After confirming earlier today (October 13) that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been completedIt has been announced that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will remain in his role until the end of the year, but it is suggested that he will step down in 2024.
In an email sent to employees (shared on the Activision Blizzard website), Kotick stated that, now that the deal has closed, “Today marks a milestone in our company’s celebrated history.” He added: “This moment is possible because of your efforts over four decades to innovate, inspire and achieve.”
However, while he confirmed that he will see through the transition period of the merger, he insinuated that he will not last forever. He wrote: “I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition. Phil (Spencer) has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK and report to him, and we have agreed that I will do that until the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together to ensure a smooth integration for our teams and players.”
It was a huge day for Microsoft and Activision. Firstly, the UK competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), announced that it would official approval of the readmission agreement.
More than five months ago, the regulator blocked the merger over concerns about the impact it could have on competition in the UK cloud gaming market. Microsoft then changed its proposal, stating that it would sell cloud streaming rights for current and new Activision games (released over the next 15 years) to Ubisoft. The change was considered satisfactory, and Martin Coleman, the chairman of the independent panel that reviewed the original proposal, said today that the deal is now “better for competition, better for consumers and better for economic growth”.
Just a few hours later it was officially confirmed that the deal had been completed. Xbox boss Phil Spencer wrote in a statement: “Today we begin the work to bring the beloved Activision, Blizzard and King franchises to Game Pass and other platforms. We’ll share more about when you can expect to play in the coming months. know you’re excited – and so are we.”
To keep track of the numerous upcoming matches coming to Xbox’s current generation of consoles this year and beyond, be sure to check out our overview of new Xbox Series X games.