While the deal for Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard means a world of change in gaming, one of the other notable developments was the fate of long-serving CEO, Bobby Kotick. Having been in charge over the past 32 years with his fair share of debacles and issues, he will now be officially stepping down on 29 December.
This comes as part of the company’s ongoing reorganisation following Microsoft’s buyout. In a note shared with employees and on the official site, Kotick shared his thoughts on running the publisher for more than half its existence, first becoming CEO in 1991.
“Forty years later, as my last day leading this company inches closer, I marvel at how far the talented people at our company have come toward realising the great potential of games. You have transformed a hobbyist form of entertainment into the world’s most engaging medium. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to work alongside you as we broadened the appeal of games,” Kotick said.
“Perhaps the most important part of my job has been to help bring talented people together, provide the best resources possible, and foster an environment that encourages inspiration, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
That environment is certainly one to debate, as his time at the helm of Activision Blizzard saw the company hit with several lawsuits involving issues such as gender discrimination, inequality, and much more, with Kotick supposedly well aware of the accusations but has done nothing to address them. His departure would be celebrated by some in the company as a move in the right direction.
This isn’t the only change for Activision Blizzard. According to The Verge, Activision Blizzard vice chairman Thomas Tippl, Activision publishing president Rob Kostich, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, and King president Tjodolf Sommestad will all now report directly to Xbox game content and studios president Matt Booty. Activision Blizzard CCO Lulu Meservey will also be leaving the company at the end of January.
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
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