Microsoft Merger Officially Closed - Bobby Kotick to Stay on Throughout 2023
wowhead.comAs of around 9am Eastern time, the $68.7 billion sale of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft has officially closed, marking the end of a 21-month struggle with regulators and the largest tech acquisition in history!
Alongside this news, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick released a message to employees, celebrating their hard work and the growth of the company he helmed for more than thirty years. Noting successes with the development and publication of iconic games like Pitfall, MechWarrior, Warcraft, StarCraft, Call of Duty, Candy Crush, and more, Kotick shared his commitment to remain with his company as CEO during a transition period through the end of 2023.
While the wording suggests he will then depart the company for good, the future is left somewhat uncertain.
For the time being, he will report to the head of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer, although Kotick had previously stated his desire to remain working with Microsoft in whatever capacity they would have him. In separate interviews with Gamesbeat and New York Times, the business giant previously said «Post close I will be available as needed,» and that «reporting to Phil is an easy thing to do.»
Bobby Kotick
Team,
Today marks a milestone in our company’s celebrated history.
Combining with Microsoft will bring new resources and new opportunities to our extraordinary teams worldwide.
It will also enable us to deliver more fun, more joy, and more connection to more players than ever before.
This moment is possible because of your efforts over four decades to innovate, inspire, and achieve.
When Brian Kelly and I began this journey in 1991, we intended to build a company that would have great impact and lasting value. Your tireless work and unwavering.
