Developer Vicarious Visions has now been merged with Blizzard Entertainment, acting as a supporting development team.
In January 2005, Vicarious Visions was acquired by Activision (itself a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard). Now they have told GamesIndustry.biz that the developer and its estimated 200 employees are being merged into Blizzard Entertainment.
They will now be “fully dedicated to existing Blizzard games and initiatives,” and as such will no longer be the lead developer on projects. In a statement to GamesIndustry.biz Blizzard Entertainment stated “After collaborating with Vicarious Visions for some time and developing a great relationship, Blizzard realized there was an opportunity for [Vicarious Visions] to provide long-term support.” Blizzard Entertainment reportedly declined to specifiy what the team had been working on.
Former studio head Jen Oneal will be promoted to Blizzard executive vice president of development, reporting directly to Blizzard Entertainment president J. Allen Brack.
Vicarious Visions recent works include Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, and the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy. Prior to that they also worked additional support for the vast majority of the Tony Hawk’s series, several Skylanders games, and licenced games for handheld consoles.