Bobby Kotick to Leave Activision Blizzard in 9 Days; Microsoft Announces Reorganization

It's pretty much official - Bobby Kotick is leaving Activision Blizzard on December 29. The CEO will part ways with the company two months after the completion of the merger with Microsoft, the company announced in a post on the publisher's official website. Admittedly, it didn't include a date (as in the previous announcement), but allegedly it was provided by Phil Spencer in a letter to employees, reached by the editors of The Verge.

As we read in that announcement, Kotick will not have a direct successor. Instead, from now on, those at the head of Blizzard's Activision entities (i.e. Activision, Blizzard and King; their heads will remain in place) will report to Matt Booty, president of game content and studios at Microsoft.

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Spencer did not fail to thank the soon-to-be former CEO for his "invaluable contribution to the game industry, his cooperation in finalizing the Activision Blizzard deal and after its completion." Kotick himself expressed gratitude to those who helped build the company's position.

However, he is unlikely to count on thanks from all employees. Gamers are also unlikely to mourn his departure, although some have concerns about whether his "successor" can handle the next big job - Booty is already in charge of Xbox Game Studios, including Mojang, Rare and many other teams.

In addition, Humam Sakhnini (deputy head of Blizzard and King) will leave Activision Blizzard at the end of December, and Lulu Meservey (communications director; via X / Twitter) will leave on January 31. More directors are expected to leave the company in March.

• Bobby Kotick
• Activision Blizzard
• layoffs / employments
• Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Gaming