Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Addresses Plans To Stick Around After Microsoft’s Acquisition

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has indicated that he is willing to stay on after Microsoft’s potential acquisition for whatever length of time he is needed. In an interview with CNBC, Bobby Kotick said, “I’ve committed to Microsoft for as long or as little as they need me for the integration.”

That said, Kotick is on contract until April 2024, which means he will likely remain during the integration process. Prior reports back in January 2022 indicated that Kotick would depart Activision Blizzard once the deal was closed. As allegations concerning culture issues at Activision emerged, Kotick himself was accused of knowing about and covering up reports of sexual harassment, as well as threatening an employee. Activision Blizzard later claimed an investigation found “no evidence” of harassment being ignored by management.

When asked why he was willing to leave, Kotick replied, “I work for our shareholders…they voted 98 percent for this transaction. My responsibility is to ensure that the shareholders get the best return for their capital that they can and that’s what I’ve done for 32 years.” Kotick also expressed enthusiasm for the deal. He said, “…given how competitive the landscape has become, how difficult it is to attract the kind of talent in AI and machine learning that we see is necessary…this is a great transaction for our shareholders and our company.” Kotick testified during the Federal Trade Commission trial and said that he would not put Call of Duty on a subscription service at launch. If the acquisition does go through, the popular FPS franchise will likely make its way to Game Pass eventually.

After the FTC lost its case against Microsoft, the key obstacle to the deal is the UK’s Competition And Markets Authority (CMA). The CMA is currently awaiting Microsoft’s proposals to allow further negotiation.