Blizzard’s divisive CEO, Boby Kotick, is reportedly set to exit the company on 29 December 2023.
Ever since Microsoft sealed the deal to buy World of Warcraft developer, Activision Blizzard, we’ve known that the clock has been ticking for the company’s current CEO. Now, the Verge has reported that the contentious figure at the top of this gaming giant will depart for pastures new, or whatever obscenely wealthy people do, on 29 December 2023.
The news drops as Blizard revealed an all-staff memo that the outgoing executive sent to employees about his impending departure and the future of the company. It notes that.
“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 forward into our next exciting chapter, you could not be in better hands”
While this refers to Phil Spencer , the head of Xbox, it’s not expected that the empty chair at Activision Blizzard HQ will simply be filled by the Xbox lead. Instead, it’s reported that Matt Booty, the head of content and studios will add this acquisition into his portfolio. Along with Kotick, Blizzard will lose more than just one senior exec during the December reshuffle. The news is, however, most notable due to Kotick’s time in office.
During his term, Blizzard has seen allegations of poor working conditions, union busting, sexual harassment, discrimination, crunch, and toxic working practices. Even as we cunt the days down, accusations of a ‘Return to Office’ policy being wielded to lay off workers appeared as recently as yesterday. These have made the outgoing head more than a pantomime villain figure in many circles.
Going forward, it is expected hat Microsoft will continue to add the Blizzard IPs into its Xbox gaming brand. While I do not expect the 2024 World of Warcraft roadmap to add an Xbox port onto it, do keep an eye on what’s coming to your Game Pass subscription across 2024 and 2025. Game ports I into this platform do take time and require a range of licencing agreements to be signed off. Phil Spencer has already confirmed we shouldn’t expect news on this until 2024 and hinted that the UK and US regulators are closely watching developments. So maybe grab that discounted Xbox Series S next year.
You can check out the full memos on the Bobby Kotick Blizzard exit from Phil, bobby, and Matt over on the verge now.
