Activision Blizzard CEO steps down
Activision Blizzard will end 2023 in a dramatic way on December 29, when CEO Bobby Kotick resigns. This change will lead to a number of structural changes within Activision Blizzard over the coming months, as Microsoft acquires the company. Matt Booty will be taking over as Microsoft’s studio and game content president.
Microsoft will maintain Activision Blizzard’s current leadership, but with some exceptions. This should keep things on track, given that Xbox leadership has undergone significant changes in the last two months. Sarah Bond became Xbox President and Matt Booty the game studio and content president during this reshuffle. Booty, who will now oversee Activision Blizzard (including Bethesda), ZeniMax Studios, and Activision Blizzard after Kotick leaves, was promoted to Xbox president.
Booty, in a memorandum obtained by the Verge revealed that ZeniMax had made changes to its Bethesda and ZeniMax. Jill Braff is the new director of both studios, and she will be responsible for overseeing game development teams. Braff is expected to be a key player in empowering Bethesda teams. She previously worked in the integration team for ZeniMax’s and Bethesda’s acquisition of 2021.
Bobby Kotick, the long-time CEO of Activision Blizzard and Activision, has left the company. This marks the end an era. Under his leadership, Activision Blizzard was the leading third-party game publisher, with franchises such as Candy Crush Saga, World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. The gaming giant is now in a period of transition as he leaves.
Microsoft is integrating Activision Blizzard in its gaming operations. Fans are eagerly awaiting news about the addition of Activision Blizzard titles to Xbox Game Pass. Phil Spencer said that delays in the addition of games to Game Pass were due to regulatory processes. He assured fans in a prior statement that game announcements will come by 2024.
The gaming industry has undergone a massive transformation. In the next few years, players will be able to enjoy a wide range of exciting games from Activision Bethesda Blizzard King and Xbox Game Studios.
