Viacom Media Networks Usher In The Launch Of "Call of Duty®: Black Ops II" With An Array Of Special Programming

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Viacom Media Networks, the most powerful entertainment company in reaching young male viewers, are joining forces to celebrate the most-anticipated entertainment event of 2012, the release of Activision and Treyarch's "Call of Duty: Black Ops II."  

Spike TV, MTV, MTV2, and MTV U will debut an exciting lineup of original content that will span the globe from Australia to Europe leading up to the hotly-awaited midnight launch on November 13.

"The midnight release of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II' reflects a celebration shared by gamers around the world that spans all types and interests, and really taps into a cultural moment of this generation," said Tim Ellis, Chief Marketing Officer, Activision Publishing.  "We're delighted to come together with Viacom and Spike TV to share this moment with the Call of Duty® community, who inspires our teams to reach for the best fans in the world."

As the clock strikes midnight on Launch Day, Spike TV will telecast a LIVE half-hour show, "GTTV LIVE Call of Duty Black Ops II World Launch," premiering Tuesday, November 13 at 12:00am EST hosted by renowned gaming experts Geoff Keighley and Justine Ezarlik. The special will provide coverage of launch celebrations taking place throughout the day from around the globe, as well as an exclusive interview with famed Hollywood screenwriter, and co-writer of 'Call of Duty: Black Ops II,' David Goyer.  As the television headquarters for the massive launch, the special will include live updates from select locations across the country, plus a live appearance from special guest Mark Lamia, studio head of the game's developer, Treyarch.

"The launch of  'Call of Duty: Black Ops II' is by far one of the biggest moments of the year in the world of entertainment, and Viacom is uniquely positioned to capture and share the global fandom and cultural impact with our viewers both on-air and online," said Geoff Keighley, Executive in Charge, Publisher Relations, Spike TV.

Reflecting the global anticipation for the new game and marking a first for Viacom, the coverage will spread across the Viacom network of properties, including MTV News, MTV2 and mtv U leading culminating in the high-profile live event broadcast on Spike TV.

"Call of Duty: Black Ops II" is rated "M" by the ESRB.  The title is in development by Treyarch and published by Activision Publishing, Inc. More information on Call of Duty: Black Ops II can be found at http://www.callofduty.com/blackops2 or on www.facebook.com/codblackops.  Fans can also follow @Treyarch on Twitter. 

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.   Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com. 

ABOUT VIACOM

Viacom (NASDAQ-NMS: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA. Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, and CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.  All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE Viacom