I laughed way too hard at that.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

@shadowhaxor

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

@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.