What it does: It develops and distributes video games and other services on game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices. It also sells in-game content and digital advertising.
Mission: To make the most fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences for players
Size and presence: In 2022, the company employed approximately 13,000 people worldwide, including 40 staff in Australia
Best known for: One of the biggest players in the video game industry
The good bits: Offers a good amount of agency and ownership on projects, provides lots of experience
The not-so-good bits: Fast-paced industry, sometimes require waves of long hours
Activision Australia is administered from its head office in Pyrmont, NSW, and is part of the US-based games house Activision Blizzard Inc. Headquartered in California, they delight hundreds of millions of monthly active users and have around fifty operations around the world. Some of their console and PC games are World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Candy Crush Saga, and Overwatch.
The company was founded as Activision, Inc. on October 1, 1979. They started as an original third-party console developer but rapidly expanded in the video game industry through a series of acquisitions of smaller game developers. By the end of the 90s, Activision had a strong internal team but it was their partnerships with independent studios that took them to the next level.
They did not just innovate games but also evolved the way they are produced, marketed, and sold. In 2008, Activision merged with Blizzard Entertainment and formed Activision Blizzard, one of the world’s largest video game companies. They continue to leave an impact on the industry over the years.
As a company that wants to make every day more fun with games, its culture is laid back and relaxed. They are a community that works hard and plays hard, and their camaraderie is fueled by their passion for gameplay.
They know their success comes from the talented, passionate, and diverse team of people behind their franchises. They have changed the way people play games, and their players will benefit from the entertainment if they develop an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
To apply, you need to create your profile on their Career website, search for available roles, and then submit your CV, cover letter, and other supporting materials. Depending on the position, you may also be asked to complete a pre-employment assessment. This online assessment will evaluate your technical skills to help them better understand your aptitude and experience.
If there is a match between your application and an open position, the recruiter will reach out to provide you with the details and get you set up for a phone/virtual interview. This stage will discuss your experience and qualifications.
The final interview will be face-to-face with hiring managers or technical experts to discuss the desired job. If you are selected and accept an offer with them, you are on your way to join the team.
Activision provides opportunities for career development to their employees, including training, mentoring, and coaching programs. They also offer a variety of roles and career paths, such as game testers, game designers, game producers, and game directors, which can lead to more senior positions and titles.
To give you some insight, some of the annual salaries at the company are Marketing Manager (AU$81,000-87,000), Production Supervisor (AU$96,000-104,000), Supply Chain Director (AU$240,000-258,000).
Depending on your role, the following benefits may be included:
Activision strives to create meaningful social impact, either through their commitment to the veteran community or responses to natural disasters and public health crises. In 2022, for example, over 1000 employees in four countries contributed to 19 different volunteer projects.
Their Call of Duty Endowment also helps veterans find their careers by supporting groups that prepare them for the job market. Since its inception in 2009, the Endowment has placed more than 81,000 veterans in high-quality jobs.
Each November, they also hold the annual Veterans Day of Service where employees give their time to help. Since 2014, employees in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia have filled more than 5,400 volunteer slots serving over 135 volunteer sites. The volunteer projects can include writing letters for active duty service members, spending quality time with elderly veterans, and creating care packages.