Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick expected to leave once Microsoft deal closes - report Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick expected to leave once Microsoft deal closes - report Byebye, Kotick. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 18 Jan 2022 54 comments Activision Blizzard's controversial boss Bobby Kotick is expected to head out the door once Microsoft's groundbreaking takeover bid goes through. That's according to Wall St Journal sources, via a fresh report tonight. The question of whether Kotick would leave has remained - officially - unanswered, though the vague wording of statements from Xbox boss Phil Spencer this afternoon seemed to suggest Kotick would only stick around to see out the company's transition period. Watch on YouTube Eurogamer Newscast Special: Xbox buying Activision Blizzard. Sources told Wall St Journal that Activision Blizzard and Microsoft had agreed Kotick would depart once the takeover bid was finalised. Both companies have said the deal is expected to be done by June 2023. "Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and he and his team will maintain their focus on driving efforts to further strengthen the company's culture and accelerate business growth," a Microsoft spokesperson said via press release earlier. "Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming." Eurogamer has contacted Microsoft for further comment. Kotick has become a widely-disliked figure within Activision Blizzard and across the video games industry, after numerous allegations of toxic workplace conditions under his watch, and lingering questions on how much he knew. His exit from Activision Blizzard - likely with a substantial departing payout - may not have been how many would have hoped he would leave. But, if tonight's report is correct, he will at least be gone. A propos of nothing, here's how much Activision Blizzard is to pay Kotick if he is terminated as a result of a change of control of the company, per his employee agreement pic.twitter.com/JEA5zexmI1- Alex (@gamesbizuk) January 18, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Earlier today, Microsoft announced it would purchase Activision Blizzard for an astonishing $70bn, meaning it would take control of all the publisher's various development studios, franchises, plus 10,000 employees. In an investor call, as heard by Eurogamer, Microsoft boss Satya Nadella said his company would "have work to do" after acquiring Activision Blizzard, but that it was imperative company leaders improved the lives of employees. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store