After 32 years, CEO Bobby Kotick is leaving Activision next week as Microsoft makes more changes to bring the company under the Xbox mothership

gamesradar.com:

After a 32-year career, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is officially stepping down next week, with his last day at the company being Friday, December 29. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a series of key leadership changes as it works to bring Activision Blizzard into Xbox's fold.

We've known Kotick was departing Activision for a while now, and today he sent an email to employees in which he reflected on his origins as a Gamer™, his time with the company, and the gaming industry more broadly.

"40 years later, as my last day leading this company inches closer, I marvel at how far the talented people at our company have come toward realizing the great potential of games," Kotick said. "You have transformed a hobbyist form of entertainment into the world's most engaging medium. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to work alongside you as we broadened the appeal of games.

Kotick also touched on the moment Xbox boss Phil Spencer approached him about the acquisition, saying, "it was immediately obvious that the combination of our businesses would enable us to continue to lead as the list of capable, well-resourced competitors grows."

He also said Spencer "shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition."

In an internal memo obtained by The Verge, Spencer thanked Kotick "for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition and his collaboration following the close." He also detailed a number of changes at the top of Activision Blizzard leadership.

Among other changes, Spencer revealed, "Thomas Tippl (Vice Chairman, Activision Blizzard), Rob Kostich (President, Activision