Perhaps the most controversial executive in the history of the video game industry will step down at the end of the year. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has long been a controversial figure due to his aggressive and abrasive style, but his image took a serious hit when he was personally involved in 2021 workplace misconduct allegations at Acti-Blizz. Still, he persevered and negotiated the sale of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft for $69 billion.
Throughout the process, Microsoft and Xbox boss Phil Spencer have remained mum on Kotick's fate once the sale is completed.
But now that has changed, and today Spencer announced in an internal memo obtained by The Verge that Kotick will be leaving the company on December 29. Several other Kotick loyalists, including outspoken communications officer Lulu Meservey, will follow Kotick out of the company.
However, Kotick will not be directly replaced by Microsoft's people. Activision Blizzard is now included under the Xbox Content and Studios led by Matt Buti. Mike Ybarra (Blizzard), Rob Kostich (Activision) and Tjodolf Sommestad (King), the heads of various Acti-Blizz departments who previously worked for Kotick, will remain in their posts.
Below is the full text of Spencer's statement regarding Kotick's departure:
"Earlier today, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick officially announced that Friday, December 29, 2023, will be his last day at Microsoft Games. Under Bobby's leadership, Activision Blizzard has become an enduring pillar of the video game industry in many forms. For decades, whether it is Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Candy Crush Saga, or Like no other game, his team has created beloved franchises that have brought joy to hundreds of millions of players. I want to thank Bobby for his valuable contributions to the industry, for his partnership in completing the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and for his collaborative efforts after the acquisition, and I wish him and his family the best in their next chapter."