Email From Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Leaked Following Microsoft Buyout
In the biggest news of 2022 so far, Activision Blizzard has been bought by Microsoft. The huge deal, reportedly worth $70billion, comes after a lawsuit was filed against the company regarding a 'fratboy' culture.
The question on the lips of many is what this means for Bobby Kotick - the current CEO of Activision Blizzard. In a leaked email to the staff of AB, Kotick himself addressed the buyout.
What Does The Bobby Kotick Email Say?
He started the email: "Today is an incredibly exciting day. As we continue our journey to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment, we will eventually do so as part of Microsoft."
In regards to when the deal is expected to complete and whether he will remain in the company, Kotick added: "Transactions like these can take a long time to complete.
"Until we receive all the necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions are satisfied, which we expect to be sometime in Microsoft's fiscal 2023 year ending June 30, 2023, we will continue to operate completely autonomously. I will continue as our CEO with the same passion and enthusiasm I had when I began this amazing journey in 1991."
He concluded: "I am incredibly proud of this company, you, and the work we have done together. Now it's on to our next chapter and the endless opportunities this transaction represents for us. I couldn't be more appreciative of your efforts, focus, and the dedication to connecting the world through joy and fun."
What's Next For Activision Blizzard?
According to valued leaker, Nibellion, once the deal is completed, Activision Blizzard will report to Xbox boss Phil Spencer as CEO.
In the official announcement from Microsoft, Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, wrote: "Gaming is the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment across all platforms today and will play a key role in the development of metaverse platforms.
We’re investing deeply in world-class content, community and the cloud to usher in a new era of gaming that puts players and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible to all." The console wars of Microsoft vs Sony were only just dying down, but now, consider the battle lines drawn!