Further enhancing its internal development capabilities, Activision Inc. announced that it has acquired game developer Toys For Bob. As a result of the acquisition, Activision now has approximately 1,000 employees in its studio operations.
Activision has worked with Toys For Bob since 2002 most recently on the upcoming children's game MADAGASCAR, which is based on DreamWorks Animation's feature film. The game is slated to ship this month timed to the movie's release. Toys For Bob is in pre-production on an as-yet unannounced Activision title, which is expected to be released in 2007.
"Toys For Bob's talented team, led by proven management, will further expand our leading development resources," said Kathy Vrabeck, president of Activision Publishing. "The studio's high quality animation and design capabilities will enable us to develop innovative new games for the console platforms."
"We couldn't be more excited about Activision's acquisition of Toys For Bob, which will allow us to focus on what we love and do best create great games," added Paul Reiche III, president of Toys For Bob. "We have worked exclusively with Activision for the past three years, so we know the people, the products and the company's intentions quite well, all of which are entirely compatible with our own team and vision."
Under the terms of the agreement, Toys For Bob has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision and the company's management team and key employees have signed long-term employment contracts with Activision. The 27-person team will continue to be based in Novato, California.
This announcement comes on the heals of Activisions fiscal year report, which stated the firm recorded $1.4 billion, or 48% higher, as compared to $947.7 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. In addition, its net revenues for the 4th quarter were up 25% to $203.9 million.
Founded in 1989, Toys For Bob is best known for developing the popular space action adventure games STAR CONTROL and STAR CONTROL II, which were published by Accolade. From 1993 to 2002, the studio worked exclusively with Crystal Dynamics.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $948 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information can found at www.activision.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
