Vivendi Universal Games (VUG) was a global developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA. VUG's portfolio included titles such as Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Half-Life, and Diablo II among others. The company was known for its popular game franchises and committed to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences for gamers of all ages and skill levels.
Founded in 1986 as Sierra Entertainment Corp
Acquired by CUC International Inc. in 1996
Renamed to Cendant Software in 1997
Merged with Havas Interactive in 1998 and rebranded to Vivendi Universal Publishing
In 2000, VUP merged with Seagram Company Ltd. and Canal+ to form Vivendi Universal S.A.
In 2006, VUG merged with Activision to form Activision Blizzard, making it one of the largest third-party video game publishers in the world.
Activision Blizzard operates as an independent subsidiary of Vivendi and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, USA.
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Ubisoft is a global developer, marketer, publisher, and distributor of video games. The company is known for its popular franchises such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance. Ubisoft has developed and published games for personal computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices.
Crash Bandicoot is a platform game franchise created by Naughty Dog and published by VUG. The series consists of eight games, and it follows the adventures of a bandicoot named Crash as he battles various enemies and save his girlfriend from being held captive.
Spyro the Dragon is a platform game franchise created by Insomniac Games and published by VUG. The series consists of five games, and it follows the adventures of a purple dragon named Spyro as he battles various enemies and save the world from being destroyed.
Half-life is a first-person shooter game franchise created by Valve Corporation and published by VUG. The series consists of two games, and it follows the adventures of scientist Gordon Freeman as he battles various enemies and save the world from being destroyed.
In 2006, VUG merged with Activision to form Activision Blizzard, making it one of the largest third-party video game publishers in the world. Activision Blizzard operates as an independent subsidiary of Vivendi and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, USA.
Some of the most popular games developed by VUG include Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon, Half-Life, and Diablo II among others.
Most of VUG's games are still available for purchase through various online marketplaces and retail stores.
Yes, VUG developed several mobile games including Crash Bandicoot Nitro Kart 3D, Spyro the Dragon: Tangle, and Mobile Golf.
VUG was committed to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences for gamers of all ages and skill levels.