Activision Blizzard Fireside Chat with Bobby Kotick On Company's Future Under Microsoft
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick held a video conference with employees today, answering questions read by Chief People Officer Julie Hodges. As relayed by The Washington Post, Kotick's Fireside Chat discussed the future of the company following Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition, covering topics from potential layoffs to his own uncertain role moving forward. With several other interviews, SEC filings, and comments made by both Activision and Microsoft executives since the deal was announced, associated articles have also been included to provide additional context as necessary.
Microsoft to Retain EmployeesFirst and foremost, Kotick attempted to assuage fears of layoffs or downsizing, though the Post reported that bringing up the subject may have actually had the opposite effect on some. In a somewhat maddingly unspecific SEC information filing on the proposed sale, Activision Blizzard similarly stated that there were no plans to layoff existing employees, although the statement largely covered the period up until formal acquisition rather than what might happen after. That said, Zenimax Media (Bethesda Softworks, ID Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames) was also formerly acquired by Microsoft in 2021, with no reports of notable downsizing within those studios.
The Washington Post Kotick said during Thursday’s video call that “the transition is going to be smooth because committed to trying to retain as many of our people as possible.” Following the video call, several Activision Blizzard employees told The Washington Post the comment made them suspicious of upcoming layoffs. Will there be layoffs as a result of this transaction?Microsoft has made it clear that they want to preserve and grow the value that Read more on wowhead.com
