The news that Xbox is in the process of buying out Activision, adding their development teams to its portfolio, is absolutely massive. So big, that it looks like things are changing for gaming at Microsoft.
Tucked into the purchase announcement post, is a look at the new gaming structure at Microsoft for when the deal goes through. Basically, Phil Spencer's title looks to be changing (or at least evolving) from Head of Xbox, to CEO, Microsoft Gaming. Here's what Spencer said in the post:
"Until this transaction closes, Activision Blizzard and Microsoft Gaming will continue to operate independently. Once the deal is complete, the Activision Blizzard business will report to me as CEO, Microsoft Gaming."
Now, we've not seen that title attached to Phil Spencer before, so it looks like the Activision deal will create a new gaming structure at Microsoft. Spencer's job will likely be similar, he'll just have a few more teams to manage.
That leaves a huge question mark over Bobby Kotick's future at Activision. The current Activision CEO is in hot water for leading the company through several harassment accusations. For now, Kotick remains, but many are already questioning how long for, considering the vague wording surrounding the deal.
"Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth [...] Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming."
As long as Phil Spencer remains in charge at Xbox, we're hopeful that things are in good hands.
What do you think of the Activision Blizzard deal? Let us know in the comments.
[source news.xbox.com]
Comments 17
Hopefully this acquisition means that all future activision PC games will once again release on Steam
Microsoft is a company that cares about its image a lot. They're not going to acquire Activision Blizzard and not have a plan of what to do with Bobby and the overall company culture. Things will definitely get better.
Surprise of the century, the big guy is staying where he sits.
Kotick is on a timer before his exodus. Just a matter of when.
I don't imagine that blizzard.net will be around for much longer...
In the worst timeline Kotick took over as Head of Xbox
Hey Phil can you rerelease goldeneye reloaded now?
Didn't Phil the other day make big PR stunt calling out Activision for how they do business? Then they buy them.
Of course Xbox has no games, right. And if you listen very carefully you can hear the sobs of Sony ponies.
This is excellent news. I am a huge COD fan, but despise Kotick. Also, PlayStation has been paying for COD timed exclusivity for the past few years which is annoying, I am sure there will be no more of that. I doubt they will make Diablo or COD an Xbox exclusive but who knows.
@rjc-32 were Activision games not releasing on steam?
In Phil we trust
@themightyant
Oh no ugh no yuck! Lol🤢
Please, Phil, use your position to have local co-op implemented in the Diablo II remake!
May aswell just call him master of the universe at this point. Gg phil
Blimey Phil! In their recent documentary he said he wasn't trained or skilled at all to take over the decision, coming from his coding background I think? But now to lead a global power house leading a global multi billion market, damn, I guess he's got the skills no lol. He's done great though with the industry. And shutting up all those sados who claimed Xbox has no games.
Phil you are a completions, get rid of those silly zombie and multiplayer achievements in Cod. Come on Trigger you know it makes sense son
@InfamousOrange Not recently they haven’t, all were released on battle.net only. The last COD to release on Steam was WW2. Crash 4 never came to steam either.
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