Activision launches film studio to showcase games

This June 13, 2013 file photo shows the Activision Blizzard Booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. AP File Photo

SAN FRANCISCO, United States—US video game giant Activision Blizzard on Friday announced the creation of its own television and film studio to bring titles such as “Skylanders” and “Call of Duty” to the big and small screens.

READ: Activision expanding ‘Call of Duty’ e-sports competition

Activision Blizzard Studios’ first production will be “Skylanders Academy,” an animated TV series based on the award-winning game, followed by several films based on the best-selling “Call of Duty” franchise and possibly television adaptations too.

It is part of an effort by Activision Blizzard to ramp up its profile—and boost stagnating sales—by expanding into new mediums.

READ: For $5.9B, ‘Call of Duty’ maker buys ‘Candy Crush’ company

Last month the company said it was setting up an eSports division and on Monday, announced it is buying the maker of the addictive “Candy Crush Saga,” King Digital Entertainment, for $5.9 billion, tapping into a market of half a billion mobile gamers.

“Activision Blizzard is home to some of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, across any medium,” chief executive Bobby Kotick said in a statement.

“With the launch of Activision Blizzard Studios, our engaged fans can now watch the games they love come to life across film and television.”

Former Disney executive Nick van Dyk will co-head the studio.

Activision Blizzard’s latest video game title, “Call of Duty: Black Ops III,” launched Friday.