Activision
Activision Blizzard says goodbye to Bobby Kotick, and it’s already known when his last day will be.
The controversial CEO posted a farewell message, a departure agreed upon as part of the acquisition deal.
Activision Blizzard has been part of Microsoft Gaming since last October when the purchase deal was finalized. It was already known that Bobby Kotick, CEO of the company behind Call of Duty, would be relieved of his post in the coming months, but now it has been confirmed exactly when it will happen. The executive will only remain CEO until December 29, 2023, as he explained in a letter to employees.
“Over the years, my passion for video games has often been attributed to Pitfall!, River Raid, and Kaboom!. I love those Atari 2600 games, but the game that first captured my imagination was Mystery House, developed by Roberta and Ken Williams. I played it on a borrowed Apple II night after night while in college at the University of Michigan.,” Kotick recalls.
“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 realizing 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.”
According to Kotick, the most important part of his job was to provide “the best resources possible” and create an environment that fostered “inspiration and creativity,” a statement that contrasts with the atmosphere of sexual and workplace harassment that ended up in court, with firings and lawsuits from current and former Activision Blizzard employees.
After 32 years with the company, the executive also had words for Phil Spencer, head of the Xbox gaming division: “Phil Spencer has appreciated the magic of ABK for decades. When he approached Brian and me two years ago and proposed acquiring the company, it was immediately obvious that the combination of our businesses would enable us to continue to lead as the list of capable, well-resourced competitors grows..” Kotick emphasized that Activision Blizzard “could not be in better hands.”
Further changes at Activision Blizzard
There will be no CEO position, but Matt Booty, President of Xbox Studios and Content, will oversee all Activision Blizzard operations going forward. The departure of Lulu Meservey (Executive Vice President of Communications) at the end of January has also been confirmed. Blizzard and King VP Human Sakhnini will leave a little earlier this December.
Spencer, meanwhile, also shared a statement through an internal memo. “Earlier today, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick formally announced that Friday, December 29th, 2023 will be his last day at Microsoft Gaming. Under Bobby’s watch, Activision Blizzard in its many incarnations has been an enduring pillar of video games.” The Xbox chief thanked him for his “invaluable contributions” to the industry and his collaboration in closing the acquisition deal.”I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter.”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the latest game in the series. According to leaks, the next ones will be Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War (2024) and a sequel to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2025).