Viacom Media Networks Usher In The Launch Of "Call of Duty®: Black
Ops II" With An Array Of Special Programming
NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision
Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard,
Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Viacom Media Networks, the most powerful
entertainment company in reaching young male viewers, are joining
forces to celebrate the most-anticipated entertainment event of
2012, the release of Activision and Treyarch's "Call of Duty: Black
Ops II."
Spike TV, MTV, MTV2, and MTV U will debut an exciting lineup of
original content that will span the globe from Australia to Europe leading up to the hotly-awaited
midnight launch on November 13.
"The midnight release of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II' reflects a
celebration shared by gamers around the world that spans all types
and interests, and really taps into a cultural moment of this
generation," said Tim Ellis, Chief
Marketing Officer, Activision Publishing. "We're delighted to
come together with Viacom and Spike TV to share this moment with
the Call of Duty® community, who inspires our teams to reach for
the best fans in the world."
As the clock strikes midnight on Launch Day, Spike TV will
telecast a LIVE half-hour show, "GTTV LIVE Call of Duty Black Ops
II World Launch," premiering Tuesday,
November 13 at 12:00am EST
hosted by renowned gaming experts Geoff
Keighley and Justine Ezarlik. The special will provide
coverage of launch celebrations taking place throughout the day
from around the globe, as well as an exclusive interview with famed
Hollywood screenwriter, and
co-writer of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II,' David Goyer. As the television
headquarters for the massive launch, the special will include live
updates from select locations across the country, plus a live
appearance from special guest Mark
Lamia, studio head of the game's developer, Treyarch.
"The launch of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II' is by far one
of the biggest moments of the year in the world of entertainment,
and Viacom is uniquely positioned to capture and share the global
fandom and cultural impact with our viewers both on-air and
online," said Geoff Keighley,
Executive in Charge, Publisher Relations, Spike TV.
Reflecting the global anticipation for the new game and marking
a first for Viacom, the coverage will spread across the Viacom
network of properties, including MTV News, MTV2 and mtv U leading
culminating in the high-profile live event broadcast on Spike
TV.
"Call of Duty: Black Ops II" is rated "M" by the ESRB. The
title is in development by Treyarch and published by Activision
Publishing, Inc. More information on Call of Duty: Black Ops II can
be found at http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or on
www.facebook.com/codblackops. Fans can also follow @Treyarch
on Twitter.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica,
California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading
worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive
entertainment and leisure products. Activision
maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United
Kingdom, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the
Netherlands, Australia,
South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and
its products can be found on the company's website,
www.activision.com.
ABOUT VIACOM
Viacom (NASDAQ-NMS: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world's
premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through
compelling content across television, motion picture, online and
mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media
networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers,
Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC,
Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY
CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA.
Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator
of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a
major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.
Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media
experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties
for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.
ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are
trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other
trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective
owners.
SOURCE Viacom