Microsoft Boss 'Grateful' for Kotick's Leadership

gamerant.com:

Now that Microsoft has announced its plans to acquire Activision Blizzard, there are quite a few questions about what it means for both companies. More than a few people in the gaming industry have voiced hope that it could mean the end of Bobby Kotick as CEO, but comments made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have been largely supportive of the embattled exec.

Microsoft announced on Tuesday morning that it was going to be acquiring Activision Blizzard in what amounts to one of the biggest video game company acquisitions of at least the last decade. The takeover means that Xbox head Phil Spencer will have direct control over some of the most lucrative IPs on the market today including the Call of Duty and Warcraft franchises. While that raised eyebrows, questions about just what would happen to Bobby Kotick once the deal was complete began swirling around social media as many people believe he's part of the reason the workplace environment has been so toxic over the years.

RELATED: Activision Blizzard Leadership Reportedly Silent About Requests to Meet Striking Workers

While there are plenty in the gaming community who believe that Kotick needs to be shown the door once the deal is complete, Kotaku reported that Nadella appeared to be optimistic about the Activision Blizzard CEO's leadership on an investor call he took part in shortly after the business deal was announced.

Nadella started out by saying that Kotick had built his company into one of the most successful and influential entertainment companies in the world during the 30 years that he's been in a leadership position. He then added that he was "grateful" for Kotick's leadership at the company as well as a real "commitment for change."

It's a safe bet that there