Vicarious Visions: the studio merges with Blizzard at the behest of Activision

After having come back strongly in the limelight in recent years with the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and with the Remake Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2, the studies of Vicarious Visions are undergoing a rather important change in recent weeks: according to what is reported by the GamesIndustry.biz portal, in fact, it seems that Vicarious Visions has been merged into Blizzard studios, to devote himself solely to the development of the latter's titles, by decision of Activision Blizzard. A news that will surely make the fans of the highly anticipated happy Diablo IV, among others, which could benefit from the arrival of new forces for faster development.

According to the portal already mentioned at the beginning, the transition of Vicarious Visions to Blizzard would already be effective, with the US company (founded in 1994 by the brothers Karhik and Guha Bala) remaining in its headquarters in Albany, New York (USA). The studio, consisting of 200 members approximately, will now devote himself completely to games and initiatives branded Blizzard. According to the rumors appeared on the net, which gave reason for this news to exist, it should be a logical consequence the abandonment of the IP of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater by Vicarious Visions. A spokesperson (it is not specified who, nor who exactly works for) would have declared:

After partnering with Vicarious Visions for some time and developing a great relationship, Blizzard realized there was an opportunity to receive long-term support from the talented studio.

It is not clear what the two development companies have collaborated on in the past, but Jason Schreier, reporter for Bloomberg, posted on his official Twitter profile:

Strange! Vicarious Visions has actually been working on Blizzard projects for a few months, but this restructuring is yet another example of how Activision is eroding Blizzard's autonomy.

Also according to the GamesIndustry.biz portal it also seems that some important management changes have already happened. The director of Vicarious Visions, Jen Oneal, would be promoted to executive vice president of development for Blizzard. Oneal will report directly to the president of the company, J. Allen Brack. To take Oneal's place at Vicaiorus Visions, as director of studies, it should be Simon Ebejer, who previously held the role of chief operating officer.

Weird! Vicarious Visions has actually been working on Blizzard projects for a few months now, but this restructuring is yet another example of Activision eroding Blizzard's autonomy https://t.co/3r02ZgHOmS

- Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) January 22, 2021