| Multimedia

UCLA alumni Frank Pearce (left) and Mike Morhaime started Blizzard Entertainment, formerly Silicon & Synapse, immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees. Blizzard developed hit PC games such as the “Warcraft” series. (Photos courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment)

Initially developed in 1996, Battle.net is an online game service that allows users to connect via Blizzard games. Users can purchase and download games and access their respective accounts from different computers without losing progress. (Photo courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment)

Created in 2004, “World of Warcraft” is a subscription-based game set in the Warcraft universe. The game has two expansions, “The Burning Crusade” and “Wrath of the Lich King.” The most recent expansion, released in 2008, is the fastest-selling PC game to date. (Photo courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment)

Released in 1996, “Diablo” is set in the kingdom of Khanduras during a civil war. Users play as the hero, who must journey through 16 layers of hell to face the Lord of Terror, Diablo. “Diablo II” was released in 2000, and “Diablo III” is currently in development. (Photo courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment)

A science fiction strategy game released in 1998, “StarCraft” is set in the future on the Terran planet, which two evil alien races, Zerg and Protoss, attack. The game helped give rise to professional gaming. “StarCraft II” was released on July 27.

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT