Activision CEO Bobby Kotick stepping down after $500M from Microsoft

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said he is leaving the company by the end of this year.

Microsoft is in the middle of possibly acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. It has been a huge controversy in the gaming community for the past two years, with many accusing Microsoft of attempting to monopolize the gaming industry. Amidst it all, it looks like Kotick has been thinking of leaving Blizzard this year.

The rumors around Kotick possibly leaving Blizzard started ever since the acquisition was initially announced. It seemed like the drama over the acquisition along with the other controversies at Blizzard, including sexual harassment and gender discrimination at the workplace, were becoming too much to handle.

Bobby Kotick announces departure to Blizzard employees

In a letter to employees, Kotick has now confirmed the decision. He wrote that he’s “fully committed” to helping with Blizzard’s transition during the acquisition and has agreed to stay on until the end of 2023.

“We now join one of the most successful global companies, poised for unprecedented opportunities to connect the world through our games,” Kotick stated.

Despite the heartwarming and powerful message, it should be noted that Kotick has a lot more reason to stay other than rallying his employees. A report by BBC revealed that Kotick will receive around $500 million from the acquisition once it’s finalized.