As news reverberates throughout the gaming industry about Xbox acquiring Activision-Blizzard, one of the biggest questions has been: “What will happen to Bobby Kotick?”
This has been an evolving story throughout the day, but with the Wall Street Journal now reporting on it, we feel more confident. That is, that once this deal closes next year, Bobby Kotick will depart.
Bobby Kotick, Activision’s longtime CEO, is expected to leave after the deal closes, according to people familiar with those plans. Microsoft had said in its announcement Tuesday that Mr. Kotick “will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard,” and that after the deal closes “the Activision Blizzard business will report to Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer. ” But the companies have agreed that he will depart once the deal closes, the people said.
Whether or not it will be Bobby only, or some of his senior leadership staff who have also faced various allegations, is yet to be seen. But it’s certainly something we will be following closely. More to come.
