Bobby Kotick Is Stepping Down Next Week After 32 Years As Activision Blizzard’s CEO
Bobby Kotick’s scandal-riddled term as CEO of Activision Blizzard is coming to an end next week in line with Microsoft’s acquisition of the company. Kotick became infamous in these parts for his anti-union efforts despite his claims to the contrary, condoning sexual harassment within the company, as well as allegedly harassing employees and flight attendants himself and threatening to have his female assistant killed.
He will officially be stepping down from his post on December 29 after 32 years as CEO of the controversial company. He will be replaced by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer now that Activision Blizzard has joined the Microsoft group of companies.
“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition,” Kotick wrote in his farewell statement. “As we move into our next exciting chapter, you could not be in better hands.”
Most of his entourage of executives and senior staff members, however, will remain in their respective roles, including another of the studio’s controversial personalities, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra. He’ll continue to lead Blizzard and oversee its collection of popular franchises, promising a “massive year” ahead for Warcraft in his end-of-the-year review.
It’s going to be a year of celebration as Blizzard gears up for the 30th anniversary of the first Warcraft game, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, the 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft its, the 10th anniversary of Hearthstone, and the 1st anniversary of Warcraft Rumble.
