LogInThe end of an era.
Image Credit: Activision Blizzard
Two months after the biggest merger in gaming history took place, Microsoft has formally announced that Bobby Kotick, a controversial yet legendary CEO of Activision Blizzard, is stepping down from his position next week on December 29, 2023.
Revealed in an internal memo shared by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, the departure marks the end of Kotick's 32-year run at the company, which he has been leading since 1991 after purchasing a company stake the year before. In 2008, Kotick was the key figure behind the Activision and Vivendi Games merger, which led to the birth of Activision Blizzard and him becoming the CEO of the newly-created company.
Kotick's successor hasn't been appointed by Microsoft, which instead announced that Activision Blizzard executives, namely Vice Chairman at Activision Blizzard Thomas Tippl, President at Activision Publishing Rob Kostich, President at Blizzard Entertainment Mike Ybarra, and President at King Tjodolf Sommestad will now report directly to Microsoft's Game Content and Studios President Matt Booty. "The leadership teams for Activision Publishing, Blizzard, and King will remain in place, with no changes to the structure of how the studios and business units are run," reads Spencer's memo.
"Under Bobby's watch, Activision Blizzard in its many incarnations has been an enduring pillar of video games," Spencer wrote in his announcement (via The Verge). "I'd like to thank Bobby – for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and his collaboration following the close – and I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter.
For most of you, your day-to-day work will remain the same – it's still business as usual in bringing more groundbreaking experiences to more players around the world. At the leadership level, these changes will provide the clarity and accountability that is necessary to achieve our ambitious goals and foster a culture that is welcoming, empowering, and committed to Gaming for Everyone."
Besides the official announcement, Kotick himself has written a farewell letter, saying that he leaves the company in good hands:
"I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who continue to contribute to our success and all those who have helped throughout my 32 years leading this company. We are now part of the world’s most admired company. That isn't an accident.
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.
Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition. As we move into our next exciting chapter, you could not be in better hands.
I will always be profoundly grateful to the people who contributed tirelessly to building this company and I am confident you will keep inspiring joy and uniting people through the power of play."
Earlier this week, Activision Blizzard already made headlines when several QA employees from the company's Minneapolis, Austin, and El Segundo studios reported receiving an email that informed them that the hybrid work model would be discontinued in January, with the company allegedly stating that there would be no more work-from-home days. You can read the full story here.
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