The eagerly awaited video game Diablo IV finally hit the streets last week, earning rave reviews from players but also bringing renewed attention to its creator, Activision Blizzard.
The company has struggled to get past accusations of a hostile work environment, including sexual harassment of female staffers. And this week, a judge temporarily blocked Microsoft’s acquisition of the game company at the request from the Federal Trade Commission. Tech expert Omar Gallaga says the FTC is concerned that Microsoft could cut off access by other game console makers to Diablo IV and other games, if the merger were approved.
Highlights from this segment:
– Diablo IV is the latest in a wildly successful series of games. It’s been anticipated for a number of years.
– Activision Blizzard faced challenges when Diablo IV’s top two creative leaders left the company two years ago, in the wake of charges that the workplace was hostile, especially to women.
– Microsoft has acquired other game makers, but the Activision Blizzard merger faces more scrutiny because of the size and importance of the company’s titles.
