Following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, has revealed that the company is “looking forward to really doubling down both as a game producer and a publisher”.
13.10.2023 - 18:27 / gamingbolt.com / Phil Spencer / Bobby Kotick / Will
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is finally complete, with the $68.7 billion deal gaining approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In a new email to employees, CEO Bobby Kotick has confirmed that he will stay on until the end of 2023 to help with the transition.
“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.”
While the deal’s impact on the industry is massive, there was always some doubt whether Kotick would leave. Initial reports claimed he would depart unless the acquisition failed to gain approval. Though Microsoft said last year that he would continue in his role, reporting to Phil Spencer, it’s now more or less a given that he’ll be gone when 2024 rolls around.
Kotick has long been a controversial figure in the industry but gained significant notoriety for his alleged role in the abuse and sexual harassment allegations against Activision Blizzard. He allegedly protected abusers like Javier Panameno and Treyarch studio head Dan Bunting and made death threats to an assistant over voicemail in 2006.
Over 1300 employees signed a petition demanding Kotick’s removal when the allegations first emerged, and while taking a salary cut, he would go on to downplay the issue. Stay tuned for more updates on his status in the coming months.
Following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, has revealed that the company is “looking forward to really doubling down both as a game producer and a publisher”.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has explained the delay in getting Activision Blizzard's back catalogue added to Xbox Game Pass, and blamed the hold-up on the lengthy and difficult process of sealing the deal.
US tech giant Microsoft has completed its acquisition of games giant Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft has completed their vast $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, less than half a day after the UK Competition Markets Authority (CMA) gave their approval to a revised package of concessions.
After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. Microsoft, which owns the Xbox gaming system, closed its $69 billion deal to buy game-maker Activision Blizzard on Friday after fending off global opposition from antitrust regulators and rivals.
Xbox maker Microsoft closed its $69 billion (nearly Rs. 5,75,620 crore) deal for Activision Blizzard on Friday, swelling its heft in the video-gaming market with best-selling titles including Call of Duty to better compete with industry leader Sony.
Update: Well, there we go. Microsoft has wasted no time, and has officially concluded the transaction to acquire Activision Blizzard King. The announcement comes via Xbox Wire, where Phil Spencer writes about this historic merger. Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard King, will remain in place for at least the rest of 2023.
Microsoft has beencleared to acquire Activision Blizzard by UK regulators, removing the last hurdle standing in the way of closing the deal.
Microsoft is apparently not spooked by closing the deal on the unlucky day of Friday the 13th.
Following the confirmation earlier today (October 13) that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been closed, it’s been announced that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will be staying in his role until the end of the year, but it's implied that he'll be stepping down in 2024.
UPDATE: Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has announced that Activision Blizzard King is officially a part of Microsoft. This means that a cornucopia of big franchises, from “Pitfall to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft to Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga to Farm Heroes Saga” now fall under the Xbox banner.
Microsoft has completed their vast $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, less than half a day after the UK Competition Markets Authority (CMA) gave their approval to a revised package of concessions.