Activision Blizzard is a pretty big company. Over the years the company has grown profits and bought out a number of developers. This in itself is not a bad thing, if management keeps their heads on straight. This is not the case with Activision. In the industry, Activision is becoming gaming's Standard Oil, and the only way for others to survive is to grow into similar giants. I know I may take some flak for what my opinions, but I'm taking a stand.

Before we dive into what Activision is doing to destroy the industry, let's take a quick look at their history. Activision was one of the first third party software companies for the Atari system back in the 1980's. The company created games for other system, suffered through some heavy lawsuits, but forged ahead under the leadership of Robert Kotick. Activision later merged with Vivendi Games forming the new Activision Blizzard. Today, Activision has over 16 partnerships/acquisitions, specifically since the late 1990's.

It would seem that Activision has done quite well in a turbulent environment. Very well, in fact. As with any growing business form, it can become blotted. Activision how has significant weight to throw around in the gaming industry, and it doesn't mind menacingly flexing its' muscles.

Though I've had a few quarrels with Activision, some recent news prompted me to write these thoughts. There are two stories that cemented by dislike of this software company: canceling the Guitar Hero franchise and that Activision is seeking to purchase Take-Two. These two pieces of news are not initially shocking until we examine them more closely.

Guitar Hero is slain: By canceling Guitar Hero, Activision also killed DJ Hero. Two great IP's that may not be making a ton of money, but launched a genre. Rock Band will still be around though Rock Band developer Harmonix is facing their own troubles. No competition is bad; there is no impetus for a good game if there is no alternative to said game. Rhythm games will suffer for this, when all that was required was change to the overflowed genre. Overflow was worse than cancellation.(http://www.gamespot.com/news/6298334.html)

I'll miss you Guitar Hero, RIP...

Take-Two buyout: Take-Two games have had some successful IP's, IP's that are going fine on their own. As soon as Activision follows the money trail, a buyout is soon to follow. Take-Two also includes Rockstar Games, so this could be bad for many genres and IP. They are fine on their own, and oversight from Activision could alter a formula that works. Activision is power-hungry, so they want a piece of Rockstar and Take-Two's profits.(http://www.gamespot.com/news/6298567.html)

A formula done right.

Why we should be worried: In a genre flooded with IP's, Activision has still struck gold with Call of Duty. There are many FPS games, despite vast differences. My prediction: Activision will continue to print money with Call of Duty, and the IP will suffer once it slowly suffocates the competition.

What I fear is a market where gamers have two options, EA products vs. Activision products. So far I've been able to convince myself that EA has allowed their acquisitions to flourish like Bioware with Mass Effect 2 and Visceral Games with Dead Space 2 (even if they do plug the crap out of sequels, at least they pick good IP's). EA Partners is looking like a promising and fruitful program too, something apprently Activision hasn't picked up on. I'm aware that could easily change, but my fingers are crossed.

VS.

Good times...ahead...?

I've also been able to console myself that good FPS games aren't impossible to find even if Call of Duty dominates the entire gaming market (I'll admit I was peer pressured into getting Black Ops, but was disappointed). Activision, and EA, have also been pushing multiplayer options too, which isn't right for every game.

Multiplayer overload...and over bloated.

In the meantime, I'll show my support with my wallet. Dragon Origins just came in, and I'll be finishing up Red Dead in the next few weeks (Winter Recess, OH YEAH!).

At least if Activision continues their trend, I'll be able to avoid all the new crap and start crossing off items on my gaming backlist (http://www.gamespot.com/users/smithboy1177/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25898546&tag=all-about%3Bblog2)

Gamers, you should be worried. We'll all need to keep an eye out for giants so we don't get stepped on; and don't neglect those Indie Games. Check out this Gamespot's podcast this week, they offer some great commentary on the Activision dilemma (http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/hotspot/index.php). Please leave comments below!

For more of my words on Black Ops: http://www.gamespot.com/users/smithboy1177/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=m-100-25887596