Activision Blizzard is one of the biggest companies in the world, and its three major gaming franchises are Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Hearthstone. The most recent flashpoint in the Call of Duty vs. Battlefield feud was sparked by the confirmation that Activision had chosen to go back to the series’ roots for the first time in almost a decade. The firm followed this announcement with the news that the game would be set during World War II. The company’s acquisition of King Digital, the developer of the Candy Crush franchise, was not a surprise to anyone who followed the industry. What was surprising was what the company had to say regarding its plans for the franchise. Activision Blizzard’s CEO confirmed that the company was not interested in simply making another Candy Crush game after the acquisition. Instead, the company has plans for the franchise at a much larger level, including e-sports and the further development of social media and mobile applications. Learn more about Activision Blizzard

The mobile gaming market is massive and growing. Activision Blizzard has the resources to invest seriously in the mobile gaming space. It’s important to note that King Digital is not being integrated into a division of Activision Blizzard. Instead, the company has acquired 100% of the equity in King Digital. The acquisition puts Activision at the forefront of the mobile gaming space. It also gives the company control over what has become one of the world’s most popular gaming franchises.

Hearthstone is a game that has already become the preeminent e-sports title, but it will grow even more significantly. The game is being integrated into the recently announced e-sports league based on all of Activision Blizzard’s casual titles. The Hearthstone e-sports league will be hosted at a dedicated arena with multiple stages and thousands of seats for spectators. Competitions will be broadcast online. Activision Blizzard promises the e-sports league will be a significant investment that will significantly expand the game’s reach. Still, it will also be a boon for the professional players and teams in the league.