560°

Bobby Kotick re-elected as Activision Blizzard CEO

One of the proposals voted on by the shareholders was on which directors would be elected to serve for another term, including Bobby Kotick in the role of CEO.

Read Full Story >>
digitaltrends.com
SullysCigar1060d ago

Every swamp needs a toad, I guess.

frostypants1060d ago

I laughed way too hard at that.

neutralgamer19921060d ago (Edited 1060d ago )

Totally deserving of this. Works so hard and takes care of all employees and treats everyone equally

While at it give him a raise and make sure his bonus check is huge

Microsoft and Sony Sony make him the CEO of their companies too

Nothing but success

S/

fr0sty1060d ago

If Microsoft really cared, they'd be putting their foot down about this and saying the deal won't go through if they don't remove him.

Soulrakk1060d ago

Won't matter once the deal goes through. I highly doubt he'll still be there not long after.

DarXyde1060d ago (Edited 1060d ago )

That says something, doesn't it?

I don't understand the specifics and I'm unaware of the optics and politics of this deal... But to me, it sounds like, behind the scenes, Microsoft was coerced into allowing this to proceed as a condition for the deal. If I'm using a clear example of my thinking, it's a bit strange that were getting this news shortly after the announcement of some big titles from Activision being on game pass like Diablo 4. Imagine having to walk that back. It would blow up, and if this is the case, that would be very shameful on Microsoft's part.

Alternatively, I must wonder how much Activision really wants this deal to go through. I suspect they're taking advantage of the average gamer's short attention span. The terrible culture at Activision was incredibly caustic to their reputation and the hopes of an acquisition allowed a lot of people to have misplaced confidence in the coming changes... Now that the storm has died down, Kottick has an opportunity to remain.

Even crazier... Is Microsoft also thinking this deal will not go through? Did they just posture to rehabilitate Activision's image as a favor to secure something from Activision in the future?

I'm speculating, but if there's any truth to my speculation, that is disgusting and embarrassing.

KillBill1060d ago

Microsoft can't even enter into any discussion on this subject until after the deal is finalized. To do so would put the deal in jeopardy.

anubusgold1059d ago

microsoft has no power until they have control the share holders will stop anything they try.

anubusgold1059d ago (Edited 1059d ago )

Sony fanboys can disagree all they want its illegal for Microsoft to try to tell them anything before they actually own them they will get sued into the ground if the shareholders can prove it and fined by the government.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 1059d ago
KillBill1060d ago

MS has zero say in this and can't get involved.

Jin_Sakai1059d ago

Did anyone really think he would step down before the acquisition? Hopefully next year is his last!

1Victor1059d ago

I’m No surprised they only care about the money and he bring it in regardless of anything else a perfect fit for Microsoft next Xbox head of gaming division after Phil eventually drop the ball.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 1059d ago
Orchard1060d ago

They were always going to re-elect the same guy during a transition period like this. The sooner the MS deal closes the better, get him out of the door ASAP.

Eonjay1060d ago

So of course this is exactly to Microsoft's, the Board's and Kotick's plan. In order for him to get up to that 500+ million he has to be fired by Microsoft. That was their plan from the beginning. Its in his contract. This was the last real chance for the board to stop him from getting the impending gigantic payout. Now he is assured over half a billion from Microsoft in exchange for the buyout and being fired under Phil Spencer. Now Microsoft will pay him tripple salary on top of the stock buyout. They should have demanded him resgin as part of the deal beforehand but clearly Kotick was instrumental in crafting this deal. He laughs in your face every time you say '[Microsoft will] get him out the door'. NOW was the time to get him out.

Orchard1060d ago (Edited 1060d ago )

Not sure that's anything to do with MS - they have zero say in goings on at Activision prior to the acquisition being approved.

That being said, we all know he gets a payout for being booted out, but sometimes you just have to bite that bullet. It's a better option than having him in the industry for another decade or two - for both employees and gamers.

shadowhaxor1060d ago

Since MS didn't own the company, they couldn't demand anything. Of course, if/when MS owns the company, they don't have to fire him. They could demote him or remove him of any responsibilities, instead of firing him. The cleaning won't begin until this deal is finalized and completed.

Eonjay1060d ago

@shadowhaxor

Actually... I like the idea of demoting him. Thats a perfect solution.

Godmars2901060d ago

Thing is if he's not thrown fired or otherwise leaves, will it really reflect on MS?

Honestly think, like most cases of backlash they've suffered, it will only be temporary. With likelihood that if he does stay on, he may even be put in charge of MS.

Tacoboto1060d ago

Microsoft has $70 billion worth of things they could say about Kotick. But like how business is business, they leapt at the chance to get a good price over standing up for the values they project in press releases.

1060d ago
Orchard1060d ago

@Eonjay Demote him and make him report to those he abused and exploited over the years

@Hatchet well another way of looking at it is, they’re doing a favor to the employees of Activision who will now get better working conditions.

@Godmars Literally zero chance of him becoming head of MS lol. Phil Spencer won’t even get that role, it’ll be someone on the more corporate side of things who understands azure etc, gaming isn’t about to take over Microsoft.

Godmars2901060d ago

@Orchard:

Meant to say Xbox division.

shinoff21831060d ago

Dude isnt getting fired by ms.

RosweeSon1059d ago

Yeah people saying it’s not on Microsoft the Board wont allow it, money talks if Microsoft say we’re not having it sure they may just lose out but I’m pretty certain the shareholders would go oh ish do we want our major payouts as well lose the deal unless we get rid of 1 guy. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣 hey ho now they’ve abandoned Tony hawks 3/4 like utter morons I have literally 0 interest in this company.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 1059d ago
-Foxtrot1060d ago

Honestly, with the amount of shit this guy is bringing over, they should have just cut their losses and the bad PR , getting rid of him

Since they haven't, he'll be around even after the deal closes I reckon.

Orchard1060d ago (Edited 1060d ago )

It would need to be Activision who cut him (at this time) - and they won't shake the jello during an acquisition.

Microsoft have zero say in anything at this time. It's a bit like being in closing on a house. You can see the ugly wallpaper but you can't quite pull it off until all the paperwork is complete.

He's gone under MS for sure. No way they're going to keep such an employee around. Imagine the PR disaster.

shinoff21831059d ago

You right. Its probably being written into the contract about not getting rid of him or something to that extent

S2Killinit1060d ago

Ummm yeah no, stop deflecting please. This is MS.

Orchard1060d ago

MS who just fired someone of similar statute to Kotick over less? Yes. No deflection at all.

TheGreatGazoo301059d ago

MS can't even legally talk specifics about what their plans are for things when they take over. They don't own the company and have no say in any of this. I'd be illegal for them to interfere.

S2Killinit1059d ago

You think they can announce upcoming games and talk about the direction of the company but cant fire this guy if they wanted to?

gamer78041059d ago

Yup and people were complaining about MS buying them…

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1059d ago
MadLad1060d ago

He's out as soon as the MS deal goes into effect.
Until then, not surprised he's still around. He's a true scumbag, and horrible PR for the company, but he's also the reason Activision is as large as it is today. That's all that matters to investors.

PapaBop1060d ago

We can only hope. This acquisition gives MS the chance to wipe the slate clean with Activision Blizzard and score some major PR points in the process. Everything leads back to this guy, from a Blizzard fan's perspective, there is no redemption until this slimey POS is gone. Hopefully MS get it right.

S2Killinit1060d ago

I dont think that is happening.

MadLad1060d ago (Edited 1060d ago )

Based on what, exactly?
As soon as the acquisition goes into effect Spencer essentially takes on Kotick's role.

All studios underneath The Activision/Blizzard banner are now just first party studios for Microsoft Game Studios. They are no longer beholden to stockholders as they were acting solely as a large game publisher.
Kotick brings nothing to the table, as his expertise won't be applicable in the new environment that takes console sales into consideration, as well as the current focus by Microsoft with their Gamepass service.

MadLad1059d ago

Read my statement above. It makes no sense, and I have no idea why people would even think he'll remain after the close on the deal.

He's bad PR, his position and expertise is rendered irrelevant once the deal closes, and he has a severance written right into the purchase agreement.

Like, I'm watching people humoring the most illogical outcome post acquisition, and I have no idea where it's even coming from.

isarai1059d ago

@MadLad

You act like MS has never made illogical decisions before. Truth is most people who buy activision's games dont know or care who the CEO is. Dont know why you feel like a large corporation like MS would have such strong ethics, they want money, they'll keep whoever makes tham that money, until their presence starts affecting that money greatly, they dont care.

XiNatsuDragnel1060d ago

Oh heck no, in my opinion that's a disaster

ElCapitan0061060d ago

He will most likely be out of there shortly after the deal goes through. This is probably just a formality.

Kados1060d ago

Hopefully MS cleans house once the sale is complete. Get rid of Dobby Coatrack, and the entire board of directors.

Show all comments (90)
110°

Capcom Cracks Down on Modders, Reveals Anti-Cheat Patent for Monster Hunter Wilds

MHHQ - Capcom has issued an anti-cheat patent aimed at detecting and stopping game data tampering during Monster Hunter Wilds multiplayer hunts.

Read Full Story >>
monsterhunterhq.com
500°

Jade Raymond Has Left Haven Studios, The PlayStation-owned Studio She Founded

Veteran producer Jade Raymond has left Haven Studios, the company she founded in 2021.

According to a new report by Bloomberg, Raymond – who rose to prominence after producing Assassin’s Creed and executive producing Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines and Watch Dogs – has left her studio, which is still in the process of developing online shooter Fairgames.

Read Full Story >>
videogameschronicle.com
2d ago Replies(1)
Obscure_Observer2d ago

Jesus Christ man...Unbelievable!

I can´t believe that Playstation Studios can´t manage to develop and deliver ONE single successful high quality first party LS game throughout the whole current generation!

Hermen Hulst needs to be fired ASAP! He´s Jimbo 2.0!

2d ago
S2Killinit1d 23h ago

Sure buddy. Don’t forget, we have everything you have, but more. 😝

1d 23h ago
Lightning771d 22h ago

Can you stop the fanboying for 2 seconds? Seriously this deflecting and ignoring everything that's going on with Sony's first party the past few years is frustrating and ignorant. You know there's others who have a PS also and want Sony's best like we use to get right? Stop trying to ruin it for everyone else with side steps. Not this BS deflecting that you ppl constantly do.

Besides HD what other LS game thrived so far? Has Herman made good buissness choices and decisions when it comes to LS yes or no?

Start questioning PS Studios.

S2Killinit1d 21h ago (Edited 1d 21h ago )

@Lightning
Fanboy? You talking about me, or yourself? We got alt guy over here with his brand new account burning up from rage, and you are asking me stop “fan boying”?

Sony have at least 3 first party heavy hitters coming up, that we know of, and its not like we are lacking in exclusives department.

As to LS, they had Helldivers, and GT7, both were resounding success. They had a complete flop in concord. Not sure why you think we need to be concerned. They are destroying the competition and that market share translates to games.

Lightning771d 20h ago

"Fanboy? You talking about me, or yourself?"

What's are you talking about how am I a fanboy? Those alt counts will be gone nobody will see them anyway.

I wouldn't call Marathon a heavy hitter and Yotei yes definitely. However they do have DS2 I just feel like there should be more. We all know why there isn't more.

They only have two LS HD as I mentioned and I totally forgot about Grand Turismo. Only 2 While canceling Twisted Metal and Spiderman LS. Who knows the quality at least those games sound compelling.

Btw MLB isn't a live service its a Yearly released sports game.

DodoDojo1d 18h ago

Only one LS flop? Were just going to ignore all the canceled LS games that were in development for years? Ok then.

Reaper22_1d 18h ago

More? Oh, you must mean Concord.🤭

darthv721d 15h ago (Edited 1d 15h ago )

@S2... does that mean you are thankful for XB games? Who'd of thought MS helping to keep PS [only] fans fed during these trying times.

S2Killinit1d 15h ago (Edited 1d 15h ago )

@Lightning
you womt call it a heavyhitter? Really, interesting. There is also intergalactic. Sonyes there will be more.

@darth
Why would I complain about xbox exclusives being playable on PlayStation? I mean xbox really didnt have a lot throughout the years but that doesnt mean they didn’t have anything at all. I normally dont like bro-dude games with bulky dudes, but I may actually play gears of war if just to try it. (Assuming the games arent too outdated at this point)

Redgrave1d 10h ago

Listen,

I am as Sony bred as they come, never owned an Xbox of any kind, Playstation first and foremost even over Nintendo, and a PS+ Premium member. I have put 90% of my gaming time into the past 4 generations of Playstation since the PS2.

Sitting here presently, I find myself asking why I bought a PS5 instead of going PC. I can't think of one single game put out exclusively for PS5 by Sony that has made me glad to have the console.

There have been third party games, like FF7 Rebirth and Expedition 33 that have given me the "hell yeah" feeling about the purchase, but nothing Sony has done. It's been either remasters, the Last of Us again, or attempted Live Service slop that nobody asked for and either couldn't even make it to the table or died out as soon as it did.

There's no true "it" game. Returnal, GoW Ragnorok, and Horizon are all good games, terrific even. But are they truly system seller worthy?

If this direction continues onwards as blaring as it has been, I can't see myself getting a PS6. Ps+ is extremely expensive for no real reason, at $230 + tax for tier that pumps out classics that are more hit than miss. Remasters outnumber exclusives 10 to 1, and we have another Concord game that will likely fair exactly the same and just have been several years of improperly guided directions away from what put Sony on the map in the first place. Buying Bluepoint and sticking them on a live service God of War game? How can you defend that kind of decision making?

We don't have "anything you have" and more. It sucks just as much on PS as Xbox because WTF are we paying all this money for? I haven't seen the monthly offerings surge in quality since the last two psn price hikes and I already brought up Premiums current state. To get games nobody asked for or wants? To be PC port playtesters?

None of us are eating good except PC users, and for them it actually pays to be patient.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 1d 10h ago
VenomUK1d 16h ago

Sony helped finance Jade Raymond to set up her own studio, then bought it. So even though Haven has yet to release a single game, whatever happened she's made millions. Not bad!

Sonic18811d 17h ago

What about Helldivers 2 🤔

crazyCoconuts1d 16h ago

I don't really care about LS, but the overall output for the last 1.5 years has dropped dramatically, along with the transparency on what teams have teed up. Sounds like a mess over there.

Sonic18811d 14h ago

Blame Jim Ryan for Fair Games

kayoss1d 14h ago

That's rich coming from you. An xbox lover but yet support a console that havent develop and deliver ONE single successful High quality first party game throughout its entire two generations of consoles.

Aloymetal1d 13h ago

Bingo!
The nerve on these green fanatics. They have a weird sense of reality.

Obscure_Observer1d 12h ago

"An xbox lover but yet support a console that havent develop and deliver ONE single successful High quality first party game throughout its entire two generations of consoles."

Hmm... Not from what I been seeing and hearing from actual Playstation players and Playstation Store sales stats.

MIDGETonSTILTS171d 14h ago

Helldivers 2 is a massive success, and you’re ignoring it.

And, when the competition doesn’t bring anything to the table themselves, a handful of games like Helldivers 2 and Returnal are enough to win the competition.

You can’t win a console war if you don’t compete with games. Xbox lowered the bar for Sony, and I blame Xbox for that.

SCW19821d 13h ago

She leaves every studio she goes to before a single game is released. Do some research

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 1d 10h ago
2d ago
Lightning772d ago

Yeah hate to break it to you Sony but I think they need to shelve their LS efforts almost all together. They formed LFG ex Bungie guys and making another LS but I don't have much hope for it anymore. Marathon is quickly getting overshadowed by Arch Raiders, We all know what happened to Concord.

Only solution I can think of is have 3rd party like a Arrowhead make them a LS game. Speaking of AH their next project is completely funded by them so it won't be from them. I just think it's a good idea that they seek a 3rd party for LS. They'll save time, money and won't take time away their SP efforts. Which is suffering immensely this gen due to all this LS.

S2Killinit1d 23h ago

Wait we are writing off games that arent even out yet?

1d 23h ago
Lightning771d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

It might come out it might not. Sony said they're still pushing the project. That's a good thing. Even if it does come out will it be any good? There's too many questions and hurdles surrounding the LS.

Bigger question when are we gonna see it? Will they have a PS showcase or State Of Play? Grubb said Sony was debating whether to have a showcase, SOP or anything.

I sure hope they have a showcase or something in the coming weeks. I want Sony first party and their teams not just Xbox events and shows basically saving the damn day at this point.

Of all the companies it's freakin Xbox that's doing it. Who'd a thought.

S2Killinit1d 21h ago (Edited 1d 21h ago )

Look at alt guy with 3 comments history over here.

Desperate.

Johnh52231d 13h ago

Playstation its ok you have more xbox games to play :)

Loktai1d 11h ago

All those games were already on PC anyway. They're only so easy to port because PlayStation has literally copied Sonys architecture for multiple generations, just worse / corners cut (XBSX still doesnt have the fill rate of a base PS5 due to clocks, and it shows)

Sonyslave32d ago

Live services games are hard to make & and even harder to make if you trying to create an original game.

Just copy and past succesful gaas or gacha games with their anime license they can easy make a overwatch or geshin impact clone.

DarXyde1d 17h ago

This is actually good advice.

Not that I condone live service games, but if they're trying to succeed, this is sound.

Miraak82 1d 14h ago

I think they should use some of their Ips to test the waters instead of creating something from the ground up , I think something LittBigPlanet would be I good contender but instead of DLC they just put out new Pass ever few months with new costumes,building materials and developer created content . Warhawk could be a good contender for a battle royal . The reason HD2 2 succeeded was because it wasn't directly competing with anything else.

goken1d 12h ago (Edited 1d 12h ago )

Not necessarily… MiHoYo have quite consistently successfully hit it out of the park.
Fate Grand order is a LS game is even owned by Sony.

Sony needs to stop with the arena shooters and get creative

Inverno1d 8h ago

Its funny how the excuse is always "games are hard to make". Sure on a technical level they take weeks/months/years, but ideas aren't all that hard to come up with, nor hard to figure out that they might not work well as a games concept. That's why they prototype these ideas. What's weird to me is how so many service games go into development for years and no one seems to come to the conclusion that it's turning out bad. That and how slow devs are these days. You watch docs on game development on older games and devs talk about figurine out mechanics in just a few days. Now it takes a dev a year to texture something.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 1d 8h ago
Show all comments (85)
100°

16 Ubisoft Titles Can Now Be Purchased on The Xbox PC Store

In a very intriguing and interesting move, 16 Ubisoft titles can now be purchased on the Xbox PC Store. Of course, this is a first as Ubisoft PC titles have never been purchasable on the Xbox PC Store previously.

Read Full Story >>
clouddosage.com
jznrpg2d ago

Servers are going to be bogged down by that 1 guy who will use this.

SimpleDad2d ago

Ahhh, the good old... Xbox PC store?
Who tf uses that?

Tacoboto2d ago

Kind of weird without them being updated to Xbox Play Anywhere purchases

MrDead1d 18h ago

I uninstalled it as I was sick of the ads popping up on my login screen.