How to pitch a video game to Activision Blizzard

In its own words

“Therefore, Blizzard Entertainment® has adopted the unalterable policy of refusing to accept or look at any unsolicited submissions or ideas.”

“As a result, we will not be able to review or authorize any submissions related to expansions, novels, screenplays, productions or other adaptations.”

What you agree to by sending something

“Often in our industry, an idea being submitted will be identical or similar to one already used by other companies, or already being independently developed by or for a company.”

What it has bought from outside

1. 2003

   Infinity Ward (Call of Duty) from founders Grant Collier, Jason West and Vince Zampella US$1.5 million for 30% stake

   “Dissatisfied with the current contract they had under EA, Collier, West, and Zampella engaged with Activision to help establish Infinity Ward, which became one of the primary studios within Activision for the competing Call of Duty series.…” en.wikipedia.org

2. 2016

   King (Candy Crush Saga) from its shareholders US$ 5.9 billion

   “King was acquired by Activision Blizzard in February 2016 for US$ 5.9 billion.” en.wikipedia.org

3. 2016

   Major League Gaming from its owners $46 million

   “…On December 31, 2015, it was reported that "substantially all" of Major League Gaming's assets would be acquired by Activision Blizzard.…” en.wikipedia.org

Other companies that take a video game

• 

  Microsoft XboxHas a submission portalXbox publishes independent developers’ games through ID@Xbox, with support and resources to launch them.

• 

  NintendoHas a submission portalNintendo does not accept game or product ideas it did not ask for.

• 

  Sony Interactive (PlayStation)Has a submission portalPlayStation invites game developers and publishers to register at partners.playstation.net.

• 

  ValveHas a submission portalValve does not accept or consider game or character ideas it did not request, and anything sent anyway becomes its property.
• Devolver DigitalHas a submission portalDevolver takes game pitches at pitch.devolverdigital.com, now for games releasing in 2028 or later.

• 

  Electronic ArtsDoes not take outside ideasElectronic Arts does not accept product ideas, game concepts or music it did not ask for, and returns or deletes any it receives.

• 

  Square EnixDoes not take outside ideasSquare Enix and its employees do not accept creative works or ideas they did not ask for, and it may use anything sent without pay.

• 

  UbisoftDoes not take outside ideasUbisoft’s policy bars the company and its staff from accepting or considering ideas it did not ask for.

All of them, open doors first