Activision

Activision Blizzard is buying Candy Crush Saga maker King Digital for $5.9 billion

Renowned games publisher Activision Blizzard is purchasing King Digital, the maker of the popular Candy Crush Saga videogame series, in a transaction valued at a whooping $5.9 billion, the two companies announced Tuesday.

Activision, best-known for the World of Warcraft, Diablo and Call of Duty videogame series, said ABS Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, will acquire all of the outstanding shares of King for $18 in cash per share, for a total equity value of $5.9 billion.

Activision launches Guitar Hero Live for iOS with optional wireless guitar controller bundles

Publisher Activision today announced immediate availability of a new iPhone iPod touch and iPad game, called Guitar Hero Live. It includes two free of charge trial songs, with hundreds more available when you purchase a controller bundle.

The game is available in the United States starting today and will be launching in Europe this coming Friday, October 23, with an Apple TV version releasing later this year.

An optional $99 bundle is available from major retailers around the country with an AA batteries-powered Bluetooth Low Energy guitar controller along with guitar strap and included redeem code. A two-guitar bundle is $149.99.

Activision bringing new Guitar Hero game to mobile this year

Gamers rejoice, Activision Blizzard Inc. has confirmed that it's reviving its Guitar Hero franchise this year, and it's bringing it to mobile. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that, after a five-year hiatus, the California-based publisher has begun work on a new version of the popular video game for consoles, tablets and smartphones.

"Now fans can unleash their inner rock star anytime, anyplace using a phone or a game console,” Activision Chief Executive Officer Bobby Kotick said in a statement. The new product is said to cost $99, and will follow tradition in allowing players to jam on a toy guitar to music from artists such as the Black Keys and Fall Out Boy.

Call of Duty: Heroes launches globally on iOS

Following an August soft-launch in select markets, publisher Activison on Thursday released its free-to-play Call of Duty: Heroes in App Stores around the globe.

Seemingly inspired by Clash of Clans, the iPhone and iPad combat strategy game features nice 3D graphics and lets you command an army of elite soldiers, heroes, drones and more.

You begin as a commander of a small outpost and as the game progresses you must conquer new territories, customize and build up your base, lead your heroes into battle and even take direct control of weapons such as the first-person chopper gunner.

Download Call of Duty: Heroes free from the App Store.

Tony Hawk working on new skateboarding game for mobile devices

Skateboarding legend and mogul Tony Hawk revealed last night that he's working on a new skateboarding game for mobile devices. During an interview with Larry King, Mr. Hawk said that the game will have swipe-based controls and is coming this year.

Unfortunately, very few other details are known about the game—we're not even sure if it's going to launch under the familiar 'Tony Hawk Pro Skater' branding—but given Hawk's track record, we're excited. We have a clip of the Larry King interview below...

Call Of Duty: Strike Team, now with Time Attack, Atlas Mountains and iOS 7 controller support

Games publisher Activision released Call of Duty: Strike Team in the App Store with little fanfare in early-September. But fans of the genre have taken notice immediately, pushing the game to become the number one app in over 30 countries and prompting our own Lory to include Strike Team in her weekly apps/games round-ups.

Call of Duty fans will be delighted learning that Activision today issued a major content update which brings a new attack mode, a new combat zone and a few other tweaks. I was immediately sold on one particular feature: brand new support for the new iOS 7 controllers like Moga's Ace Power and Logitech's PowerShell...

Call of Duty: Strike Team unexpectedly hits iOS

This one came out of a clear blue sky. Following negligible promotional activities, publisher Activision on Thursday unleashed a new Call of Duty game for the iPhone and iPad. Titled Call of Duty: Strike Team, it promises a brand new Call of Duty experience built from the ground up for mobile and tablet devices.

The game combines both first and third-person action: you can dynamically switch from run-and-gun first-person view to reconnaissance and coordinated squad attacks in third-person view. The graphics look top-notch and you can fully customize your squad’s loadouts and abilities before leading them into combat. More tidbits right below...