Activision is a prominent video game publisher known for creating and distributing popular gaming franchises. Founded in 1979, it was one of the first third-party developers for home video game consoles. Some of its most famous titles include Call of Duty, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and Crash Bandicoot. In 2016, Activision merged with Blizzard Entertainment, forming Activision Blizzard, which expanded its portfolio to include successful games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and continues to be a major player in the gaming industry, focusing on innovative gameplay and engaging storytelling.