Microsoft Promises to Improve Working Conditions at Activision Blizzard

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard has reawakened hopes of improving the company's image. In an interview with CNBC Microsoft's executive vice president promised to put the right people in the company.

The announcement of the Activision Blizzard acquisition by Microsoft in January was a big event for the whole industry. Many see in this situation a chance to improve the tarnished image of the former company.

Microsoft's promises

In an interview with CNBC, Brad Smith, Microsoft's executive vice president, said his company wants to keep an eye on the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The goal is to improve the work culture in that company and to make sure it's run by the right people in the right positions.

"Most importantly, we want to see how the culture develops and how people perform between now and the day the deal closes. [...] then we'll have the opportunity to make sure we have the right people in the right positions."

In the interview, Smith also confessed, the Activision acquisition means a whole new leadership team for the company.

"Well, there will be some aspects that will change, but it will all be one new team that will work together."

"We expect Activision Blizzard's leadership today to make workplace culture and safety a priority every day until this deal hopefully closes. And then we will take the reins and have to make the same commitment."

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, may step down from his position after the Microsoft deal is finalized, if rumors are to be believed. A group of shareholders and employees of the corporation called for Kotick's resignation after a report surface, suggesting that he was aware of allegations of sexual assault and harassment within the company.