Bobby Kotick, born Robert A. Kotick on October 16, 1963, is an American businessman who is best known for his role as CEO of Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video game companies in the world. Activision Blizzard was formed in 2008 through the merger of Activision and Vivendi Games, which owned Blizzard Entertainment. The company is behind popular gaming franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.
Kotick began his career in the gaming industry during the 1980s, co-founding a software company called Arktronics with a friend while attending the University of Michigan. In 1990, he purchased a controlling stake in the then-struggling video game company Activision. Kotick, along with Brian Kelly, was instrumental in turning the company around, focusing on innovation and fostering creativity within the organization.
Under Kotick's leadership, Activision acquired numerous gaming studios, such as Neversoft, Infinity Ward, and Treyarch, allowing them to develop a range of successful franchises. In 2007, Kotick oversaw the acquisition of Bizarre Creations, which produced the popular racing game series Project Gotham Racing. The following year, he orchestrated the merger between Activision and Vivendi Games, creating Activision Blizzard.
As CEO, Kotick has been praised for his ability to grow the company and deliver shareholder value, making Activision Blizzard one of the most valuable and successful companies in the gaming industry. However, he has also faced criticism for his management style, as well as the company's treatment of employees and workplace culture.
In July 2021, a lawsuit was filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, alleging widespread gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and unequal pay within the company. The lawsuit sparked significant backlash against Activision Blizzard and Kotick himself. In response, Kotick pledged to make changes to the company's culture and practices, but some employees and critics have argued that the measures taken have not been sufficient.
Despite the controversies, Bobby Kotick has played a key role in shaping the modern video game industry and has been influential in making Activision Blizzard a major player in the global gaming market.
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