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Bobby Kotick

All articles tagged with #bobby kotick

businesstech1 year ago

"Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Explores TikTok Acquisition Amid Crackdown"

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly interested in buying TikTok as the video-sharing app faces potential legislation that could force its sale or ban in the U.S. The bill requires ByteDance to "divest itself" of TikTok, leading to renewed interest from potential buyers, including Kotick, who is seeking partners for the acquisition. Despite controversies surrounding Kotick's tenure at Activision Blizzard, including allegations of a misogynistic workplace culture, he departed with a golden parachute after the company's sale to Microsoft.

businesstech1 year ago

"Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Explores TikTok Acquisition Amid Political Uncertainty"

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing TikTok and has approached ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming over a potential sale, with the estimated cost being in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Kotick may seek partners, such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to raise the necessary funds, and has discussed the idea with other interested parties. This comes as TikTok faces potential US legislation that could force its sale within six months due to national security concerns, with President Joe Biden indicating willingness to sign the bill. Meanwhile, Kotick recently exited Activision Blizzard following its acquisition by Microsoft and amid controversies at the company.

businesstech1 year ago

"Potential Buyers Emerge as TikTok Faces Uncertain Future"

Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly interested in buying TikTok if ByteDance agrees to sell the platform, potentially teaming up with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. TikTok is facing scrutiny in the U.S. due to concerns about data privacy and its Chinese ownership. A bill to ban TikTok or force its sale has passed a committee vote and is heading to the House. Kotick, who recently left Activision Blizzard, is seeking partners for the potential acquisition, with the price tag estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Despite controversies during his tenure at Activision, including gender discrimination allegations, Kotick remains a prominent figure in the tech and gaming industry.

businesstech1 year ago

"Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and "Shark Tank" Investor Eye TikTok Acquisition Amidst Potential Ban"

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly interested in buying TikTok amid US legislation threatening to ban the app or force its sale. Kotick, who left Activision amid controversy, allegedly discussed the idea with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and ByteDance Executive Chair Zhang Yiming. The potential purchase comes as lawmakers introduce a bill requiring TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the app within six months or face a US ban, prompting TikTok to rally its users against the legislation.

businesstech1 year ago

"TikTok Faces Uncertain Future as Companies and Politicians Weigh In"

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is reportedly seeking partners to potentially buy TikTok from China's ByteDance, as the US government considers legislation that would force ByteDance to divest from the popular app or face a ban in the US. The potential purchase price is said to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars, and Kotick has been approaching potential partners, including OpenAI's Sam Altman. However, the bill's passage is uncertain, facing potential opposition in the Senate over free speech concerns, and there are political considerations given TikTok's popularity among young voters.

lawsuit-discrimination2 years ago

"Former Activision Exec Alleges Age Discrimination Against 'Old White Guys' at Call of Duty Publisher"

A former Activision executive is suing the company for age discrimination and violating whistleblower protection laws, alleging that CEO Bobby Kotick made ageist remarks and that the company promoted a younger non-white employee over him. The lawsuit also claims that the plaintiff faced defamatory accusations and wrongful termination, seeking damages for loss of earnings, career impact, emotional distress, and legal costs. The case highlights broader issues of ageism in the gaming industry, while Activision recently settled a lawsuit over a "frat boy" culture of harassment and discrimination.

gaming2 years ago

"Bobby Kotick Faces Criticism Amid Activision Struggles and 'Overwatch 2' Backlash"

Popular streamer Asmongold expressed skepticism over any significant changes at Activision following Bobby Kotick's departure as CEO, despite the controversies surrounding the company's culture of sexual harassment. Asmongold believes that Kotick's exit won't impact players' experiences, as he views the quality of the games themselves as the primary reason for player dissatisfaction, not the company's internal issues. The gaming community and Asmongold's viewers are left to see if Microsoft's acquisition of Activision will lead to any positive changes.

business2 years ago

Bobby Kotick Bids Emotional Farewell as Activision Blizzard CEO

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent a farewell voicemail to employees, showcasing his notorious management style of berating and threatening staff. Known for his profit-driven approach and studio closures, Kotick's departure leaves a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Employees expressed mixed feelings about the message, with some finding it a fitting end to his tenure, while others highlighted the toxic work environment he fostered.

business2 years ago

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick to Depart Amid Leadership Changes

Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, will step down from his role on December 29th, 2023, following Microsoft's acquisition of the company. Kotick has been with Activision since 1991 and played a key role in the company's merger with Vivendi Games. His departure comes amidst controversies surrounding sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. Additionally, Jill Braff, a former Nintendo and Sega employee, has been appointed as the head of ZeniMax/Bethesda Studios, and other leadership changes are being made as Activision-Blizzard becomes part of Xbox Game Studios under Microsoft's ownership.

business2 years ago

"Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Resigns Amid Controversy"

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will step down on December 29, 2023, following Microsoft's acquisition of the publisher. A replacement has not been announced yet, but in the interim, Activision Blizzard's executives will report to Microsoft's game content and studios president. Other changes include the departure of Vice Chairman Humam Sakhnini and Chief Communications Officer Lulu Meservey. The transition period will end in March 2024, after which business is expected to continue as usual for the company.

business2 years ago

"Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick to Depart Amidst Leadership Changes"

Bobby Kotick, the controversial boss of Activision Blizzard, will depart the company on December 29th, following Microsoft's acquisition. Jill Braff, a Microsoft executive, will lead ZeniMax/Bethesda studios. The majority of Activision's other executives will report to Xbox executive Matt Booty, while creative leaders within the Bethesda family of studios will report to Braff. Kotick expressed his love for games in a farewell email to employees and praised Xbox boss Phil Spencer. Microsoft confirmed the leadership structure changes and the departure of Activision Blizzard's chief communications officer. The acquisition marks a new chapter for Activision Blizzard under new management.

business2 years ago

"Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick to Depart Amidst Leadership Changes"

Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, will officially step down on December 29, 2023. This comes after the company faced lawsuits and allegations of systemic sexism, discrimination, and harassment. Other executives, including the vice chairman and chief communications officer, will also be leaving. Microsoft's president of gaming content and studios, Matt Booty, will oversee the remaining leadership teams. Kotick is set to make $375 million from Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and is expecting a golden parachute of $14.6 million.

gamingcorporate2 years ago

"Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Departs Amidst Leadership Changes"

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, announced in a goodbye letter to employees that his last day will be December 29, following Microsoft's acquisition of the company. In the letter, Kotick reminisces about his passion for video games and praises the hard work of Activision Blizzard employees. He also refers to Microsoft/Xbox as the "world's most admired company" and expresses confidence in Xbox CEO Phil Spencer's leadership. The handling of ActiBlizz's return-to-office mandate and Kotick's departure remain uncertain.

gaming2 years ago

"Microsoft Shakes Up Xbox Leadership Amid Bobby Kotick's Departure from Activision"

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is stepping down, and Microsoft has announced further leadership changes within the Xbox division. Instead of appointing a direct replacement, Microsoft has integrated the suite of Activision Blizzard executives under Matt Booty, the president of game content and studios. The leadership team of Activision Blizzard will largely remain in place, with some executive-level exceptions. Microsoft is continuing to integrate Activision Blizzard into its gaming business and fans are eagerly awaiting news on the addition of Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass.

business2 years ago

"Controversial CEO Bobby Kotick to Depart Activision Blizzard in 2024"

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, will leave the company on January 1, 2024, following Microsoft's acquisition. Kotick had considered stepping down in 2021 amidst allegations of a toxic work culture and mishandling of abuse allegations. Employees are reportedly excited for the leadership change. Kotick's departure marks a significant change for the video game industry after his 33-year tenure at Activision Blizzard.