• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Activision Blizzard Revenue Hits $2B Amid Attempts to Reform Company Culture

  • Activision Blizzard posted revenue of $2.07 billion in the third quarter.
  • The company is weathering a harassment and toxic workplace scandal.
Invision for Activision/Design: Alex Brooks

Activision Blizzard remains one of the top-earning game makers in the U.S. as it seeks to reform its company culture.

The company saw revenue grow to $2.07 billion in the third quarter, up 5.9% year-over-year.

Product sales accounted for only $423 million of that sum, with the rest coming mainly from in-game purchases and subscriptions.

Activision Blizzard saw strong growth from its King and Blizzard segments, whose revenues respectively rose 22% and 20% year-over-year. King is known for “Candy Crush” while Blizzard makes “Diablo” and “World of Warcraft.”

The company is still handling a scandal that went public when the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard alleging it ignored claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

  • Activision Blizzard said more than 20 employees “have exited the company” following an investigation.
  • The company pledged $250 million over the next 10 years in “initiatives that foster expanded opportunities in gaming and technology for under-represented communities.”
  • In September, Activision Blizzard reached a settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which included the creation of an $18 million settlement fund for those who experienced harassment or discrimination at the company.

Last week, CEO Bobby Kotick asked the board to reduce his salary to the state minimum for salaried workers, $62,500, and pledged to forgo bonuses and equity grants.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jay-Z’s Attorney Calls Sexual Assault Lawsuit a ‘Campaign of Extortion’

The lawsuit was originally filed against Sean Combs in October.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

The most exciting racing on water is making waves by rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in high-performance sports.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Shohei Ohtani Seeks Baseball Cards From Interpreter in Federal Case

Ohtani’s former translator is expected to be sentenced for bank and tax fraud.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

Endeavor, TKO Consolidate Sports Assets, Hoping They’re Better Together

The move brings On Location, Professional Bull Riders, and IMG under TKO.
Sep 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Nike shoes worn by Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell in the first half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
opinion
September 28, 2024

New Nike CEO Must Do It

The biggest task the new CEO faces is intangible: Refresh the brand.
October 1, 2024

Nike CFO Says ‘Adversity Creates Sharper Focus’

Amid a downbeat but expected set of earnings, Nike says it sees signs of optimism.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
A Nike swoosh on a building in Eugene, Oregon.
September 23, 2024

Wall Street: Things Will Get Worse for Nike Before They Get Better

Some analysts are skeptical of how much the new CEO will change.
Crypto.com soccer advertising
September 15, 2024

The Champions League Is Back. So Is Crypto Sponsorship

Crypto investment is making its debut in the biggest European soccer competition.
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium.
September 12, 2024

The NFL’s Private Equity Era Won’t Be the Bloodbath You Think—for Now

“It’s a different kind of investment thesis entirely.”
ESPN commentator Jay Williams speaking at a conference.
September 11, 2024

Jay Williams Supports PE in College Sports: ‘I Would Like to Own 49% of Duke Basketball’

Williams wants in when PE gets into college sports.