Activision to convert over thousand temporary workers to full-time roles

FILE PHOTO: The Activision booth is shown at the E3 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2017. REUTERS/ Mike Blake/File Photo/File Photo

(Reuters) - Activision Blizzard Inc said on Thursday nearly 1,100 U.S.-based temporary and contingent quality assurance workers of some divisions will be converted to full-time employees, starting July 1.

The "Call of Duty" maker, which is being acquired by Microsoft Corp for $68.7 billion, said it will raise the minimum hourly wages for these employees - from the Activision Publishing and Blizzard divisions - to $20 or more and also offer them access to full company benefits.