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Microsoft completed the Activision Blizzard acquisition in October after facing multiple backlash from regulators. Since then, the tech firm has started to change its Xbox gaming leadership to integrate Activision Blizzard. Now, Microsoft is again shaking up the Xbox gaming structure following the departure of Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
As The Verge reports, Bobby Kotick will step down as Activision Blizzard CEO on December 29. He announced the news on a company’s blog post, saying, “As my last day leading this company inches closer, I marvel at how far the talented people at our company have come toward realizing the great potential of games.”
It remains to be seen who will lead Activision Blizzard after Kotick. While Kotick’s departure wasn’t that surprising, most members of Activision Blizzard leadership will continue working under Microsoft and its game content and studios president, Matt Booty.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick leaves the company following Microsoft’s takeover
Meanwhile, Activision Blizzard’s chief communications officer, Lulu Meservey, will also leave at the end of January. Humam Sakhnini, vice-chair of Blizzard and King, and a bunch of other executives will part ways with Microsoft, too.
According to Xbox chief Phil Spencer, Brian Bulatao (chief administrative officer), Julie Hodges (chief people officer), Armin Zerza (chief financial officer), and Grant Dixton (chief legal officer) will report to their peers at Microsoft gaming department. Spencer added the named people will depart Microsoft in March 2024. He also noted they have an “exciting 2024 lineup of games” across Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, King, and Xbox Game Studios.
In an internal memo sent by Matt Booty, he also announced some structural changes at ZeniMax and Bethesda. Jill Braff will serve as the new head of ZeniMax/Bethesda studios and will lead their game development teams. Jamie Leder continues working as CEO of ZeniMax/Bethesda and directly reports to Matt Booty.
Microsoft started changing its Gaming business leadership in October
Structural changes at Microsoft Gaming business and Activision Blizzard date back to October. Less than two weeks had passed since the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft promoted Matt Booty to president of game content and studios. Sarah Bond was also appointed as the new Xbox president to lead the Xbox platform and hardware work. Microsoft is expected to make even more structural changes in 2024.
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