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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 1-15839

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		95-4803544

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3100 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA		90405

(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(310) 255-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer x		Accelerated Filer o

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

		Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding at October 26, 2017 was 756,099,455.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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	Cautionary Statement	3

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	5

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	6

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016	7

	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017	8

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	28

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	54

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	55

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	56

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	56

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	56

Item 6.	Exhibits	56

EXHIBIT INDEX		57

SIGNATURE		58

CERTIFICATIONS

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains, or incorporates by reference, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements consist of any statement other than a recitation of historical facts and include, but are not limited to: (1) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, cash flow, or other financial items; (2) statements of our plans and objectives, including those related to releases of products or services; (3) statements of future financial or operating performance; and (4) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Activision Blizzard, Inc. generally uses words such as “outlook,” “forecast,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “to be,” “plan,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “might,” “expects,” “intends,” “intends as,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” “future,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and other similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks, reflect management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about our business, and are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict.

The company cautions that a number of important factors could cause Activision Blizzard, Inc.’s actual future results and other future circumstances to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: sales levels of Activision Blizzard, Inc.’s titles, products, and services; concentration of revenue among a small number of titles; Activision Blizzard, Inc.’s ability to predict consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres and preferences among platforms; the diversion of management time and attention to issues relating to the operations of our acquired or newly started businesses; the amount of our debt and the limitations imposed by the covenants in the agreements governing our debt; the adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software; counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors, and manufacturers; maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, financing providers, licensees, licensors, manufacturers, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain, and develop key personnel and developers that can create high-quality titles, products, and services; risks relating to the expansion into new businesses, including the potential impact on our existing businesses; changing business models within the video game industry, including digital delivery of content and the increased prevalence of free-to-play games; product delays or defects; competition, including from other forms of entertainment; rapid changes in technology and industry standards; possible declines in software pricing; product returns and price protection; the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive entertainment market; the outcome of current or future tax disputes; litigation risks and associated costs; protection of proprietary rights; shifts in consumer spending trends; capital market risks; the impact of applicable regulations; domestic and international economic, financial, and political conditions and policies; tax rates and foreign exchange rates; the impact of the current macroeconomic environment; and the other factors identified in “Risk Factors” included in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on information available to Activision Blizzard, Inc. as of the date of this filing and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although these forward-looking statements are believed to be true when made, they may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Activision Blizzard, Inc.’s names, abbreviations thereof, logos, and product and service designators are all either the registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names of Activision Blizzard, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All dollar amounts referred to in or contemplated by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to United States dollars, unless otherwise explicitly stated to the contrary.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except share data)

	At September 30, 2017		At December 31, 2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,576	$	3,245
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $172 and $261, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	888		732
Inventories, net	94		49
Software development	377		412
Other current assets	451		392
Total current assets	5,386		4,830
Software development	114		54
Property and equipment, net	254		258
Deferred income taxes, net	439		283
Other assets	469		401
Intangible assets, net	1,292		1,858
Goodwill	9,764		9,768
Total assets	$	17,718	$	17,452

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	313	$	222
Deferred revenues	1,373		1,628
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	703		806
Total current liabilities	2,389		2,656
Long-term debt, net	4,388		4,887
Deferred income taxes, net	40		44
Other liabilities	934		746
Total liabilities	7,751		8,333
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.000001 par value, 2,400,000,000 shares authorized, 1,184,733,296 and 1,174,163,069 shares issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	—		—
Additional paid-in capital	10,671		10,442
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 428,676,471 shares at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	(5,563)		(5,563)
Retained earnings	5,501		4,869
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(642)		(629)
Total shareholders’ equity	9,967		9,119
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	17,718	$	17,452

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net revenues
Product sales	$	384	$	355	$	1,373	$	1,501
Subscription, licensing, and other revenues	1,234		1,213		3,601		3,093
Total net revenues	1,618		1,568		4,974		4,594

Costs and expenses
Cost of revenues—product sales:
Product costs	149		111		422		429
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses	37		42		200		250
Cost of revenues—subscription, licensing, and other revenues:
Game operations and distribution costs	249		237		717		620
Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses	117		139		359		319
Product development	273		249		750		673
Sales and marketing	345		340		899		830
General and administrative	191		156		539		486
Total costs and expenses	1,361		1,274		3,886		3,607

Operating income	257		294		1,088		987
Interest and other expense (income), net	37		63		121		181
Income before income tax expense	220		231		967		806
Income tax expense	32		32		109		93
Net income	$	188	$	199	$	858	$	713

Earnings per common share
Basic	$	0.25	$	0.27	$	1.14	$	0.96
Diluted	$	0.25	$	0.26	$	1.12	$	0.94

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding
Basic	755		742		753		739
Diluted	766		756		764		753

Dividends per common share	$	—	$	—	$	0.30	$	0.26

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions)

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net income	$	188	$	199	$	858	$	713
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9		—		36		(20)
Unrealized gains (losses) on forward contracts designated as hedges, net of tax	(8)		(4)		(45)		—
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net of tax	(3)		—		(4)		—
Total other comprehensive loss	$	(2)	$	(4)	$	(13)	$	(20)
Comprehensive income	$	186	$	195	$	845	$	693

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Amounts in millions)

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	858	$	713
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(138)		(200)
Provision for inventories	9		29
Depreciation and amortization	670		584
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses (1)	202		248
Amortization of debt discount, financing costs, and non-cash write-off due to extinguishment of debt	22		26
Share-based compensation expense (2)	118		107
Other	15		—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	(140)		395
Inventories	(50)		(32)
Software development and intellectual property licenses	(227)		(295)
Other assets	(70)		85
Deferred revenues	(320)		(396)
Accounts payable	78		(76)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	28		108
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,055		1,296

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale investments	(80)		—
Acquisition of King, net of cash acquired (see Note 14)	—		(4,588)
Release of cash in escrow	—		3,561
Capital expenditures	(86)		(99)
Other investing activities	10		(24)
Net cash used in investing activities	(156)		(1,150)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to employees	150		86
Tax payment related to net share settlements on restricted stock units	(44)		(76)
Dividends paid	(226)		(195)
Proceeds from debt issuances, net of discounts	3,741		6,878
Repayment of long-term debt	(4,251)		(4,604)
Other financing activities	(10)		(6)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(640)		2,083
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	72		(23)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	331		2,206
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,245		1,823
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,576	$	4,029

(1) Excludes deferral and amortization of share-based compensation expense.

(2) Includes the net effects of capitalization, deferral, and amortization of share-based compensation expense.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(Unaudited)

(Amounts and shares in millions, except per share data)

	Common Stock			Treasury Stock			Additional Paid-In		Retained		Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Total Shareholders’
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Income (Loss)		Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	1,174	$	—	(429)	$	(5,563)	$	10,442	$	4,869	$	(629)	$	9,119
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		858		—		858
Other comprehensive loss	—	—		—	—		—		—		(13)		(13)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to employee stock options	10	—		—	—		150		—		—		150
Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock units	2	—		—	—		—		—		—		—
Restricted stock surrendered for employees’ tax liability	(1)	—		—	—		(43)		—		—		(43)
Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock options and restricted stock rights	—	—		—	—		122		—		—		122
Dividends ($0.30 per common share)	—	—		—	—		—		(226)		—		(226)
Balance at September 30, 2017	1,185	$	—	(429)	$	(5,563)	$	10,671	$	5,501	$	(642)	$	9,967

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Description of Business and Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content and services. We develop and distribute content and services across all of the major gaming platforms, including video game consoles, personal computers (“PC”), and mobile devices. The terms “Activision Blizzard,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are used to refer collectively to Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The Company was originally incorporated in California in 1979 and was reincorporated in Delaware in December 1992. We are the result of the 2008 business combination (the “Business Combination”) by and among the Company (then known as Activision, Inc.), Vivendi S.A. (“Vivendi”), and Vivendi Games, Inc. (“Vivendi Games”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi. In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Activision, Inc. was renamed Activision Blizzard, Inc.

The common stock of Activision Blizzard is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ATVI.”

The King Acquisition

On February 23, 2016 (the “King Closing Date”), we acquired King Digital Entertainment, a leading interactive mobile entertainment company (“King”), by purchasing all of its outstanding shares (the “King Acquisition”), as further described in Note 14. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the operations of King commencing on the King Closing Date.

Our Segments

As part of the continued implementation of our esports strategy, we instituted changes to our internal organization and reporting structure such that the Major League Gaming (“MLG”) business now operates as a division of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (“Blizzard”). As such, commencing with the second quarter of 2017, MLG, which was previously a separate operating segment, is now a component of the Blizzard operating segment. MLG is responsible for the operations of the Overwatch LeagueTM, along with other esports events, and will also continue to serve as a multi-platform network for Activision Blizzard esports content.

Based upon our organizational structure, we conduct our business through three reportable segments as follows:

(i) Activision Publishing, Inc.

Activision Publishing, Inc. (“Activision”) is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive software products and entertainment content, particularly in console gaming. Activision primarily delivers content through retail and digital channels, including full-game and in-game sales, as well as licenses of software to third-party or related-party companies that distribute Activision products. Activision develops, markets, and sells products which are principally based on our internally-developed intellectual properties, as well as some licensed properties. We have also established a long-term alliance with Bungie to publish its game universe, Destiny.

Activision’s key product franchises include: Call of Duty®, a first-person shooter for the console and PC platforms; Destiny, an online universe of first-person action gameplay (which we call a “shared-world shooter”) for console and PC platforms; and Skylanders®, a franchise geared towards children that brings physical toys to life digitally in the game, primarily for console platforms.

(ii) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Blizzard is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive software products and entertainment content, particularly in PC gaming. Blizzard primarily delivers content through retail and digital channels, including subscriptions, full-game, and in-game sales, as well as licenses of software to third-party or related party companies that distribute Blizzard products. Blizzard also maintains a proprietary online gaming service which facilitates digital distribution of Blizzard content, online social connectivity across all Blizzard games, and the creation of user-generated content for Blizzard’s games. As noted above, Blizzard also includes the activities of our MLG business, which is devoted to esports.

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Blizzard’s key product franchises include: World of Warcraft®, a subscription-based massive multi-player online role-playing game for the PC; StarCraft®, a real-time strategy PC franchise; Diablo®, an action role-playing franchise for the PC and console platforms; Hearthstone®, an online collectible card franchise for the PC and mobile platforms; Heroes of the Storm®, a free-to-play team brawler for the PC; and Overwatch®, a team-based first-person shooter for the PC and console platforms.

(iii) King Digital Entertainment

King is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content and services, particularly on mobile platforms, such as Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS. King also distributes its content and services on online social platforms, such as Facebook and the king.com websites. King’s games are free-to-play, however, players can acquire in-game items, either with virtual currency the players purchase or directly using real currency.

King’s key product franchises, all of which are for the PC and mobile platforms, include: Candy Crush™, which features “match three” games; Farm Heroes™, which also features “match three” games; Pet Rescue™, which is a “clicker” game; and Bubble Witch™, which features “bubble shooter” games.

Other

We also engage in other businesses that do not represent reportable segments, including:

· the Activision Blizzard Studios (“Studios”) business, which is devoted to creating original film and television content based on our library of globally recognized intellectual properties, and which, in October 2017, released the second season of the animated TV series Skylanders™ Academy on Netflix; and

· the Activision Blizzard Distribution (“Distribution”) business, which consists of operations in Europe that provide warehousing, logistics, and sales distribution services to third-party publishers of interactive entertainment software, our own publishing operations, and manufacturers of interactive entertainment hardware.

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim reporting. Accordingly, certain notes or other information that are normally required by U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted if they substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in our annual audited consolidated financial statements. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for the fair statement of our financial position and results of operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been included in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are issued, to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Non-cash Investing and Financing activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we had non-cash purchase price consideration of $89 million related to vested and unvested stock options and awards that were assumed and replaced with Activision Blizzard equity or deferred cash awards in the King Acquisition. Refer to Note 14 for further discussion.

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2. Inventories, Net

Inventories, net, consist of the following (amounts in millions):

	At September 30, 2017		At December 31, 2016
Finished goods	$	80	$	40
Purchased parts and components	14		9
Inventories, net	$	94	$	49

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, inventory reserves were $21 million and $45 million, respectively.

3. Software Development and Intellectual Property Licenses

The following table summarizes the components of our capitalized software development costs (amounts in millions):

	At September 30, 2017		At December 31, 2016
Internally-developed software costs	$	266	$	277
Payments made to third-party software developers	225		189
Total software development costs	$	491	$	466

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, intellectual property licenses were not material to our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses was as follows (amounts in millions):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Amortization of capitalized software development costs and intellectual property licenses	$	34	$	47	$	206	$	260

4. Intangible Assets, Net

Intangible assets, net, consist of the following (amounts in millions):

	At September 30, 2017
	Estimated useful lives	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Net carrying amount
Acquired definite-lived intangible assets:
Internally-developed franchises	3 - 11 years	$	1,154	$	(799)	$	355
Developed software	2 - 5 years	601		(264)		337
Customer base	2 years	617		(497)		120
Trade names	7 - 10 years	54		(14)		40
Other	1 - 15 years	19		(12)		7
Total definite-lived intangible assets		$	2,445	$	(1,586)	$	859

Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Activision trademark	Indefinite					386
Acquired trade names	Indefinite					47
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets						$	433
Total intangible assets, net						$	1,292

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	At December 31, 2016
	Estimated useful lives	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization		Net carrying amount
Acquired definite-lived intangible assets:
Internally-developed franchises	3 - 11 years	$	1,154	$	(583)	$	571
Developed software	3 - 5 years	595		(145)		450
Customer base	2 years	617		(266)		351
Trade names	7 - 10 years	54		(8)		46
Other	1 - 8 years	18		(11)		7
Total definite-lived intangible assets		$	2,438	$	(1,013)	$	1,425

Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Activision trademark	Indefinite					386
Acquired trade names	Indefinite					47
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets						$	433
Total intangible assets, net						$	1,858

Amortization expense of intangible assets was $188 million and $573 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $211 million and $496 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

At September 30, 2017, future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated as follows (amounts in millions):

2017 (remaining three months)	$	186
2018	364
2019	216
2020	72
2021	11
Thereafter	10
Total	$	859

5. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, are as follows (amounts in millions):

	Activision		Blizzard (1)		King		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016 (1)	$	6,903	$	190	$	2,675	$	9,768
Other	(4)		—		—		(4)
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	6,899	$	190	$	2,675	$	9,764

(1) As a result of the change in our operating segments discussed in Note 1, goodwill of $12 million previously reported within the “Other segments” is now included in the “Blizzard” reportable segment. The prior period balance has been revised to reflect this change.

6. Fair Value Measurements

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) literature regarding fair value measurements for certain assets and liabilities establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of “observable inputs” and minimize the use of “unobservable inputs.” The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

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· Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

· Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and

· Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

The table below segregates all of our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date (amounts in millions):

			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 Using
	As of September 30, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance Sheet Classification
Financial Assets:
Recurring fair value measurements:
Money market funds	$	3,355	$	3,355	$	—	$	—	Cash and cash equivalents
Foreign government treasury bills	49		49		—		—		Cash and cash equivalents
U.S. treasuries and government agency securities	80		80		—		—		Other current assets
Total recurring fair value measurements	$	3,484	$	3,484	$	—	$	—

Financial liabilities:
Foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges	$	(10)	$	—	$	(10)	$	—	Accrued expenses and other liabilities

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
	As of December 31, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance Sheet Classification
Financial Assets:
Recurring fair value measurements:
Money market funds	$	2,921	$	2,921	$	—	$	—	Cash and cash equivalents
Foreign government treasury bills	38		38		—		—		Cash and cash equivalents
Foreign currency forward contracts designated as hedges	22		—		22		—		Other current assets
Auction rate securities (“ARS”)	9		—		—		9		Other assets
Total recurring fair value measurements	$	2,990	$	2,959	$	22	$	9

ARS represented the only Level 3 investment held by the Company as of December 31, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold our ARS investment. The realized gain on the sale of this investment was not material.

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Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we did not have any outstanding foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Designated as Hedges (“Cash Flow Hedges”)

At September 30, 2017, the gross notional amount of outstanding Cash Flow Hedges was approximately $328 million. The fair value of these contracts, all of which have remaining maturities of 15 months or less, was $10 million of net unrealized losses. At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $6 million of net realized but unrecognized losses recorded within “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” associated with contracts that had settled but were deferred and will be amortized into earnings, along with the associated hedged revenues. Such amounts will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

At December 31, 2016, the gross notional amount of outstanding Cash Flow Hedges was approximately $346 million. The fair value of these contracts was $22 million of net unrealized gains as of December 31, 2016.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there was no ineffectiveness relating to our Cash Flow Hedges. The amount of pre-tax net realized gains (losses) associated with these contracts that were reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and into earnings was not material.

Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Basis

We measure the fair value of certain assets on a non-recurring basis, generally annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no impairment charges related to assets that are measured on a non-recurring basis.

7. Debt

Credit Facilities

At December 31, 2016, we had outstanding term loans “A” of approximately $2.7 billion (the “2016 TLA”) and $250 million available under a revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) pursuant to a credit agreement executed on October 11, 2013 (as amended thereafter and from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”).

On February 3, 2017, we entered into a sixth amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Sixth Amendment: (i) provided for a new tranche of term loans “A” in an aggregate principal amount of $2.55 billion (the “2017 TLA” and, together with the Revolver, the “Credit Facilities”) and (ii) released each of our subsidiary guarantors from their respective guarantees provided under the Credit Agreement. All proceeds of the 2017 TLA, together with additional cash on hand of $139 million, were used to fully retire the 2016 TLA, including all accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The terms of the 2017 TLA, other than the absence of the subsidiary guarantees, are generally the same as the terms of the 2016 TLA. The fees incurred as a result of the Sixth Amendment were not material. The 2017 TLA will mature on August 23, 2021.

At September 30, 2017, the 2017 TLA bore interest at 2.49%. We were in compliance with the terms of the Credit Facilities as of September 30, 2017. To date, we have not drawn on the Revolver.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we reduced our total outstanding term loan balances by $1.7 billion. This included $139 million of cash used to retire the 2016 TLA, as discussed above, along with prepayments on the 2017 TLA of $361 million made on February 15, 2017, and $1.2 billion made on May 26, 2017. The May prepayment was made using proceeds from a concurrent issuance of $1.2 billion in notes, as discussed further below. As part of that refinancing, we wrote-off unamortized discount and deferred financing costs of $12 million, which is included in “Interest and other expense (income), net” in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

The prepayments made on our 2017 TLA have satisfied the remaining required quarterly principal repayments for the entire term of the Credit Agreement.

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Refer to Note 11 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for further details regarding the Credit Agreement, key terms, and amendments made to the Credit Agreement.

Unsecured Senior Notes

At December 31, 2016, we had the following unsecured senior notes outstanding:

· $750 million of 6.125% unsecured senior notes due September 2023 that we issued on September 19, 2013 (the “2023 Notes”), in a private offering made in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); and

· $650 million of 2.3% unsecured senior notes due September 2021 (the “Unregistered 2021 Notes”) and $850 million of 3.4% unsecured senior notes due September 2026 (the “Unregistered 2026 Notes”) that we issued on September 19, 2016, in a private offering made in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act.

In connection with the issuance of the Unregistered 2021 Notes and the Unregistered 2026 Notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), among the Company, and the representatives of the initial purchasers of the Unregistered 2021 Notes and the Unregistered 2026 Notes. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, we were required to use commercially reasonable efforts to, within one year of the issue date of the Unregistered 2021 Notes and the Unregistered 2026 Notes, among other things, (1) file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange each series of the Unregistered 2021 Notes and the Unregistered 2026 Notes for new notes that were substantially identical in all material respects (except for the provisions relating to the transfer restrictions and payment of additional interest) (the “Exchange Offer”), and (2) cause that registration statement (the “Exchange Offer Registration Statement”) to be declared effective by the SEC under the Securities Act. The Exchange Offer Registration Statement was declared effective by the SEC on April 28, 2017, and we completed the Exchange Offer on June 1, 2017, such that all the Unregistered 2021 Notes and Unregistered 2026 Notes were exchanged for registered 2021 notes (the “2021 Notes”) and registered 2026 notes (the “2026 Notes”).

In addition, on May 26, 2017, in a public underwritten offering, we issued $400 million of 2.6% unsecured senior notes due June 2022 (the “2022 Notes”), $400 million of 3.4% unsecured senior notes due June 2027 (the “2027 Notes”), and $400 million of 4.5% unsecured senior notes due June 2047 (the “2047 Notes”, and together with the 2021 Notes, the 2022 Notes, the 2023 Notes, the 2026 Notes, and the 2027 Notes, the “Notes”), which were outstanding at September 30, 2017.

We may redeem some or all of the 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes and the 2047 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2022, March 15, 2027, and December 15, 2046, respectively, and in each case at 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, we may redeem some or all of the 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes, and the 2047 Notes prior to May 15, 2022, March 15, 2027, and December 15, 2046, respectively, and in each case at a price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest.

Upon the occurrence of certain change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase the 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes, and the 2047 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. These repurchase requirements are considered clearly and closely related to the 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes, and the 2047 Notes and were not accounted for separately upon issuance.

The 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes, and the 2047 Notes contain covenants that place restrictions in certain circumstances on, among other things, the incurrence of secured debt, entry into sale or leaseback transactions, and certain merger or consolidation transactions.

The Notes are general senior obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Credit Facilities described above. The Notes are not secured and are effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is secured. The Company was in compliance with the terms of each of the Notes as of September 30, 2017.

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Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year for the 2021 Notes, the 2023 Notes, and 2026 Notes, and payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year for the 2022 Notes, the 2027 Notes, and 2047 Notes. Accrued interest payable is recorded within “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had accrued interest payable of $18 million and $25 million, respectively, related to the Notes.

Refer to Note 11 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for further details regarding our key terms under our indentures that govern the 2021 Notes, the 2023 Notes, and the 2026 Notes.

Interest Expense and Financing Costs

Fees and discounts associated with the issuance of our debt instruments are recorded as debt discount, which reduces their respective carrying values, and is amortized over their respective terms. Amortization expense is recorded within “Interest and other expense (income), net” in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.

In connection with the May 2017 note issuances, we incurred approximately $20 million of discounts and financing costs that were capitalized and recorded within “Long-term debt, net” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, interest expense was $39 million and $110 million, respectively; amortization of the debt discount and deferred financing costs was $2 million and $10 million, respectively; and commitment fees for the Revolver were not material. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, interest expense was $50 million and $158 million, respectively; amortization of the debt discount and deferred financing costs was $4 million and $16 million, respectively; and commitment fees for the Revolver were not material.

A summary of our debt is as follows (amounts in millions):

	At September 30, 2017
	Gross Carrying Amount		Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs		Net Carrying Amount
2017 TLA	$	990	$	(8)	$	982
2021 Notes	650		(5)		645
2022 Notes	400		(4)		396
2023 Notes	750		(10)		740
2026 Notes	850		(9)		841
2027 Notes	400		(6)		394
2047 Notes	400		(10)		390
Total long-term debt	$	4,440	$	(52)	$	4,388

	At December 31, 2016
	Gross Carrying Amount		Unamortized Discount and Deferred Financing Costs		Net Carrying Amount
2016 TLA	$	2,690	$	(27)	$	2,663
2021 Notes	650		(5)		645
2023 Notes	750		(11)		739
2026 Notes	850		(10)		840
Total long-term debt	$	4,940	$	(53)	$	4,887

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As of September 30, 2017, the scheduled maturities and contractual principal repayments of our debt for each of the five succeeding years are as follows (amounts in millions):

For the year ending December 31,
2017 (remaining three months)	$	—
2018	—
2019	—
2020	—
2021	1,640
Thereafter	2,800
Total	$	4,440

With the exception of the 2023 Notes, using Level 2 inputs (i.e., observable market prices in less-than-active markets), the carrying values of our debt instruments approximated their fair value as of September 30, 2017, as the interest rates are similar to current rates at which we can borrow funds over the selected interest periods. At September 30, 2017, based on Level 2 inputs, the fair value of the 2023 Notes was $804 million.

At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of the 2016 TLA approximated its fair value, based on Level 2 inputs. At December 31, 2016, based on Level 2 inputs, the fair values of the 2021 Notes, 2023 Notes, and 2026 Notes were $635 million, $818 million, and $808 million, respectively.

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at September 30, 2017 and 2016, were as follows (amounts in millions):

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts		Unrealized gain (loss) on available- for-sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	(659)	$	29	$	1	$	(629)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	20		(38)		(2)		(20)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings	16		(7)		(2)		7
Balance at September 30, 2017	$	(623)	$	(16)	$	(3)	$	(642)

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		Unrealized gain (loss) on forward contracts		Unrealized gain (loss) on available- for-sale securities		Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	(630)	$	(4)	$	1	$	(633)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(20)		(1)		—		(21)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings	—		1		—		1
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	(650)	$	(4)	$	1	$	(653)

Income taxes were not provided for foreign currency translation items as these are considered indefinite investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries.

9. Operating Segments and Geographic Region

Currently, we have three reportable segments. Our operating segments are consistent with the manner in which our operations are reviewed and managed by our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). The CODM reviews segment performance exclusive of: the impact of the change in deferred revenues and related cost of revenues with respect to certain of our online-enabled games; share-based compensation expense; amortization of intangible assets as a result of purchase price accounting; fees and other expenses (including legal fees, expenses, and accruals) related to acquisitions, associated integration activities, and financings; certain restructuring costs; and other non-cash charges. The CODM does not review any information regarding total assets on an operating segment basis, and accordingly, no disclosure is made with respect thereto.

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Our operating segments are also consistent with our internal organization structure, the way we assess operating performance and allocate resources, and the availability of separate financial information. We do not aggregate operating segments. As discussed in Note 1, commencing with the second quarter of 2017, we made changes to our operating segments which reflect the changes in our organization and reporting structure. Our MLG business, which was previously included in the non-reportable “Other segments,” is now presented within the “Blizzard” reportable operating segment. Prior period amounts have been revised to reflect this change. The change had no impact on consolidated net revenues or operating income.

Information on the reportable segments and reconciliations of total segment net revenues and total segment operating income to consolidated net revenues from external customers and consolidated income before income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, are presented below (amounts in millions):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Net revenues				Operating income and income before income tax expense
Activision	$	759	$	377	$	261	$	123
Blizzard	531		729		168		316
King	528		459		208		138
Reportable segments total	1,818		1,565		637		577

Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues / consolidated income before income tax expense:
Other segments (1)	84		65		(12)		(2)
Net effect from recognition (deferral) of deferred net revenues and related cost of revenues	(284)		(62)		(132)		(33)
Share-based compensation expense	—		—		(47)		(33)
Amortization of intangible assets	—		—		(187)		(211)
Fees and other expenses related to the King Acquisition (2)	—		—		(3)		(4)
Other non-cash charges (4)	—		—		1		—
Consolidated net revenues / operating income	$	1,618	$	1,568	$	257	$	294
Interest and other expense (income), net					37		63
Consolidated income before income tax expense					$	220	$	231

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	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	Net revenues				Operating income and income before income tax expense
Activision	$	1,291	$	1,069	$	371	$	309
Blizzard	1,539		1,767		552		730
King	1,482		1,149		538		381
Reportable segments total	4,312		3,985		1,461		1,420

Reconciliation to consolidated net revenues / consolidated income before income tax expense:
Other segments (1)	204		162		(15)		(5)
Net effect from recognition (deferral) of deferred net revenues and related cost of revenues	458		447		370		228
Share-based compensation expense	—		—		(120)		(118)
Amortization of intangible assets	—		—		(571)		(495)
Fees and other expenses related to the King Acquisition (2)	—		—		(12)		(43)
Restructuring costs (3)	—		—		(11)		—
Other non-cash charges (4)	—		—		(14)		—
Consolidated net revenues / operating income	$	4,974	$	4,594	$	1,088	$	987
Interest and other expense (income), net					121		181
Consolidated income before income tax expense					$	967	$	806

(1) Includes other income and expenses from operating segments managed outside the reportable segments, including our Studios and Distribution businesses. Also includes unallocated corporate income and expenses.

(2) Reflects fees and other expenses, such as legal, banking, and professional services fees, related to the King Acquisition and associated integration activities, inclusive of related debt financings.

(3) Reflects restructuring charges, primarily severance costs.

(4) Reflects a non-cash accounting charge to reclassify certain cumulative translation gains (losses) into earnings due to the substantial liquidation of certain of our foreign entities.

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Geographic information presented below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, is based on the location of the paying customer. Net revenues from external customers by geographic region were as follows (amounts in millions):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net revenues by geographic region:
Americas	$	798	$	796	$	2,586	$	2,411
EMEA (1)	593		499		1,684		1,528
Asia Pacific	227		273		704		655
Total consolidated net revenues	$	1,618	$	1,568	$	4,974	$	4,594

(1) Consists of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa geographic regions.

The Company’s net revenues in the U.S. were 43% of consolidated net revenues for both the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s net revenues in the U.K. were 12% and 10% of consolidated net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. No other country’s net revenues exceeded 10% of consolidated net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

The Company’s net revenues in the U.S. were 46% of consolidated net revenues for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The Company’s net revenues in the U.K. were 10% of consolidated net revenues for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. No other country’s net revenues exceeded 10% of consolidated net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Net revenues by platform were as follows (amounts in millions):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Net revenues by platform:
Console	$	527	$	452	$	1,710	$	1,867
PC	461		609		1,534		1,421
Mobile and ancillary (1)	534		440		1,502		1,137
Other (2)	96		67		228		169
Total consolidated net revenues	$	1,618	$	1,568	$	4,974	$	4,594

(1) Net revenues from “Mobile and ancillary” include revenues from mobile devices, as well as non-platform specific game-related revenues, such as standalone sales of toys and accessories from our Skylanders franchise and other physical merchandise and accessories.

(2) Net revenues from “Other” include revenues from our Studios and Distribution businesses, as well as revenues from MLG.

Long-lived assets by geographic region at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows (amounts in millions):

	At September 30, 2017		At December 31, 2016
Long-lived assets (1) by geographic region:
Americas	$	160	$	154
EMEA	77		87
Asia Pacific	17		17
Total long-lived assets by geographic region	$	254	$	258

(1) The only long-lived assets that we classify by region are our long-term tangible fixed assets, which consist of property, plant, and equipment assets; all other long-term assets are not allocated by location.

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10. Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its provision for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, which requires an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to be applied to the interim period, taking into account year-to-date amounts and projected results for the full year. The provision for income taxes represents federal, foreign, state, and local income taxes. Our effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. income tax rate due to the effect of state and local income taxes, tax rates in foreign jurisdictions, and certain nondeductible expenses. Our effective tax rate could fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter based on recurring and nonrecurring factors including, but not limited to: variations in the estimated and actual level of pre-tax income or loss by jurisdiction; changes in the mix of income by tax jurisdiction (as taxes are levied at relatively lower statutory rates in foreign regions and relatively higher statutory rates in the U.S.); research and development credits; changes in enacted tax laws and regulations, rulings, and interpretations thereof, including with respect to tax credits and state and local income taxes; developments in tax audits and other matters; recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies from share-based payments; and certain nondeductible expenses. Changes in judgment from the evaluation of new information resulting in the recognition, derecognition, or remeasurement of a tax position taken in a prior annual period are recognized separately in the quarter of the change.

The income tax expense of $32 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, reflects an effective tax rate of 15%, which is higher than the effective tax rate of 14% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase is due to lower discrete tax benefits recognized in the current quarter, partially offset by higher excess tax benefits from share-based payments.

The income tax expense of $109 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflects an effective tax rate of 11%, which is lower than the effective tax rate of 12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is due to higher excess tax benefits from share-based payments in the current period, partially offset by lower discrete tax benefits, primarily related to an audit settlement recognized in the prior period.

The effective tax rate of 15% and 11% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, is lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at lower statutory rates, the recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based payments, and the recognition of federal and California research and development credits, partially offset by an increase of reserves for uncertain tax positions.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) is currently examining Activision Blizzard’s federal tax returns for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 tax years. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company transitioned the review of its transfer pricing methodology from the advanced pricing agreement review process to the IRS examination team. Their review could result in a different allocation of profits and losses under the Company’s transfer pricing agreements. Such allocation could have a positive or negative impact on our provision for uncertain tax positions for the period in which such a determination is reached and the relevant periods thereafter. The Company also has several state level and non-U.S. audits pending.

As part of purchase price accounting for the King Acquisition, the Company assumed $74 million of uncertain tax positions, primarily related to the transfer pricing on King tax years occurring prior to the King Acquisition. The Company is currently in negotiations with the relevant jurisdictions and taxing authorities with respect to King’s transfer pricing, which could result in a different allocation of profits and losses between the relevant jurisdictions.

Vivendi Games’ results for the period from January 1, 2008 through July 9, 2008, are included in the consolidated federal and certain foreign state and local income tax returns filed by Vivendi or its affiliates, while Vivendi Games’ results for the period from July 10, 2008 through December 31, 2008, are included in the consolidated federal and certain foreign, state and local income tax returns filed by Activision Blizzard. IRS Appeals proceedings concerning Vivendi Games’ tax return for the 2008 tax year were concluded during July 2016, but that year remains open to examination by other major taxing authorities. The resolution of the 2008 IRS Appeals process did not have a material impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Certain of our subsidiaries are under examination or investigation or may be subject to examination or investigation by tax authorities in various jurisdictions, including France. These proceedings may lead to adjustments or proposed adjustments to our taxes or provisions for uncertain tax positions. Such proceedings may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations in the period or periods in which the matters are resolved or in which appropriate tax provisions are taken into account in our financial statements. If we were to receive a materially adverse assessment from a taxing jurisdiction, we would plan to vigorously contest it and consider all of our options, including the pursuit of judicial remedies.

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The final resolution of the Company’s global tax disputes is uncertain. There is significant judgment required in the analysis of disputes, including the probability determination and estimation of the potential exposure. Based on current information, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, except as noted above.

11. Computation of Basic/Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (amounts in millions, except per share data):

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Numerator:
Consolidated net income	$	188	$	199	$	858	$	713
Less: Distributed earnings to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings	—		—		—		(2)
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested share-based awards that participate in earnings	—		(1)		—		(2)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share—income available to common shareholders	$	188	$	198	$	858	$	709

Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per common share—weighted-average common shares outstanding	755		742		753		739
Effect of potential dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method:
Employee stock options and awards	11		14		11		14
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share—weighted-average common shares outstanding plus dilutive common shares under the treasury stock method	766		756		764		753
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.25	$	0.27	$	1.14	$	0.96
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.25	$	0.26	$	1.12	$	0.94

Certain of our unvested restricted stock units meet the definition of participating securities as they participate in earnings based on their rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. Therefore, we are required to use the two-class method in our computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share. For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, on a weighted-average basis, we had outstanding unvested restricted stock units of less than 1 million shares of common stock that are participating in earnings. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, on a weighted-average basis, we had outstanding unvested restricted stock units of 2 million and 3 million shares of common stock, respectively, that participated in earnings.

The vesting of certain of our employee-related restricted stock units and options are contingent upon the satisfaction of pre-defined performance measures. The shares underlying these equity awards are included in the weighted-average dilutive common shares only if the performance measures are met as of the end of the reporting period. Approximately 9 million and 8 million shares are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, as their respective performance measures had not yet been met. Approximately 10 million shares are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, as their respective performance measures had not yet been met.

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Potential common shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per common share calculation when the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive. Therefore, approximately 1 million options to acquire shares of common stock were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, and 1 million and 4 million options to acquire shares of common stock were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, as the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

12. Capital Transactions

Repurchase Program

On February 2, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program under which we are authorized to repurchase up to $1 billion of our common stock during the two-year period from February 13, 2017 through February 12, 2019. As of September 30, 2017, we have not repurchased any shares under this program.

Dividends

On February 2, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.30 per common share. On May 10, 2017, we made an aggregate cash dividend payment of $226 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2017. On May 26, 2017, we made related dividend equivalent payments of less than $1 million to certain holders of restricted stock units.

On February 2, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per common share. On May 11, 2016, we made an aggregate cash dividend payment of $192 million to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2016. On May 27, 2016, we made related dividend equivalent payments of $3 million to certain holders of restricted stock units.

13. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

We are party to routine claims, suits, investigations, audits, and other proceedings arising from the ordinary course of business, including with respect to intellectual property rights, contractual claims, labor and employment matters, regulatory matters, tax matters, unclaimed property matters, compliance matters, and collection matters. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, such routine claims and lawsuits are not significant and we do not expect them to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

14. Acquisitions

King Digital Entertainment

On February 23, 2016, we completed the King Acquisition, purchasing all of King’s outstanding shares. As a result, King became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. King is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment content and services, particularly on mobile platforms, such as Android and iOS, and on online and social platforms, such as Facebook and the king.com websites. King’s results of operations since the King Closing Date are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We made this acquisition because we believe that the addition of King’s highly-complementary mobile business positions us as a global leader in interactive entertainment across console, PC, and mobile platforms, as well as positioning us for future growth.

The aggregate purchase price of the King Acquisition was approximately $5.8 billion, which was paid on the King Closing Date and funded primarily with $3.6 billion of existing cash and $2.2 billion of cash from new debt issued by the Company. We identified and recorded assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values at the King Closing Date and allocated the remaining value of approximately $2.7 billion to goodwill.

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The final purchase price allocation was as follows (amounts in millions):

	February 23, 2016		Estimated useful lives
Tangible assets and liabilities assumed:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,151
Accounts receivable	162
Other current assets	72
Property and equipment	57		2 - 7 years
Deferred income tax assets, net	27
Other assets	47
Accounts payable	(9)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(272)
Other liabilities	(110)
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	(52)
Intangible assets
Internally-developed franchises	845		3 - 5 years
Customer base	609		2 years
Developed software	580		3 - 4 years
Trade name	46		7 years
Goodwill	2,675
Total purchase price	$	5,828

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred $38 million of expenses related to the King Acquisition, which are included within “General and administrative” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In connection with the debt financing that occurred on the King Closing Date, we incurred $38 million of discounts and financing costs that were capitalized and recorded within “Long-term debt, net” on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Share-Based Compensation

In connection with the King Acquisition, a majority of the outstanding King options and awards that were unvested as of the King Closing Date were converted into equivalent options and awards with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock, using an equity award exchange ratio calculated in accordance with the transaction agreement. As a result, replacement stock options and equity awards of 10 million and 3 million, respectively, were issued. The portion of the fair value related to pre-combination services of $76 million was included in the purchase price, while the remaining fair value will be recognized over the remaining service periods. As of December 31, 2016, the future expense for the converted King unvested stock options and equity awards was approximately $40 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average service period of approximately 1.6 years.

The remaining portion of outstanding unvested awards that were assumed were replaced with deferred cash awards. The cash proceeds were placed in an escrow-like account, with the cash releases occurring as future services are rendered in accordance with the awards’ original vesting schedules. The cash associated with these awards is recorded in “Other current assets” and “Other assets” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The portion of the fair value related to pre-combination services of $22 million was included in the purchase price while the remaining fair value of approximately $9 million will be recognized over the remaining service periods.

Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired and Goodwill

The internally-developed franchises, customer base, developed software, and trade name intangible assets will be amortized to “Cost of revenues—subscription, licensing, and other revenues: Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses,” “Sales and marketing,” “Cost of revenues—subscription, licensing, and other revenues: Software royalties, amortization, and intellectual property licenses,” and “General and administrative,” respectively. The intangible assets will be amortized over their estimated useful lives in proportion to the economic benefits received.

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The $2.7 billion of goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to the benefits the Company expects to derive from accelerated expansion as an interactive entertainment provider in the mobile sector, future franchises, and technology, as well as the management team’s proven ability to create future games and franchises. Approximately $620 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes in the U.S.

King Net Revenue and Earnings

The amount of net revenue and earnings attributable to King in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the period of the King Acquisition, are included in the table below. The amounts presented represent the net revenues and earnings after adjustments for purchase price accounting, inclusive of amortization of intangible assets, share-based payments, and deferral of revenues and related cost of revenues.

(in millions)	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net revenues	$	447	$	1,088
Net loss	$	(72)	$	(171)

Pro Forma Financial Information

The unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of the Company and King for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, on a pro forma basis, as though the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015. The 2016 pro forma financial information presented includes the effects of adjustments related to amortization charges from acquired intangible assets, employee compensation from replacement equity awards issued in the King Acquisition and the profit-sharing bonus plan established as part of the King Acquisition, and interest expense from the new debt, among other adjustments. We also adjusted for Activision Blizzard and King non-recurring acquisition related costs of approximately $69 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The unaudited pro forma financial information as presented below is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the King Acquisition, and any borrowings undertaken to finance the King Acquisition, had taken place at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor does it intend to be a projection of future results.

(in millions)	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Net revenues	$	1,568	$	4,873
Net income	$	218	$	739
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.29	$	0.99
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.29	$	0.97

15. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Inventory

In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to the measurement of inventory which requires inventory within the scope of the guidance to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We adopted this new standard as of January 1, 2017, and applied it prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. The new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance, providing a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. We anticipate adopting the accounting standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, which recognizes the cumulative effect upon adoption as an adjustment to retained earnings at the adoption date.

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We believe the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard may have a significant impact in the following areas:

· The accounting for our sales of our games with significant online functionality for which we do not have vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) for unspecified future updates and ongoing online services provided. Under the current accounting standards, VSOE for undelivered elements is required. This requirement will be eliminated under the new standard. Accordingly, we will be required to recognize as revenue a portion of the sales price upon delivery of the software, as compared to the current requirement of recognizing the entire sales price ratably over an estimated service period. We expect this difference to primarily impact revenues from our Call of Duty franchise. Many of our other franchises, such as Destiny, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, are hosted service arrangements, and we do not expect any significant impact on the accounting for our sales of these games.

· The accounting for certain of our software licensing arrangements. While the impacts of the new standard may differ on a contract-by-contract basis (the actual revenue recognition treatment required under the standard will depend on contract-specific terms), we expect that the new standard will generally result in earlier revenue recognition for these arrangements.

We are continuing to evaluate the additional impacts this new accounting guidance may have on our financial statements and related disclosures, including the impacts of these changes to our processes and internal controls. We expect that the new disclosure requirements will require us to design and implement additional internal controls over financial reporting.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for leases. The new standard will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic. The new standard, among other things, requires a lessee to classify a lease as either an operating or financing lease, and lessees will need to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for their leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment for initial direct costs, lease incentives received, and any prepaid lease payments. Operating leases will result in a straight-line expense pattern, while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern. Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We are evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on our financial statements. Currently, we do not plan to early adopt this new standard.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The new standard, among other things, generally requires companies to measure investments in other entities, except those accounted for under the equity method, at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. The new standard also simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and the guidance should be applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity investments without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on our financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows-Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related to the classification of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new standard requires that a statement of cash flows explain any change during the period in total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Therefore, restricted cash will be included with “Cash and cash equivalents” when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted.

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We are evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our financial statements. We expect there would be a significant impact to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for 2016, as this period includes, as an investing activity, the $3.6 billion movement in restricted cash resulting from the transfer of cash into escrow at December 31, 2015, to facilitate the King Acquisition and the subsequent release of that cash in 2016 in connection with the King Acquisition. Under this new standard, the restricted cash balance would be included in the beginning and ending total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances and, hence, would not be included as an investing activity in the statement of cash flows.

Goodwill

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if any entity forgoes a Step 0 test, an entity will be required to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, as determined in Step 1 from the goodwill impairment test, with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge, if any, for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The effect of adoption should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for derivatives and hedging. The new guidance expands and refines hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and hedged items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance related to the assessment of a hedge’s effectiveness. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. If early adopted, the new standard must generally be applied as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of this new accounting guidance on our financial statements and related disclosures. We expect, based on our current outstanding derivative instruments, the new guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Business Overview

The Company was originally incorporated in California in 1979 and was reincorporated in Delaware in December 1992. We are the result of the 2008 business combination (the “Business Combination”) by and among the Company (then known as Activision, Inc.), Vivendi S.A. (“Vivendi”), and Vivendi Games, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Vivendi. In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Activision, Inc. was renamed Activision Blizzard, Inc.

The common stock of Activision Blizzard is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol “ATVI.”

The King Acquisition

On February 23, 2016 (the “King Closing Date”), we acquired King Digital Entertainment, a leading interactive mobile entertainment company (“King”), by purchasing all of its outstanding shares (the “King Acquisition”). We made this acquisition because we believe that the addition of King’s highly complementary mobile business positions us as a global leader in interactive entertainment across mobile, console, and PC platforms, as well as positioning us for future growth. The aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.8 billion was funded primarily with $3.6 billion of existing cash and $2.2 billion of cash from new debt issued by the Company. King’s results of operations since the King Closing Date are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Our Segments

Based on our organizational structure, we conduct our business through three reportable segments as follows:

(i) Activision Publishing, Inc.

Activision Publishing, Inc. (“Activision”), is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive software products and entertainment content, particularly in console gaming. Activision primarily delivers content through retail and digital channels, including full-game and in-game sales, as well as licenses of software to third-party or related-party companies that distribute Activision products. Activision develops, markets and sells products which are principally based on our internally-developed intellectual properties, as well as some licensed properties. We have also established a long-term alliance with Bungie to publish its game universe, Destiny.

(ii) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Blizzard is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive software products and entertainment content, particularly in PC gaming. Blizzard primarily delivers content through retail and digital channels, including subscriptions, full-game, and in-game sales, as well as licenses of software to third-party or related-party companies that distribute Blizzard products. Blizzard also maintains a proprietary online gaming service which facilitates digital distribution of Blizzard content, online social connectivity across all Blizzard games, and the creation of user-generated content for Blizzard’s games. As noted above, Blizzard also includes the activities of our MLG business, which is devoted to esports.

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(iii) King Digital Entertainment

Other

We also engage in other businesses that do not represent reportable segments, including:

Business Results and Highlights

Financial Results

During the three months ended September 30, 2017:

· consolidated net revenues increased 3% to $1.62 billion, while consolidated operating income decreased 13% to $257 million, as compared to consolidated net revenues of $1.57 billion and consolidated operating income of $294 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016;

· revenues from digital online channels were $1.35 billion, or 84% of consolidated net revenues, and were comparable to the $1.34 billion, or 86% of consolidated net revenues, for the three months ended September 30, 2016;

· operating margin was 15.9%, as compared with 18.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, with the lower margin primarily due to an increased percentage of revenues coming from our lower-margin Distribution business and higher personnel costs to support the growth of our business and expanding areas of opportunity;

· consolidated net income decreased 6% to $188 million, as compared to $199 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016;

· consolidated net income included $15 million of excess tax benefits from share-based payments, as compared to $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016; and

· diluted earnings per common share decreased 4% to $0.25, as compared to $0.26 for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

· consolidated net revenues increased 8% to $4.97 billion and consolidated operating income increased 10% to $1.09 billion, as compared to consolidated net revenues of $4.59 billion and consolidated operating income of $987 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016;

· revenues from digital online channels increased 19% to $4.05 billion, which was 81% of consolidated net revenues, as compared to $3.41 billion, which was 74% of consolidated net revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016;

· operating margin was 21.9%, which was comparable with 21.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016;

· cash flows generated from operating activities were $1.06 billion, a decrease of 19%, as compared to $1.30 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016;

· consolidated net income increased 20% to $858 million, as compared to $713 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016;

· consolidated net income included $97 million of excess tax benefits from share-based payments, as compared to $63 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016; and

· diluted earnings per common share increased 19% to $1.12, as compared to $0.94 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Since certain of our games are hosted or include online functionality that represents an essential component of gameplay and, as a result, a more-than-inconsequential separate deliverable, we initially defer the software-related revenues from the sale of these games and recognize the attributable revenues over the relevant estimated service periods, which are generally less than a year. Net revenues and operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2017, include a net effect of $284 million and $132 million, respectively, from the deferral of net revenues and related cost of revenues. Net revenues and operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, include a net effect of $458 million and $370 million, respectively, from the recognition of deferred net revenues and related cost of revenues.

Release Highlights

Games and downloadable content that were released during the three months ended September 30, 2017, include:

· Activision’s Absolution, the third downloadable content pack for Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare™;

· Activision’s Destiny 2, the sequel to Destiny;

· Activision’s Retribution on PlayStation 4, the fourth downloadable content pack for Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare; and

· Blizzard’s Knights of the Frozen Throne™, the latest expansion to Hearthstone.

Monthly Active Users: Measuring the Size of Our User Base

We monitor monthly active users (“MAUs”) as a key measure of the overall size of our user base. MAUs are the number of individuals who played a particular game in a given month. We calculate average MAUs in a period by adding the total number of MAUs in each of the months in a given period and dividing that total by the number of months in the period. An individual who plays two of our games would be counted as two users. In addition, due to technical limitations, for Activision and King, an individual who plays the same game on two platforms or devices in the relevant period would be counted as two users. For Blizzard, an individual who plays the same game on two platforms or devices in the relevant period would generally be counted as a single user.

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The number of MAUs for a given period can be significantly impacted by the timing of new content releases, since new releases may cause a temporary surge in MAUs. Accordingly, although we believe that overall trending in the number of MAUs can be a meaningful performance metric, period-to-period fluctuations may not be indicative of longer-term trends. The following table details our average MAUs on a sequential quarterly basis for each of our reportable segments (amounts in millions):

	September 30, 2017	June 30, 2017	March 31, 2017	December 31, 2016	September 30, 2016	June 30, 2016
Activision	49	47	48	51	46	49
Blizzard	42	46	41	41	42	33
King	293	314	342	355	394	409
Total	384	407	431	447	482	491

Average MAUs decreased by 23 million, or 6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in King’s average MAUs is due to decreases across franchises reflecting the maturity of King’s titles, as well as a decrease in Bubble Witch 3 Saga MAUs during the current quarter given the launch of the title earlier in 2017. The decrease in Blizzard’s average MAUs is due primarily to lower MAUs for the Heroes of the Storm franchise, in part due to content and feature releases during the prior quarter without comparable releases in the current quarter.

Average MAUs decreased by 98 million, or 20%, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in King’s average MAUs is due to decreases across King’s franchises that are largely attributable to the maturity of King’s titles and less engaged users leaving the network.

Management’s Overview of Business Trends

Interactive Entertainment and Mobile Gaming Growth

Our business participates in the global interactive entertainment industry. Games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, and we estimate the total industry has grown, on average, 19% annually over the last four calendar years. The industry continues to benefit from additional players entering the market as interactive entertainment becomes more commonplace across age groups and as more developing regions increasingly gain access to this form of entertainment.

Further, the wide adoption of smart phones globally and the free-to-play business model on those platforms has increased the total addressable market for gaming significantly. Smart phones and associated free-to-play games have introduced gaming to new age groups and new regions and allowed gaming to occur more widely outside the home. Mobile gaming is now estimated to be larger than console and PC gaming and continues to grow at a significant rate. King is a leading developer of mobile and free-to-play games. In addition, our other business units have mobile efforts underway that present the opportunity for us to drive additional player investment from our franchises.

Opportunities to Expand Franchises Outside of Games

Our fans spend significant time investing in our franchises through purchases of our game content, whether through purchases of full games or downloadable content, or via microtransactions. Given the passion our players have for our franchises, we believe there are emerging opportunities to drive player investment outside of game purchases. These opportunities include esports, film and television, and consumer products. Our efforts to build these additional opportunities are still relatively nascent, but we view them as potentially significant sources of future revenues.

As part of our efforts to take advantage of the esports opportunity, and as announced during the third quarter of 2017, we completed the sale of 12 teams for the Overwatch League. The Overwatch League is the first major global professional esports league with city-based teams. The first preseason game is expected to occur in December 2017, with the inaugural season starting in January 2018.

Concentration of Sales Among the Most Popular Franchises

The concentration of retail revenues among key titles has continued as a trend in the overall interactive software industry. According to The NPD Group, the top 10 titles accounted for 32% of the retail sales in the U.S. interactive entertainment industry in 2016. Similarly, a significant portion of our revenues have historically been derived from video games based on a few popular franchises and these video games were responsible for a disproportionately high percentage of our profits. For example, the Call of Duty, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch franchises, collectively, accounted for 69% of our consolidated net revenues, and a significantly higher percentage of our operating income, for 2016.

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The top titles in the industry are also becoming more consistent as players and revenues concentrate more heavily in established franchises. Each of the top 10 console franchises in 2016 was a previously established franchise. Similarly, according to U.S rankings for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, per App Annie Intelligence as of September 2017, the top 10 mobile games have an average tenure of 27 months.

In addition to investing in and developing sequels and content for our top titles, we are continually exploring additional ways to expand those franchises. Further, we invest in new properties in an effort to develop future top franchises. In 2014, we released Hearthstone and Destiny, in 2015, we released Heroes of the Storm, and in 2016, we released Overwatch. There is no guarantee investments like these will result in established franchises. Additionally, to diversify our portfolio of key franchises and increase our presence in the mobile market, on February 23, 2016, we acquired King.

Overall, we do expect that a limited number of popular franchises will continue to produce a disproportionately high percentage of our, and the industry’s, revenues and profits in the near future. Accordingly, our ability to maintain our top franchises and our ability to successfully compete against our competitors’ top franchises can significantly impact our performance.

Recurring Revenue Business Models

Increased consumer online connectivity has allowed us to offer players new investment opportunities and to shift our business to a more recurring and year-round model. Offering downloadable content and microtransactions, in addition to full games, allows our players to access and invest in new content throughout the year. This incremental content not only provides additional high-margin revenues, it can also increase engagement. Also, mobile games, and free-to-play games more broadly, are generally less seasonal.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations Data

The following table sets forth condensed consolidated statements of operations data for the periods indicated in dollars and as a percentage of total net revenues, except for cost of revenues, which are presented as a percentage of associated revenues (amounts in millions):

For the Three Months Ended
September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2017

2016

2017

2016

Net revenues

Product sales

384

24%

355