. it wasn't too complicated, but it did take a little time. But once it was linked, i started recording and you see me play for over an hour in an unedited video.

I went into this video knowing more than i did yesterday. I tried to practice more, for example. But as you'll see in the video, i found more things to be frustrated with. However, the experience of playing the game on Nintendo Switch was a pleasant one and one that i would recommend. the biggest difference for me was how much shorter the time was getting into games!

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Online Saturday - Overwatch 2 - My First Hour: A Frustrating Experience

Today's Online Saturday is NOT Splatoon 3! This weekend i'm playing Overwatch 2 as it is now a free to play game. I went into this game not knowing much about it. I had played a few free weekends on PS4, but never bought Overwatch. So, this was my first hour playing the game and ultimately it didn't make a good impression, especially when we compare it's first hour to the first hour or so i played of Splatoon 3 before the game came out. I try to articulate my feelings as to why in the video, but i feel its fairly obvious as you watch.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Blizzard Announce Diablo III: Reaper Of Souls Will Be Playable At BlizzCon On PS4



Blizzard have announced they are bringing the PS4 version of Diablo III: Reaper Of Souls to this years BlizzCon. it will be playable, including single player and same screen co-op demos.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Friday, August 23, 2013

Activision Blizzard Reveal Diablo III: Reaper of Souls Expansion For Diablo III

Activision Blizzard have revealed a new expansion for Diablo III, Diablo III: Reaper of Souls. details regarding it's release will be announced at Blizzcon, but they have announced this expansion will increase the level cap to 70, introduce the city of Westmarch and introduce new spells and abilities for characters. paragon progression will be upgraded and two new game modes, Loot Runs and Nephalem Trials, will be introduced for more replayability.



Press Release

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Blizzard Announce Diablo III Comes To PS3 Worldwide On 3rd September


Blizzard have announced Diablo III comes to PS3 worldwide on 3rd September. all pre-orders of the PS3 version will include an exclusive Infernal Helm. this wearable in-game item grants a +EXP bonus to your characters.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Friday, May 17, 2013

Sony Have Released A New PS4 Conversation WIth Developer Video For Blizzards Diablo III

Sony and Blizzard have released the latest Conversation with Developers. this video focuses on the PS4 version of Diablo III. they talk about the new controller and how surprising it was to bring controller support to the console version. they reveal some controls, flicking the right stick is dodge. they also talk about the touch pad, they can make the UI much easier because of it. they talk about how they didn't want to bring a smaller/limited version of the game to PS4, instead by stream lining the controls they were able to bring a version of the game that wasn't simpler/dumb'd down.

Also mentioned is the share button, they reveal they are excited about people being able to create videos on the moves they can pull off or even simple things like sharing some new weapon they have found. you are able to play the game with people on a couch with someone else joining in via online multiplayer also.


Monday, April 29, 2013

Blizzard Announce Diablo III PS3 Pre-Orders Are Going Live With A Suggested Retail Price Of $59.99


Blizzard have announced that some retailers worldwide have begun taking Diablo III on PS3 pre-orders. Blizzard say the game has a suggested retail price of $59.99, other region prices were not provided. those who pre-order the PS3 version will get an exclusive in-game item, the Infernal Helm. this item grants an experience boost to any character wearing it. other pre-order bonuses will be revealed later and will be retailer specific.

Press Release

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Blizzard Announce BlizzCon Tickets Go On Sale In 3 Batches, 24th April, 27th April And 1st May

Blizzard have announced when tickets for this years BlizzCon go on sale. the first 2 batches start on 24th April and then 27th April. the third batch will be a limited number for a Pre-BlizzCon dinner to benefit Children's Hospital of Orange County and they go on sale on 1st May. This years BlizzCon runs from 8th-9th November.

Tickets released on 24th April and 27th April will cost $175 each. tickets for the benefit meal, released on 1st May, will cost $500 each and there will only be around 200 of these tickets released.

Press Release

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Blizzard Have Released A PS3 Game Play Video And Lore Video For Diablo III

Blizzard have released 2 game play videos for Diablo III on PS3 and a video about the Lore of Diablo III. the first video shows in-game action of each of the classes as well as some console specific features like radial menus. the second video is a shorter version with a couple of extra game play bits. the final video details the history, the lore of Diablo III.





Thursday, February 21, 2013

Blizzard Announce Diablo III Is Coming To Both PlayStation 3 And PlayStation 4


Blizzard have announced they are bringing Diablo III to both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. the game will include all the upgrades the PC version of the game has received as well as a new UI, new controls and a new camera. Diablo III on console will be shown for the first time a PAX East this March.

Source: EU PlayStation Blog

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Blizzard And Activision Announce Blizzcon 2013, Runs On 8th And 9th November At The Anaheim Convention Center

Blizzard and Activision have announced Blizzcon 2013. the event is taking place in Anaheim California at the Anaheim Convention Center. the event will run on 8th and 9th November.

Blizzcon 2013 will offer attendees:
  • Hands-on play time with the latest versions of Blizzard Entertainment games
  • Global finals for Blizzard eSports, featuring top pro gamers from around the world
  • In-depth discussion panels with Blizzard game developers and artists
  • Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
  • Community contests with great prizes
  • Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment's game universes
  • More activities and attractions to be announced

Ticketing and Pricing will be revealed nearer this years Blizzcon.

Press Release:

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Blizzard Announce StarCraft II: Heart Of The Swam Expansion, Coming Out 12th March 2013


Blizzard have announced the first expansion for StarCraft II: Wings Of Liberty will be coming out on 12th March 2013. Heart Of The Swarm will continue the story from where the game finished and it focuses on Kerrigan's quest to reunite the Swarm and get revenge. there are over 20 campaign missions and weapons of war.

Blizzard say the expansion will be available at retail and digitally from them. it will have a suggested retail price of £32.99 and will come to Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7/Windows 8 and Macintosh.

Press Release

Friday, October 5, 2012

Blizzard Announce World Of Warcraft: Mists Of Pandaria Expansion Sold 2.7 Million Units In Its First Week On Sale


Blizzard have announced that during its first week, World Of Warcraft: Mists Of Pandaria sold around 2.7 Million Units, this does not include launch figures from Japan. subscriber levels also rose during this period, passing 10 Million. Blizzard have revealed that post launch content for this expansion is already being worked on, but more specific details will be revealed later.

Press Release

Monday, August 20, 2012

Blizzard Have Released A Cinematic Trailer For World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria

Blizzard have released a new cinematic trailer for World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, the forth expansion to World Of Warcraft.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Blizzard Announce Mists Of Pandaria, The Forth Expansion To World Of Warcraft, Comes Out 25th September

Blizzard have announced World Of Warcraft: Mists Of Pandaria, the forth expansion to World Of Warcraft, is set to come out at retail and online on 25th September. Mists Of Pandaria is coming out on DVD for Windows XP/Vista/7 and Mac for a suggested retail price of $39.99, which is the same price the game will be offered online.

 There is a digital deluxe version of the game for $59.99 that includes the game and:

  • World of Warcraft In-Game Mount: Take to the skies of Azeroth astride the mystical Imperial Quilen flying mount.
  • World of Warcraft In-Game Pet: Journey across Pandaria with the Lucky Quilen Cub at your side.
  • StarCraft® II Battle.net® Portraits: Bring the Horde and Alliance rivalry to the far reaches of the Koprulu sector with exclusive Infested Orc and Night Elf Templar Battle.net portraits.
  • Diablo® III Banner Sigil and Accent: Display your status as a hero of Pandaria with the iconic markings of World of Warcraft's newest playable race, the pandaren.

There will be a special Collectors Edition for $79.99 that is exclusive to retail. this edition comes with the game, everything the deluxe edition comes with and:

  • Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-Ray: Learn about the creation of Pandaria with this two-disc set featuring over an hour of commentary, insider interviews, and developer roundtables.
  • Collector's Edition Soundtrack CD: Experience 20 orchestral pieces from Mists of Pandaria.
  • The Art of Mists of Pandaria Book: Explore this 208-page hardcover tome featuring never-before-seen pieces from the expansion, from early concepts to final 3D renderings.
  • Chen Stormstout Mouse Pad: Equip your desk with this special-edition mouse pad featuring the legendary pandaren brewmaster.

Press Release

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Blizzard Announce Diablo III Has Sold Over 3.5 Million Copies In 24 hours, Now Sold Over 6.3 Million


Blizzard Entertainment have announced that Diablo III sold over 3.5 Million copies in just 24 hours. on top of that, over 1.2 Million copies of the game were given to those who subscribed to the World Of Warcarft Annual Pass Promotion. this means on launch day, there were over 4.7 Million players. that figure has risen to over 6.3 Million units sold in the games first week on sale.

Press Release

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Blizzard Announce Diablo III Comes Out 15th May


Blizzard have announced Diablo III is coming out for PC and Mac on 15th May. from today, Diablo III is available for pre-order from Blizzard.com so people can reserve their digital copy. the game will also be available at retail. the suggested retail and digital price of the game is £44.99. a Special collectors edition sold exclusively at retail has a suggested retail price of £69.99. this Collectors Edition comes with:
  • a copy of the game, 
  • the Diablo III Soundtrack, 
  • a 208 page art of Diablo III Book, 
  • 4 GB USB Soulstone (with full versions of Diablo II and Diablo II: Lord Of Destruction)
  • Exclusive in-game content for Diablo III, World Of Warcraft, and Starcraft II: Wings Of Liberty.
Blizzard also reminds World Of Warcraft players, if they sign up for the World Of Warcraft Annual Pass, they will receive a free digital copy of Diablo III, which they get on 15th May, a exclusive World Of Warcraft in-game mount, and access to the World Of Warcraft: Mists Of Pandaria Beta. this offer expires on 1st May.

Minimum PC Specs:
Windows® XP/Vista/7 (latest service packs) with DX 9.0c
Intel Pentium® D 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4400+
NVIDIA® GeForce® 7800 GT or ATI Radeon™ X1950 Pro or better
1 GB RAM (XP), 1.5 GB (Vista/7)
12 GB available HD space
DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only)
Broadband* Internet connection
1024x748 minimum resolution

Recommended PC Specs:
Windows® Vista/7 (latest service packs)
Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 5600+ 2.8 GHz
2 GB RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 260 or ATI Radeon™ HD 4870 or better

Minimum Mac Specs:
Mac® OS X 10.6.8, 10.7.x or newer
Intel® Core 2 Duo
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT or ATI Radeon™ HD 2600 or better
2 GB RAM
12 GB available HD space
DVD-ROM (required for retail disc versions only)
Broadband* Internet connection
1024x768 minimum resolution

Recommended Mac Specs: 
Mac® OS X 10.7.x or newer
Intel® Core 2 Duo
2 GB RAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 330M or ATI Radeon™ HD 4670 or better

System Requirements From Battlenet

Press Release

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Blizzard Announce The Foo Fighters Will Headline This Years Sold-out BlizzCon


Blizzard have announced The Foo Fighters will be headlining this years BlizzCon. this years BlizzCon is a sell out, though fans will be able to watch the convention at home by buying a Blizz Con Virtual Ticket, which also enables fans to watch the Foo Fighters Concert. Opening for the Foo Fighers is The Artist Formerly Known as Level 80 Elite Tauren Chieftain.

Press Release

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Blizzard Announce Tickets For Blizzcon 2011 Go On Sale On Saturday 21st May And Wednesday 25th May


Blizzard have detailed when tickets for BlizzCon 2011 go on sale. there are 2 batches, the first is Saturday 21st May. the second batch comes out on Wednesday 25th May. Blizzard have announced tickets to a pre BlizzCon dinner, in benefit on Children's Hospital of Orange County will go on sale Saturday 28th May. Tickets to the convention are priced at $175 each. tickets, around 200 of them, to the Dinner will cost $500 each.

Gamers around the world have an option to buy a BlizzCon virtual ticket for $39.99. The Virtual Ticket grants access to comprehensive live HD coverage from the show floor on each day of the convention, including exclusive interviews, demos, and more. Virtual Ticket coverage will be available to viewers globally as a multichannel Internet stream and also via Pay-per-View on DIRECTV in the United States.

Press Release

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that tickets for its sixth BlizzCon® gaming convention will go on sale in two batches on Saturday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 25. In addition, a limited number of tickets to an exclusive pre-BlizzCon dinner to benefit Children's Hospital of Orange County will go on sale Saturday, May 28.

BlizzCon is a celebration of the global communities surrounding Blizzard's Warcraft®, Diablo®, and StarCraft® game universes. The event once again offers players a valid reason to skip work on a Friday when it returns to the Anaheim Convention Center this year on October 21 and 22. Gamers around the world will also have the option to enjoy BlizzCon from the comfort of their own home by ordering a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket, which offers comprehensive live coverage of the event streaming online and also on DIRECTV in the United States.

"We love being able to meet directly with our players, and since BlizzCon is one of the rare opportunities we get to do that, we always pack as much information and entertainment as we can into the show," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "This year will be no different -- whether you're with us in Anaheim or joining from home, be prepared for two days of Blizzard gaming and good times with the most passionate community in the world."

In addition to serving as a mutual stomping ground for the different Blizzard communities, BlizzCon will feature an array of activities, including discussion panels, hands-on playtime with current and upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games, professional and casual tournaments, contests, and much more. Blizzard is looking forward to learning more about its own games from Red Shirt Guy if he can make it to the show again this year.

Tickets to the convention will be priced at $175 USD each and will be available for purchase from the official BlizzCon website (www.blizzcon.com) in two separate batches on Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. Pacific time and Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m. Pacific time.

Tickets to the BlizzCon Benefit Dinner, which include admission to BlizzCon, will be priced at $500 USD each, with proceeds going to Children's Hospital of Orange County. Taking place the evening of Thursday, October 20, this exclusive event offers guests an opportunity to rub elbows and trade war stories with Blizzard game developers and other employees before the show. Approximately 200 tickets to the benefit dinner will be available for purchase beginning Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. Pacific time through www.blizzcon.com.

Gamers around the world will also have the option to purchase a BlizzCon Virtual Ticket priced at $39.99 USD (pricing may vary by region). The Virtual Ticket grants access to comprehensive live HD coverage from the show floor on each day of the convention, including exclusive interviews, demos, and more. Virtual Ticket coverage will be available to viewers globally as a multichannel Internet stream and also via Pay-per-View on DIRECTV in the United States. DIRECTV customers who order the televised event will receive the multichannel Internet stream at no extra charge, allowing them to watch in the format of their choice. Those who order the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket will also receive this year's BlizzCon-exclusive World of Warcraft® and StarCraft II in-game items (availability may vary by region), to be revealed at a later date. Limited streaming coverage of the BlizzCon opening ceremony and certain BlizzCon tournaments will be available via the Internet for free.
As BlizzCon draws closer, further details about the show, including ordering and programming information for the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket, will be announced at www.blizzcon.com.

To keep pace with the continued growth of World of Warcraft as well as development on other Blizzard Entertainment games, the company is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities can be found at www.blizzard.com/jobs.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

About DIRECTV
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world's largest pay TV provider delivering the premiere video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 28 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.2 million customers access to more than 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, award winning technology like its DIRECTV® DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for ten years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 9 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Blizzard Entertainment's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Blizzard Entertainment generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," "future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Blizzard Entertainment's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Blizzard Entertainment's titles, increasing concentration of titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment and market conditions within the video game industry, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Blizzard Entertainment's products, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as real time strategy, role playing and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers who can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of the most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by Activision Blizzard, Inc., Blizzard Entertainment's parent company. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Blizzard Entertainment nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Blizzard Entertainment or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Blizzard Announce BlizzCon 2011 Is At The Anaheim Convention Centre From The 21st And 22nd October


Blizzard have announced this years BlizzCon will be held at The Anaheim Convention Centre in Anaheim, California, and will take place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October. Further details regarding BlizzCon 2011 will be made later, closer to the event.

Blizzcon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:
  • Hands-on play time with the latest versions of Blizzard Entertainment games
  • Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
  • Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
  • Community contests with great prizes
  • Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes
More activities and attractions will be announced at a later date.

    Press Release

    PARIS, France - February 7th, 2011 - Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans for its sixth BlizzCon® gaming convention, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Centre in Anaheim, California on Friday, 21st October and Saturday, 22nd October, 2011. BlizzCon is a celebration of the global player communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® universes.

    "We look forward to holding another exciting BlizzCon this year, filled with some great entertainment and competition, as well as the latest news about Blizzard games," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "BlizzCon is built from the ground up with our community in mind - we're pleased to be able to host an event where players can come together to have fun and celebrate their passion for gaming."

    In addition to serving as a gathering place for Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:
    .Hands-on play time with the latest versions of Blizzard Entertainment games
    .Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers
    .Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents
    .Community contests with great prizes
    .Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment’s game universes
    .More activities and attractions to be announced

    The previous BlizzCon was held in Anaheim in October 2010. Tickets to the event sold out in minutes, and some of the highlights included the unveiling of Diablo III's fifth and final playable character class, the demon hunter, and an epic closing concert featuring Tenacious D.

    Further details about BlizzCon 2011, including ticket availability and pricing, will be announced on the official Blizzard website, eu.blizzard.com, as the event draws closer.

    To keep pace with the continued growth of World of Warcraft as well as development on other Blizzard Entertainment games, the company is currently hiring for numerous open positions. More information on available career opportunities can be found at eu.blizzard.com/jobs.

    About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
    Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (eu.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes thirteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Blizzard Entertainment’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Blizzard Entertainment generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Blizzard Entertainment’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Blizzard Entertainment’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Blizzard Entertainment’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Blizzard Entertainment’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Blizzard Entertainment, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, Activision Blizzard’s success in integrating the operations of Activision Publishing and Vivendi Games in a timely manner, or at all, and the combined company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the transaction to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated, and the other factors identified in Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Blizzard Entertainment and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Blizzard Entertainment nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Blizzard Entertainment or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.