Activision CEO Kotick to Remain in Position if Microsoft Acquisition Fails

According to sources, Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as CEO of Activision Blizzard if the proposed acquisition by Microsoft falls through due to regulatory hurdles or is canceled altogether. This information comes from sources familiar with the matter, who stated that Kotick will 'absolutely remain at the gaming giant to run the company' even if the $68.7 billion deal is unsuccessful. The future of Kotick's role if Microsoft successfully acquires Activision Blizzard remains uncertain, with conflicting reports regarding his potential departure and payout. Kotick has been at the helm of Activision since 1991 and oversaw the merger with Vivendi Games that formed Activision Blizzard. Recently, Kotick addressed concerns from regulators, including the US Federal Trade Commission, the European Commission, and the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, during a TV appearance. Sources close to the matter indicate that Activision Blizzard views the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as the primary potential obstacle to the deal's approval and remains confident that the merger will ultimately be approved. The CMA has expressed concerns that Microsoft's ownership of Activision Blizzard could harm competition and gamers, suggesting potential remedies such as the sale of the Call of Duty brand. Kotick downplayed concerns about Call of Duty becoming exclusive to Xbox, stating that this worry is 'not a fair concern at all' and that regulators lack understanding of the industry. He also noted that the concept of Call of Duty is not proprietary and that Sony has the resources to create a competing game if desired. Despite the CMA's concerns, analysts believe that the merger is nearing approval.