Activision Blizzard Sale ‘Still Under Consideration’

A new report suggests that Vivendi is still interested in selling its majority stake in Activision Blizzard. According to CVG, a credible source says the sale "absolutely remains under consideration" and that Vivendi is exploring its options.

CVG also reports that negotiations between Vivendi and Microsoft, who was once considered as a buyer for Activision Blizzard, “have not advanced,” while Sony “immediately ruled out” the idea of a purchase.

Vivendi owns a 61% stake in Activision Blizzard, which it acquired in 2008. Activision Blizzard’s value is currently estimated at $13.4 billion, making Vivendi’s stake worth approximately $8 billion. Due to Vivendi’s current debt, it’s been considering a sale since early June, but was later said to be finding “little enthusiasm” from buyers including Microsoft, Disney, Tencent and Nexon due to the massive amount of cash required to make the purchase.

Later reports suggested that Activision could partner with investors to buy itself back from Vivendi. Activision has only publicly commented on the sale during its second quarter 2012 earnings call last month, when CEO Bobby Kotick said “While we're unable to comment on Vivendi's behalf, we continue to remain focused on strong execution, the delivery of great games and the provision of superior shareholder returns as we have for over 20 years. Our strategy has served us very well in the past and will position us very well for the future.”

The future of the sale is uncertain for now, but while we wait for concrete information to emerge, read our thoughts on what would happen if Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following him on Twitter or IGN.

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Hulk #56 Review

The odds aren't looking too great for Red Hulk as the fourth chapter of  Mayan Rule opens. The majority of Alpha Flight and his gamma-powered allies have been drained by the rejuvenated Mayan gods, and only his robotic companions are left to aid Red Hulk in the fight. But when have the odds ever been in his favor?

Issue #56 offers less of an action-packed romp and more of a downbeat adventure that sheds more light on the nature and motivations of the gods. Some of this material seems a bit counterproductive. With so many religious and mythological pantheons co-existing in the Marvel Universe, why do the Mayan gods need a more logical, scientific explanation for being? Still, these revelations cast the conflict in a new light and should make for an interesting finale.

This approach also allows Machine Man to step up to the plate again, which is never a bad thing. Red Hulk is about as battered and weakened as he's ever been in this issue, and Parker takes the opportunity to reinforce just how much Ross has come to depend on both Aaron and Annie. What began as an ensemble storyline has become far more intimate and contained. But while it's disappointing that Alpha Flight have been relegated to the background, Parker is focusing on the character dynamics that have made the series such a blast from the beginning.

Dale Eaglesham's artwork isn't quite up to the quality established in the previous issues. Some of his framing is a little odd, with characters seeming to fade out of focus and into the background. On the plus side, the lengthy flashback to the origins of the gods allows Eaglesham to branch out and tackle some more unusual, non-super-heroic imagery. Hopefully Eaglesham will be back in top form for the finale issue.

Jesse is a writer for IGN Comics and IGN Movies. He can't wait until he's old enough to feel ways about stuff. Follow Jesse on Twitter, or find him on IGN.

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