Among other titles, video game development company Blizzard Entertainment introduced the popular World of Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo series. As of 2006, World of Warcraft had over 6 million worldwide subscribers, netting the company an estimated $75 million each month.http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_48/289-Secret-Sauce-The-Rise-of-Blizzard.5In addition to software games, Blizzard Entertainment hosts the online gaming community Battle.net.
Blizzard Entertainment was founded in 1991 under the name Silicon & Synapse. They started out by doing mainly board games and weren't yet world renowned. Less than a year later they collaborated with Interplay Entertainment to create the game The Lost Vikings. After the success with their first video game, they gained momentum and made their breakthrough.http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc
The reason Silicone and Synapse changed their name was because of their relationship with Interplay Entertainment. A lawsuit broke out when Silicone and Synapse bootlegged some copies of the video game they worked on together, but Interplay lost. Even so, Blizzard Entertainment wanted to start fresh, and so they changed their name.http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc
News
Blizzard announced its StarCraft II Collector's Edition in April of 2010. The regular version of the game comes out for $59.99 and the Collector's Edition is priced at $99.99.http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/04/blizzard-details-starcraft-ii-collectors-edition/1This special edition includes an art book that contains images from the game, a replica of Jim Raynor’s dog tag, a DVD featuring a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the game, a soundtrack CD, a prequel to the comic book series, a mini game, and downloadable content.http://www.vgrevolution.com/2010/04/starcraft-2-collectors-edition-announced/The release date for StarCraft II is TBA, as of April 9, 2010..http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/04/blizzard-details-starcraft-ii-collectors-edition/1
Career Opportunities
Blizzard Entertainment has many job opportunities for those interested. As of April, 2010, some of these job titles are:
- 3D Character Equipment Artist
- 3D Environment Artist
- Public Relations/Community Manager
- Senior Artist
- Account Support Representative
- Assistant Community Manager
- Associate Editor
- Associate Producer
- Associate Software Engineer
- Billing Support Representative
- Business Intelligence Analyst
There are many more jobs available and you can apply on the Blizzard Entertainment Official Website after signing up for an account.https://blizzard.taleo.net/careersection/2/moresearch.ftl?lang=en<ref>
Blizzard Entertainment Titles
Featured Video
This video takes you on a tour through the Blizzard Entertainment building in California. The host explains that the company is growing rapidly, and that to keep up with the number of employees, they have implemented a 24-hour gym and a cafeteria. She first takes you to the museum that features trophies, drawings and plaques dedicated to Blizzard Entertainment, and ends with an important statue.
References
Fast Facts
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Founded
In 1991 in California as Silicon & Synapse
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Fact:
Established as Blizzard Entertainment in 1994
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Founders
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Headquarters
Irvine, California
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Staff
250+ designers, producers, programmers, artists, and sound engineers
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Fact:
Hosts the yearly Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational convention and BlizzCon
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Fact:
A division of Vivendi Games
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President & CEO
Michael Morhaime
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Executive Vice President
Frank Pearce
