An internal statement released by Microsoft this Wednesday (20) formalized the departure of Bobby Kotick of the leadership of Activision Blizzard. The controversial executive will leave the company on December 29th, after more than 30 years of experience at the company.
From that date, Activision Blizzard will be integrated into the Xbox ecosystem, under the direct leadership of Matt Booty, current president of Xbox Game Studios. These sweeping changes to the leadership structure are part of the adjustments made by Microsoft since October this year, when Matt Booty took over as head of game studios and content.
Controversies surrounding Bobby Kotick
Microsoft confirmed, this Wednesday (20), changes to the leadership structure.Source: Rambler.RU
Bobby Kotick is a central figure in the controversies involving sexual harassment, manipulation, racism and gender discrimination at Activision Blizzard, with reports from employees that the CEO was aware of everything that was happening in the company, without taking any action.
In October of this year, Tom Warren, journalist for the website The Verge, released a letter from Kotick saying goodbye early to employees. I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who continue to contribute to our success, and to everyone who has helped over these 32 years leading this company”, said the executive at the time.
More than 80 employees have left the company since the harassment scandals began.Source: Hardware.com
Despite the accusations, Kotick was re-elected to the company’s board, indicating continuity on the board, which changed with his replacement by Matt Booty. Although many accusations have been set aside, the company will still face paying approximately US$50 million (around R$250 million at current exchange rates) to end the process.
Even out of office, Kotick is expected to earn around US$400 million from Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard, relating to shares and contractual adjustments.
Phil Spencer on Bobby Kotick’s departure
Recently, Phil Spencer was in Brazil during CCXP 2023.Fonte: PCGames
In an internal statement, Xbox leader Phil Spencer stated that “there will be no changes to the structure of how studios and businesses are conducted. In terms of leadership, these changes will bring the clarity and accountability needed to achieve our ambitious goals, and cultivate a culture that is welcoming, empowering and aligned with [a iniciativa de diversidade] Gaming for Everyone”.
With this announcement, Phil Spencer assumes primary responsibility for managing Bethesda, Activision Blizzard and Xbox Game Studios, cementing his position as a prominent figure in the Xbox universe. Within Activision, Rob Kostich and Mika Ybarra, respectively head of publishing and president of Blizzard, are expected to maintain their current positions.
Changes and possible layoffs at Microsoft
The company must undergo restructuring after a series of controversies involving the previously CEO.Fonte: ITProToday
Although some parts of the publisher will remain unchanged, there will be significant changes in senior management. Lulu Merservey, the company’s communications officer and prominent supporter of its acquisition, will leave the company in early January. Humam Sakhninini, vice president of Blizzard and King, will leave at the end of December.
Activision’s integration process into the Xbox structure will likely result in the dismissal of some executives by the end of March. Given the magnitude of the corporation and the bureaucratic complexity involved in the transition, a considerable period is expected until everything is finalized.
So, what do you expect from the future of Xbox? Leave your comment on Voxel’s social networks!
Source: https://www.tecmundo.com.br/voxel/275241-microsoft-anuncia-saida-bobby-kotick-mudancas-activision-blizzard.htm
