Candy Crush, the match-three puzzle game that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, has been a staple of mobile gaming since its release in 2012. With its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and social features, it’s no wonder that Candy Crush has become a cultural phenomenon. But have you ever wondered who is behind this sugary sensation? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Candy Crush and explore who the owner of this beloved game is.
A Brief History of Candy Crush
Candy Crush was created by King Digital Entertainment, a British-Swedish game development company. King was founded in 2003 by Riccardo Zacconi, Toby Rowland, and Melvyn Morris, with the goal of creating online games that could be played on social media platforms. Initially, the company focused on developing games for Facebook, but it soon expanded to mobile platforms.
Candy Crush was first released on Facebook in 2012 and quickly gained popularity. The game’s success was unprecedented, with millions of players worldwide. In 2013, King released the mobile version of Candy Crush, which further accelerated its growth. The game’s popularity continued to soar, and by 2014, it had become one of the most downloaded mobile games in the world.
The Rise of King Digital Entertainment
King Digital Entertainment’s success with Candy Crush was not an overnight phenomenon. The company had been working on various games for years, but it was Candy Crush that brought them mainstream success. The game’s popularity led to a significant increase in King’s revenue, and the company went public in 2014.
However, King’s success was short-lived. In 2015, the company was acquired by Activision Blizzard, a leading American video game publisher, for $5.9 billion. The acquisition marked a significant shift in King’s strategy, as the company began to focus on developing more games for mobile platforms.
Who is the Owner of Candy Crush?
So, who is the owner of Candy Crush? As mentioned earlier, King Digital Entertainment was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2015. Therefore, Activision Blizzard is the current owner of Candy Crush.
Activision Blizzard is a leading American video game publisher that was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games. The company is known for developing and publishing some of the most popular video games in the world, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch.
Under Activision Blizzard’s ownership, King has continued to develop and publish new games, including Candy Crush Soda Saga, Candy Crush Jelly Saga, and Candy Crush Friends Saga. The company has also expanded its reach to new platforms, including PC and console gaming.
Activision Blizzard’s Strategy for King
Activision Blizzard’s acquisition of King was a strategic move to expand its presence in the mobile gaming market. The company has continued to invest in King’s development, and the studio has released several new games in recent years.
Activision Blizzard’s strategy for King is focused on developing games that appeal to a wide audience. The company has emphasized the importance of creating games that are accessible and engaging, with a focus on social features and community building.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, King’s CEO, Humam Sakhnini, stated that the company’s goal is to create games that are “easy to learn, hard to master, and fun to play.” This approach has been successful, with King’s games continuing to attract millions of players worldwide.
The Impact of Activision Blizzard’s Ownership on Candy Crush
Activision Blizzard’s ownership of King has had a significant impact on Candy Crush. The company has invested heavily in the game’s development, and the game has continued to evolve with new features and updates.
One of the most significant changes to Candy Crush since Activision Blizzard’s acquisition is the introduction of new game modes. The company has released several new game modes, including Candy Crush Soda Saga and Candy Crush Jelly Saga, which offer new challenges and gameplay mechanics.
Activision Blizzard has also emphasized the importance of community building in Candy Crush. The company has introduced new social features, including leaderboards and tournaments, which allow players to compete with each other.
The Future of Candy Crush
So, what’s next for Candy Crush? Activision Blizzard has announced plans to continue investing in King’s development, with a focus on creating new games and expanding the company’s reach to new platforms.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Activision Blizzard’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, stated that the company is committed to “continuing to innovate and expand” King’s portfolio of games. This includes developing new games for mobile platforms, as well as expanding the company’s reach to PC and console gaming.
Candy Crush is expected to continue to play a major role in King’s strategy, with the company planning to release new updates and features for the game in the coming years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the owner of Candy Crush is Activision Blizzard, a leading American video game publisher. The company acquired King Digital Entertainment, the developer of Candy Crush, in 2015 for $5.9 billion.
Under Activision Blizzard’s ownership, King has continued to develop and publish new games, including Candy Crush Soda Saga and Candy Crush Jelly Saga. The company has emphasized the importance of creating games that are accessible and engaging, with a focus on social features and community building.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Candy Crush and King’s other games adapt to changing player preferences and technological advancements. One thing is certain, however: Candy Crush will continue to be a beloved game for millions of players worldwide.
Game | Release Date | Platform |
---|---|---|
Candy Crush | 2012 | Facebook, Mobile |
Candy Crush Soda Saga | 2014 | Mobile |
Candy Crush Jelly Saga | 2015 | Mobile |
- King Digital Entertainment was founded in 2003 by Riccardo Zacconi, Toby Rowland, and Melvyn Morris.
- Activision Blizzard acquired King Digital Entertainment in 2015 for $5.9 billion.
Who is the owner of Candy Crush?
The owner of Candy Crush is King Digital Entertainment, a video game developer based in Sweden and the United Kingdom. King Digital Entertainment was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2016 for $5.9 billion. Activision Blizzard is a leading American video game publisher and developer.
As a result of the acquisition, Activision Blizzard gained control over King Digital Entertainment’s portfolio of games, including Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, and other popular titles. The acquisition expanded Activision Blizzard’s presence in the mobile gaming market and added a new dimension to its business.
What is Candy Crush Saga?
Candy Crush Saga is a match-three puzzle video game developed by King Digital Entertainment. The game was released in 2012 and became a massive hit, attracting millions of players worldwide. In the game, players swap candies to create sets of three or more in a row, either horizontally or vertically, to clear the board and progress through levels.
Candy Crush Saga features colorful graphics, engaging gameplay, and social features that allow players to compete with friends and share progress on social media platforms. The game is free to play, with in-app purchases available for players who want to buy virtual currency, boosters, or extra lives.
How did Candy Crush become so popular?
Candy Crush Saga became popular due to its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and strategic use of social media features. The game’s developers, King Digital Entertainment, used a freemium model, offering the game for free and generating revenue through in-app purchases. This model allowed players to try the game without committing to a purchase, which helped to attract a large player base.
The game’s popularity was also fueled by its presence on social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Players could share their progress, compete with friends, and invite others to play, which helped to spread the game’s popularity through word of mouth. Additionally, the game’s developers regularly released new levels, features, and updates, which kept players engaged and interested in the game.
Is Candy Crush Saga available on multiple platforms?
Yes, Candy Crush Saga is available on multiple platforms, including mobile devices (iOS and Android), Facebook, and online platforms. The game can be played on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
The game’s availability on multiple platforms has contributed to its popularity, as players can play the game on their preferred device and switch between devices seamlessly. The game’s developers have also optimized the game for each platform, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience regardless of the device used.
How much money has Candy Crush Saga generated?
Candy Crush Saga has generated billions of dollars in revenue since its release in 2012. According to reports, the game generated $1.88 billion in revenue in 2013 alone, making it one of the highest-grossing mobile games of all time. The game’s revenue has continued to grow over the years, with estimates suggesting that it has generated over $10 billion in lifetime revenue.
The game’s revenue is generated primarily through in-app purchases, with players buying virtual currency, boosters, and extra lives to progress through the game. The game’s developers have also generated revenue through advertising, with the game featuring ads from various brands and companies.
Has Candy Crush Saga won any awards?
Yes, Candy Crush Saga has won several awards since its release in 2012. The game won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Mobile Game at the 2013 People’s Choice Awards and the Best Mobile Game award at the 2013 Golden Joystick Awards. The game has also been nominated for several other awards, including the BAFTA Games Awards and the Game Developers Choice Awards.
The game’s awards and nominations are a testament to its popularity and impact on the gaming industry. The game’s success has also inspired a franchise, with several spin-off games, including Candy Crush Soda Saga and Candy Crush Jelly Saga, being released over the years.
Is Candy Crush Saga still popular today?
Yes, Candy Crush Saga is still popular today, although its popularity has declined somewhat since its peak in the mid-2010s. The game remains one of the most popular mobile games in the world, with millions of players worldwide. The game’s developers continue to release new levels, features, and updates, which helps to keep players engaged and interested in the game.
The game’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and social features, which continue to attract new players and retain existing ones. The game’s presence on multiple platforms also helps to maintain its popularity, as players can play the game on their preferred device and switch between devices seamlessly.