Vicarious Visions, the Activision studio most just lately identified for remakes like Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater 1 + 2, has now absolutely merged into Blizzard. The method started in January 2021, however Vicarious Visions has now dropped its personal identify to turn into Blizzard Albany.
“We’ve formally merged with Blizzard Leisure,” the official Vicarious Visions Twitter account says. “Our improvement group will stay in Albany, NY and absolutely devoted to Blizzard video games. We invite you to observe us @Blizzard_Ent.” That is the studio’s solely tweet since November 2021. Previous to that, it was primarily retweeting promotions for Diablo II: Resurrected.
Blizzard’s jobs web page now refers back to the studio as Blizzard Albany – and because the identify suggests, the studio will stay in Albany, New York. Polygon reported in October 2021 that workers had been knowledgeable in a shock assembly that Vicarious Visions could be dropping its personal identify, however it’s solely at this time that this has turn into official. In response to the identical report, no layoffs had been deliberate.
The studio is anticipated to offer “long-term assist” on Blizzard video games. In case you had your fingers crossed for Vicarious Visions to observe up on these glorious Tony Hawk remakes, effectively… Perhaps we’ll get a Misplaced Vikings remake or one thing as an alternative.
In July 2021, the state of California filed a lawsuit towards Activision Blizzard alleging years of office discrimination and harassment. The story has since embroiled CEO Bobby Kotick and prompted the US federal authorities to open an investigation. It continues to unfold and to be of immense significance to the sport business. You may atone for all of the developments to this point on this often up to date explainer article.
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