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The dust is finally beginning to settle after Microsoft's shock purchase of Activision Blizzard, however, new information has come to light regarding the company's controversial CEO Bobby Kotick. Inside sources at Activision Blizzard claim that Kotick planned to acquire some video game news websites before the company itself was purchased by Microsoft.
Activision Blizzard's internal issues relating to the company culture and sexual harassment allegations have become common knowledge in the gaming industry. Searching the company's name in a search engine is bound to bring up news articles relating to the controversy, which is why some sources that made contact with the Wall Street Journal claim that Kotick wished to purchase video game media outlets such as PC Gamer and Kotaku. If Activision Blizzard was able to acquire these companies, it would be able to partially control the narrative surrounding the company in the media. This would have been seen as a highly unethical move on Activision Blizzard's part, hence why Kotick has outright denied the claims.
Both Kotaku and PC Gamer declined to respond to the allegations as well, which means that while it is possible that Kotick considered the move, the public will never know for sure unless the media outlets divulge the information. Kotick seems to be trying to save face in the wake of Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard. Kotick recently claimed that Activision Blizzard's stock drop is more the result of the delays of Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 than it was the result of the company's recent controversy.
If the claim was made to curry favor, it certainly did not work. Kotick seems to be in the hot seat according to a leaked email, which states that the CEO should stay in power until June 2023 when the acquisition is complete. It is currently unknown as to what will happen to Kotick following this, however, it is most likely in Microsoft's best interests to part ways with the controversial CEO.
It is little wonder that Kotick was in opposition of Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition. Kotick was allegedly hoping that another company would outbid Microsoft and purchase Activision Blizzard instead, but unfortunately, his strained relationship with the company's board of directors allowed him little sway in the situation. Only time will tell now whether Kotick decides to step down of his own accord or instead waits until Microsoft lets him go.
Source: Wall Street Journal