
Although Activision Blizzard is officially a part of Xbox now (we still can't believe it either), questions remain about the future of the company under Microsoft and if there'll be any structural changes in the near future. Well, thanks to statements from both Phil Spencer and Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, we do know about one major change in the pipeline.
Kotick, who has been in charge of Activision Blizzard for more than three decades, is officially set to depart the company in 2024. For the rest of this year he will report to Xbox boss Phil Spencer to ensure a seamless transition to Microsoft ownership. Here's what Kotick had to say on the move:
"I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition. Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players."
Phil himself has also commented on this, reiterating that a steady transition will help the two companies successfully merge in the coming months (thanks, The Verge).
"We couldn’t be more excited that Activision Blizzard employees are our colleagues, co-workers, and teammates. Bobby Kotick has agreed to remain in his role through the end of 2023, reporting directly to me, to ensure a smooth and seamless integration. We look forward to working together as a unified team and we will share more updates on our new organizational structure in the coming months."
Kotick has cut a controversial figure as Activision Blizzard CEO in recent years, especially since allegations of misconduct at the company began to emerge in 2021. Once this transition has gone through, Phil Spencer's Microsoft Gaming CEO role is expected to evolve and include responsibility over Activision Blizzard and its studios.
Is Phil Spencer the right guy to take charge of Activision Blizzard? Tell us your thoughts down below.
[source news.microsoft.com, via theverge.com]
Comments 20
Good riddance
Please, let the door hit your ass on the way out.
I know that isn't the saying, but Kotick earned it.
That fook fur that. Good riddance to this toxic piece of *****.
He’s going to have one hell of a payout but good riddance you pos. As Ironman30 said, let the door hit you in the ass on the way out … preferably quite hard.
An absolute scumbag.
Not the way I'd like him to be gone, I'm sure he's going to be leaving with a nice little reward.
But hey, gone is gone.
This will please many as most if not all of us here has said he will be removed when the deal closes. Great move and glad to see him finally be gone. This day just keeps getting better and better for MS and Xbox/PC fans!
@Odium with door knob "poorly" placed
High fly in your golden parachute, Bobby.
Bobby next year on April 1st: "I am absolutely humbled to announce that I will now be acting as Sony Interactive Entertainment's newest CEO!"
I think that picture of him is obsolete… he looks like Gollum in the later movies… maybe he is eyeing the vacant Jim Ryan job opening…
Please god I hope he doesn't become the next CEO of Playstation
Now that is something to celebrate. Go step on an endless sea of frozen legos Bobby.
Good Riddance - I hope things go smoothly though in the immediate future but I also hope Karma comes round soon after...
Good riddance.
May Kotick never, ever hold another job never, ever again.
Sony CEO, sure, but Unity is also looking for one. So many options!!
Don't let the door hit ya.
@abe_hikura or properly 😏
One thing I definitely learned from this article is that Bobby Kotick will report directly to Phil Spencer for the remainder of his time with Activision.
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