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Activisionblizzard

All articles tagged with #activisionblizzard

gaming2 years ago

"Excitement Ignites Among Fans Over Cryptic Spyro Tweet Hinting at New Game"

A cryptic tweet from the official Spyro the Dragon account hinting at a "2024 motto" has fans excited about the potential release of a new game in the series. The franchise, which has been quiet since the 2018 Reignited Trilogy, is currently associated with developer Toys for Bob and publisher Activision Blizzard, now under Microsoft's umbrella, raising the possibility of an Xbox exclusive release. This news comes amidst a discrimination claim filed against Activision Blizzard, citing remarks by former CEO Bobby Kotick.

gaming2 years ago

"Xbox 2024: New Exclusives, Game Pass Expansions, and Console Predictions"

Xbox is poised for a significant year in 2024 following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard and its massive investment in gaming. Gamers can expect a surge of exclusive games like Avowed, Towerborne, and Hellblade 2, alongside potential new entries to Xbox Game Pass, including legacy Activision titles. Microsoft is also focusing on platform expansion with cloud gaming and AI developments, and there's speculation about new hardware innovations, such as mid-gen console refreshes and a new controller. The company's strategy seems to be aligning with broader gaming trends, aiming to enhance the Xbox ecosystem and maintain Xbox Game Pass as a top gaming service.

gaming2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick's Controversial Legacy and Its Impact on Activision Blizzard Games"

Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has been criticized by ex-Call of Duty developer Christina Pollock and other colleagues for negatively impacting the game series with his decisions. Kotick, who has a history of scandals including creating a toxic work environment and making violent threats, has left the company with a substantial financial package. The gaming community and former employees are reflecting on his controversial legacy as he departs from his long-standing role.

gaming2 years ago

"Warzone Gamers Struggle with Overly Dark Gulag Visibility Issues"

Call of Duty: Warzone players are expressing frustration with the new Urzikstan map's Gulag, which they claim is "way too dark," making it difficult to spot enemies, especially those using dark skins. The addition of a rope mechanic and the Sidewinder weapon have also contributed to the challenging environment. Despite suggestions to adjust in-game brightness, players argue it doesn't solve the issue. The community is awaiting a response from the developers to address these concerns.

businesstechnology2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick's Controversial Tenure: Ex-Employees Reflect as He Exits Gaming Giants"

Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard King, has stepped down following Microsoft's acquisition of the company. His departure comes with a significant payout, despite his controversial tenure marked by accusations of fostering a toxic work environment and making decisions that negatively impacted game development and employee well-being. Former employees have spoken out about the negative effects of Kotick's leadership, including issues with the Overwatch 2 Steam launch and the culture within the company. Kotick's legacy remains contentious as he exits with a substantial financial reward.

business-and-finance2 years ago

"Microsoft's Brad Smith Acknowledges CMA's Rigorous Fairness in Activision Acquisition"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has revised his stance on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now calling it "tough and fair" in its handling of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially critical of the CMA's intervention, Smith acknowledges the regulatory body pushed Microsoft to modify its deal, particularly concerning cloud gaming rights. The acquisition, which faced over a year of regulatory scrutiny, was completed last October, significantly expanding Microsoft's gaming portfolio with franchises like Call of Duty and the addition of Candy Crush maker King.

business-and-finance2 years ago

Microsoft President Changes Tune, Praises UK Regulator's 'Tough and Fair' Stance on Activision Deal

Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as "tough and fair" for its initial stance against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The CMA's scrutiny led to Microsoft altering its proposal, including spinning out certain rights to address cloud gaming concerns. After negotiations, Microsoft committed to a £2.5bn investment in UK AI infrastructure and revised its acquisition proposal, which was eventually approved. Microsoft completed the purchase of Activision Blizzard for $68.7bn, gaining titles like Call of Duty and Candy Crush Saga.

business-and-finance2 years ago

"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK CMA Post Activision Deal Approval"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has shifted his stance on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now calling it "tough and fair" after the CMA's stringent standards forced Microsoft to restructure its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially, Smith was critical of the CMA for blocking the $68.7 billion deal, but concessions made by Microsoft, particularly regarding cloud gaming rights, led to the deal's approval in the UK. Despite the change in tone from Microsoft, the CMA criticized the company's previous engagement tactics. Meanwhile, the deal still faces challenges in the US, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continuing its pursuit against the acquisition.

gamingindustry2 years ago

"Ex-Call of Duty Developer Accuses Bobby Kotick of Degrading Game Quality"

Former Call of Duty developer and Blizzard community manager have publicly criticized ex-Activision/Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, accusing him of negatively impacting game development and ignoring employee and player concerns. The developer recounted an incident where Kotick allegedly threatened an employee, while the community manager highlighted a lack of support during Overwatch 2's launch on Steam. Kotick's recent departure from the company has been met with relief from many, but it's unclear what changes will follow.

business-and-technology2 years ago

"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK's Stance Post-Activision Deal Impasse"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has acknowledged the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as "tough and fair" for initially blocking Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which led to changes in the deal structure. Microsoft agreed to spin out certain cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft for 15 years, which satisfied the CMA's concerns and allowed the deal to proceed. Despite the approval in the UK, Microsoft is still facing scrutiny from the US Federal Trade Commission, with a decision pending from the United States Court of Appeals.

business-and-technology2 years ago

"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK Post-Activision Deal Drama"

Microsoft President Brad Smith initially criticized the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for their concerns over the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, suggesting it would stifle innovation. However, after the CMA's intervention led to Microsoft altering the deal to avoid monopolizing cloud gaming rights, Smith changed his tune, praising the CMA as "tough and fair." The approved deal prevents Microsoft from having exclusive cloud gaming rights to Activision's games for 15 years, ensuring competition in the cloud gaming market and competitive prices for UK customers.

business-and-technology2 years ago

"Microsoft CEO Adjusts Stance on UK Following Backlash"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has retracted his previous criticism of the UK as "bad for business" following the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) initial block of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. After restructuring the deal, which now includes transferring streaming rights to Ubisoft, the CMA approved the acquisition. Smith praised the CMA as "tough and fair" and highlighted Microsoft's commitment to investing in AI infrastructure in the UK. Despite earlier tensions, Smith now views the UK's regulatory environment and investment opportunities positively.

gaming2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick's Controversial Legacy: From Game Quality Decline to Employee Threats and Social Media Backlash"

Former Call of Duty developer Christina Pollock and community manager Andy Belford have publicly criticized Bobby Kotick's leadership at Activision Blizzard, blaming his decisions for negatively impacting game quality and employee morale. Pollock, who demanded Kotick's firing in a staff meeting, emphasized the need for senior staff to support junior employees in speaking out against poor management. Belford shared an instance of Kotick's decision-making leading to inadequate support for the Overwatch 2 Steam launch. These revelations come as Kotick completes his final day as CEO, with Activision Blizzard transitioning to new management under Microsoft's acquisition.

gaming2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick's Controversial Exit Sparks Outcry and Overwatch 2 Turmoil"

Overwatch 2 faced a harsh reception on Steam, becoming the lowest-rated game on the platform at launch, partly due to the cancellation of its PvE mode. Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who recently left the company following Microsoft's acquisition, is blamed by Blizzard's Senior Manager of Community Development for the game's poor handling on Steam. Kotick's decision to launch the game without additional support led to a review bombing that the community team was unprepared for. Overwatch 2 is currently in its eighth season, introducing a new tank hero, Mauga, as the company transitions under Microsoft's leadership.

business-and-technology2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick Exits Activision Blizzard Amid Controversy and Leadership Changes"

Bobby Kotick has stepped down as CEO of Activision Blizzard following the company's acquisition by Microsoft, ending his 33-year tenure. His departure is accompanied by stories of past controversies, including allegations of threats and mistreatment of employees. One such allegation involves Kotick threatening to have an employee killed, a claim that has resurfaced on social media. Kotick has faced multiple accusations over the years and has settled complaints out of court. His leadership has been criticized for negatively impacting games and workplace culture. With Kotick's exit, Microsoft executives are set to take over, potentially marking a new beginning for Activision Blizzard.