Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick on Staying Put after Microsoft Acquisition

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick on Staying Put after Microsoft Acquisition

In a recent interview, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick shared his willingness to stay with Microsoft for however long they need him after the potential acquisition. When asked about his commitment, Kotick said, “I’ve committed to Microsoft for as long or as little as they need me for the integration.” Talk about dedication! Even though he’s under contract until April 2024, it sounds like he’s ready to ride the wave of this exciting merger.

Now, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. Earlier this year, allegations concerning the culture at Activision Blizzard emerged, including accusations against Kotick himself. But hold on to your joysticks, because Activision Blizzard claims that their internal investigation found “no evidence” of harassment by management. It’s an ongoing topic that keeps the gaming community buzzing.

So why is Kotick willing to leave? Well, as he explains it, he’s all about the shareholders. And boy, are they behind this deal! Kotick mentioned that “98 percent” of them voted in favor of the acquisition. According to him, his responsibility is to ensure that shareholders get the best return on their investment. Talk about dedication to the business for over three decades!

But it’s not all business talk. Kotick is genuinely enthusiastic about this deal. He acknowledges how competitive the gaming landscape has become and the challenges of attracting top talent in fields like AI and machine learning. In his words, the acquisition is a “great transaction” for both the shareholders and the company. Plus, there’s a little hint about the popular FPS franchise, Call of Duty, possibly making its way to Game Pass after the deal is finalized. Get ready for some epic battles, folks!

Unfortunately, the deal is not a done deal just yet. After the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lost its case against Microsoft, the UK’s Competition And Markets Authority (CMA) now stands as the key obstacle. The CMA is eagerly waiting for Microsoft’s proposals so they can continue to negotiate. Fingers crossed for a swift resolution!