President Biden has officially signed a law that will force ByteDance to either divest TikTok or remove the app from U.S.-based devices. Now, it’s time for ByteDance to consider its options. The Beijing-based tech company must answer some burning questions: Will it choose “divest” or “ban”? And if it goes with the former option, how much money can it make by spinning off TikTok?
As the dust settles on the newly passed law, the Wall Street Journal is putting forth several estimates for TikTok’s value. According to a recent WSJ report, one of TikTok’s potential buyers offered a “starting price” of $20 million for the app’s U.S. operations. The list of suitors who have reportedly assembled investor groups in hopes of acquiring TikTok includes film financier and Trump ally Steven Mnuchin as well as former Activision boss Bobby Kotick.
Higher estimates for TikTok’s...
As the dust settles on the newly passed law, the Wall Street Journal is putting forth several estimates for TikTok’s value. According to a recent WSJ report, one of TikTok’s potential buyers offered a “starting price” of $20 million for the app’s U.S. operations. The list of suitors who have reportedly assembled investor groups in hopes of acquiring TikTok includes film financier and Trump ally Steven Mnuchin as well as former Activision boss Bobby Kotick.
Higher estimates for TikTok’s...
- 4/25/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
If the U.S. House of Representatives gets its wishes, it will force ByteDance to sell off TikTok — but China isn’t buying that talk. A scathing memo published by the Chinese government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the U.S. of upholding a “double standard” related to freedom of speech.
The Ministry’s statement urges the U.S. to “stop unreasonably suppressing” TikTok. “The United States regards freedom of speech as the foundation of the country, but treads on it under the feet of political reality,” reads the memo. “Although the First Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly stipulates ‘freedom of speech,’ political disputes and group interests have been constantly taking advantage of the form of “freedom of speech” to damage its essence.”
That strongly-worded declaration is a response to a House bill that was introduced by a bipartisan pair of reps and quickly passed through Congress’ lower chamber.
The Ministry’s statement urges the U.S. to “stop unreasonably suppressing” TikTok. “The United States regards freedom of speech as the foundation of the country, but treads on it under the feet of political reality,” reads the memo. “Although the First Amendment to the US Constitution explicitly stipulates ‘freedom of speech,’ political disputes and group interests have been constantly taking advantage of the form of “freedom of speech” to damage its essence.”
That strongly-worded declaration is a response to a House bill that was introduced by a bipartisan pair of reps and quickly passed through Congress’ lower chamber.
- 3/15/2024
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Steve Mnuchin. (Public domain photo)
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he is working with a group of investors who are interested in acquiring social video platform TikTok from its China-based parent company.
The affirmation, made during a television interview on Thursday, comes one day after federal lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure that would ban TikTok from being distributed in major app stores unless ByteDance divests its U.S.-based business to a domestic third party.
The measure is now headed to the U.S. Senate, where it is uncertain if it will pass. However, the proposal has broad support on both sides of the political aisle, and President Joseph Biden has signaled his intention to sign the bill into law if it comes across his desk.
“I think the legislation should pass, and I think it should be sold,” Mnuchin said...
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says he is working with a group of investors who are interested in acquiring social video platform TikTok from its China-based parent company.
The affirmation, made during a television interview on Thursday, comes one day after federal lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure that would ban TikTok from being distributed in major app stores unless ByteDance divests its U.S.-based business to a domestic third party.
The measure is now headed to the U.S. Senate, where it is uncertain if it will pass. However, the proposal has broad support on both sides of the political aisle, and President Joseph Biden has signaled his intention to sign the bill into law if it comes across his desk.
“I think the legislation should pass, and I think it should be sold,” Mnuchin said...
- 3/14/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Bobby Kotick was the reason for the merger of Activision and the gaming division of Vivendi, giving birth to Activision Blizzard. After serving as the chief executing officer (CEO) of the company for 32 years, he finally stepped down from the position following Microsoft’s $69 Billion deal that aroused monopoly fears among regulators.
What’s more, people were relieved to see him leave as damning tales surfaced over the internet associated with him. Now after him remaining silent for a few months, appears like he might be on to something. This time he won’t be going after a position in an organization, but probably after an organization.
Bobby Kotick Has Set His Priorities Right
Bobby Kotick has served 32 years as Activision CEO.
In a recent report by the American business newspaper The Wall Street Journal, the former Activision CEO might spend Billions of dollars on a move that may send the Chinese video-hosting service Tiktok,...
What’s more, people were relieved to see him leave as damning tales surfaced over the internet associated with him. Now after him remaining silent for a few months, appears like he might be on to something. This time he won’t be going after a position in an organization, but probably after an organization.
Bobby Kotick Has Set His Priorities Right
Bobby Kotick has served 32 years as Activision CEO.
In a recent report by the American business newspaper The Wall Street Journal, the former Activision CEO might spend Billions of dollars on a move that may send the Chinese video-hosting service Tiktok,...
- 3/12/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
The worst-kept secret in the video game industry is that Nintendo intends to launch a Switch successor sometime soon. When it comes to making sense of all of those Nintendo Switch 2 reports, though…well, things quickly get much more complicated. There are a ton of Nintendo Switch 2 rumors out there at the moment, and the legit/current ones often look just like the reports that are utter nonsense.
So, while I will emphasize now and throughout this article that there are so many things about Nintendo’s next console that remain unverified (including its very existence), here is a rundown of some of the most substantial rumors regarding Nintendo’s next console.
What Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s Name?
While we’ll be referring to Nintendo’s next console as the Nintendo Switch 2 for reasons I will get into shortly, we don’t know the console’s full official name as of this time.
So, while I will emphasize now and throughout this article that there are so many things about Nintendo’s next console that remain unverified (including its very existence), here is a rundown of some of the most substantial rumors regarding Nintendo’s next console.
What Is the Nintendo Switch 2’s Name?
While we’ll be referring to Nintendo’s next console as the Nintendo Switch 2 for reasons I will get into shortly, we don’t know the console’s full official name as of this time.
- 2/21/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Activision Blizzard is a company that’s no stranger to controversies. Whether it’s workplace conditions or price-gouging in live-service games, the massive publisher doesn’t have the friendliest reputation among gamers and the industry at large.
However, two prominent figures in the Call of Duty esports community, Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez and Seth ‘Scump’ Abner, have had enough and filed an antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard on 15 February. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, accuses the publisher of leveraging its dominance to stifle competition and exert unchecked control over professional leagues and tournaments.
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A Closer Look At The Allegations Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 Reloaded
Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has become a juggernaut in the gaming industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue for Activision.
However, two prominent figures in the Call of Duty esports community, Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez and Seth ‘Scump’ Abner, have had enough and filed an antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard on 15 February. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, accuses the publisher of leveraging its dominance to stifle competition and exert unchecked control over professional leagues and tournaments.
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A Closer Look At The Allegations Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 Reloaded
Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has become a juggernaut in the gaming industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue for Activision.
- 2/17/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
CEO Bobby Kotick is to leave Activision Blizzard this month, ending a 32-year tenure at the publishing giant.
It’s been a busy year for Activision Blizzard, with Microsoft finally closing its acquisition deal with the publisher in October after months of courtroom drama in both the US and UK.
It’s been known for some time that Activision Blizzard’s long-time CEO Bobby Kotick would step down once that takeover was completed, but now it’s official: Kotick’s last day as chief executive officer will be the 29th December 2023. It brings to an end a tenure which has lasted 32 years.
That date was uncovered by The Verge, with the outlet getting hold of an internal email shared with the publisher’s staff. Meanwhile, a separate message, written by Kotick and also sent to Activision Blizzard employees, sees the executive in a wistful mood.
In it, Kotick talks about...
It’s been a busy year for Activision Blizzard, with Microsoft finally closing its acquisition deal with the publisher in October after months of courtroom drama in both the US and UK.
It’s been known for some time that Activision Blizzard’s long-time CEO Bobby Kotick would step down once that takeover was completed, but now it’s official: Kotick’s last day as chief executive officer will be the 29th December 2023. It brings to an end a tenure which has lasted 32 years.
That date was uncovered by The Verge, with the outlet getting hold of an internal email shared with the publisher’s staff. Meanwhile, a separate message, written by Kotick and also sent to Activision Blizzard employees, sees the executive in a wistful mood.
In it, Kotick talks about...
- 12/21/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Bobby Kotick, the longtime CEO of Activision Blizzard, is stepping down Dec. 29 following the company’s drawn-out $69 billion sale to Microsoft that closed in October. The exec — who oversaw some of the industry’s most popular games from Pitfall to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga and Farm Heroes Saga — had said previously he would stay on through the end of 2023.
“I’d like to thank Bobby—for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition and his collaboration following the close—and I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer wrote in a memo Wednesday where he confirmed Kotick’s exit date, according to press reports.
“I’ve long admired the work of Activision, Blizzard, and King, and the impact they’ve had on gaming, entertainment, and pop culture.
“I’d like to thank Bobby—for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition and his collaboration following the close—and I wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer wrote in a memo Wednesday where he confirmed Kotick’s exit date, according to press reports.
“I’ve long admired the work of Activision, Blizzard, and King, and the impact they’ve had on gaming, entertainment, and pop culture.
- 12/20/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global have held talks about a potential merger of the two media companies, Variety has confirmed.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav met with Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish in a lunch meeting Tuesday in New York where they discussed a possible merger, sources said. Zaslav also has talked with Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements Inc. owns a controlling stake in Paramount Global, about a potential combination of the companies.
Reps for Paramount Global and Wbd declined to comment. Axios first reported the talks.
Terms of a possible merger of the companies could not be learned. Both companies have enlisted bankers but the status of the talks are described as very preliminary. As of the end of Q3, Paramount Global reported long-term debt of $15.6 billion, considerably less than Wbd — whose debt load stood at $43.5 billion. But in terms of market value, Warner Bros. Discovery is the bigger fish,...
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav met with Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish in a lunch meeting Tuesday in New York where they discussed a possible merger, sources said. Zaslav also has talked with Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements Inc. owns a controlling stake in Paramount Global, about a potential combination of the companies.
Reps for Paramount Global and Wbd declined to comment. Axios first reported the talks.
Terms of a possible merger of the companies could not be learned. Both companies have enlisted bankers but the status of the talks are described as very preliminary. As of the end of Q3, Paramount Global reported long-term debt of $15.6 billion, considerably less than Wbd — whose debt load stood at $43.5 billion. But in terms of market value, Warner Bros. Discovery is the bigger fish,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Todd Spangler and Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is stepping down from his role on Dec. 29, as the company further integrates into Microsoft.
Microsoft closed its $68.7 billion acquisition of the video game publisher in October, after overcoming several regulatory hurdles. The acquisition creates a gaming powerhouse by bringing together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios, and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises and owner of Candy Crush.
In a note sent to employees Wednesday, Kotick, who has been head of the company for more than 30 years, expressed gratitude for his employees and also praised the skills of Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Kotick and the Activision team report to Spencer, as announced when the deal closed.
“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition,...
Microsoft closed its $68.7 billion acquisition of the video game publisher in October, after overcoming several regulatory hurdles. The acquisition creates a gaming powerhouse by bringing together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios, and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises and owner of Candy Crush.
In a note sent to employees Wednesday, Kotick, who has been head of the company for more than 30 years, expressed gratitude for his employees and also praised the skills of Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Kotick and the Activision team report to Spencer, as announced when the deal closed.
“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Imagine: You want to buy a car. However, the dealer tells you that car isn’t for sale. Instead, they offer another option: You can’t own the car, but you can buy the dealership — and with it comes the right to control all the cars on the lot.
Such is the unusual scenario presented to would-be buyers of Paramount Studios. It’s among the many assets of Paramount Global, which include CBS, Paramount+, and cable channels like BET and Nickelodeon. The studio can’t be bought on its own — and buying Paramount Global as a unit would cost in the neighborhood of $30 billion.
However, might you be interested in buying National Amusements, Inc. (Nai), the Redstone Family-owned movie-theater chain that also holds about 77 percent of Paramount Global’s voting shares? It’s available for a few billion bucks.
Nai president Shari Redstone likely knows she should have gotten out...
Such is the unusual scenario presented to would-be buyers of Paramount Studios. It’s among the many assets of Paramount Global, which include CBS, Paramount+, and cable channels like BET and Nickelodeon. The studio can’t be bought on its own — and buying Paramount Global as a unit would cost in the neighborhood of $30 billion.
However, might you be interested in buying National Amusements, Inc. (Nai), the Redstone Family-owned movie-theater chain that also holds about 77 percent of Paramount Global’s voting shares? It’s available for a few billion bucks.
Nai president Shari Redstone likely knows she should have gotten out...
- 12/12/2023
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Heading into the new year, the future of Paramount Global is very much up in the air.
Execs at the media conglomerate have discussed laying off more than 1,000 staffers in early 2024, as Paramount tries to rein in costs, the Wall Street Journal reported. As of the end of 2022, Paramount Global counted 24,500 full-time employees.
The potential cutbacks at the company come as media mogul Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a controlling stake in Paramount Global, has been in talks to sell her shares in Nai — and thereby cede control of Paramount Global, according to multiple reports. Redstone has discussed a sale with Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, who has teamed with private-equity firm RedBird Capital, and she separately met with departing Activision CEO Bobby Kotick about a possible deal, the Journal reported. National Amusements owns 10% of the equity of Paramount Global and roughly 77% of the voting shares.
Reps for Paramount Global,...
Execs at the media conglomerate have discussed laying off more than 1,000 staffers in early 2024, as Paramount tries to rein in costs, the Wall Street Journal reported. As of the end of 2022, Paramount Global counted 24,500 full-time employees.
The potential cutbacks at the company come as media mogul Shari Redstone, whose National Amusements owns a controlling stake in Paramount Global, has been in talks to sell her shares in Nai — and thereby cede control of Paramount Global, according to multiple reports. Redstone has discussed a sale with Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, who has teamed with private-equity firm RedBird Capital, and she separately met with departing Activision CEO Bobby Kotick about a possible deal, the Journal reported. National Amusements owns 10% of the equity of Paramount Global and roughly 77% of the voting shares.
Reps for Paramount Global,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
No hostage left behind.
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Software and technology giant Microsoft has reached the end of a long and rocky road, closing its $68.7 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick, on Friday, 21 months after it had unveiled the mega-deal.
Activision unveiled the close of the transaction in a regulatory filing early on Friday.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers) and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. Kotick and the Activision team will report to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
Activision unveiled the close of the transaction in a regulatory filing early on Friday.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers) and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. Kotick and the Activision team will report to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
- 10/13/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft’s planned, but protracted $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard can be completed after the U.K. competition regulator finally approved the deal on Friday.
The software giant made the bid for the video game developer behind Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Overwatch in January 2022, but the U.K.’s Competition Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in April this year claiming the acquisition was “bad for Britain.”
Back then, the CMA said it found that the transaction may be expected to result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in cloud gaming services in the U.K., and Microsoft would find it “commercially beneficial to make Activision’s titles exclusive to its own cloud gaming service.” In response, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick vehemently attacked the decision and issued a warning about future investment in the U.K.
On Friday, the CMA said that it had concluded that the acquisition could...
The software giant made the bid for the video game developer behind Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Overwatch in January 2022, but the U.K.’s Competition Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in April this year claiming the acquisition was “bad for Britain.”
Back then, the CMA said it found that the transaction may be expected to result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in cloud gaming services in the U.K., and Microsoft would find it “commercially beneficial to make Activision’s titles exclusive to its own cloud gaming service.” In response, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick vehemently attacked the decision and issued a warning about future investment in the U.K.
On Friday, the CMA said that it had concluded that the acquisition could...
- 10/13/2023
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anyone who is familiar with Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick knows that bad news tends to follow everything he says, everything he does, and everywhere he goes. From his union-busting beliefs and his alleged role in a massive workplace harassment scandal to his oversight of some of the greediest aspects of the modern gaming industry, Kotick practically embodies the definitive cultural example of an evil CEO. He’s like Mr. Burns without the expertly timed jokes about his ambiguous extreme age.
So while Bobby Kotick recently hinted at the return of the long-dormant Guitar Hero franchise, anyone familiar with Kotick probably doesn’t need to be told that it comes with a series of absurdly disheartening potential caveats.
As reported by Windows Central, Kotick recently held an all-hands company meeting regarding Microsoft’s pending acquisition of his company and other topics related to Activision Blizzard’s future. Though the talk...
So while Bobby Kotick recently hinted at the return of the long-dormant Guitar Hero franchise, anyone familiar with Kotick probably doesn’t need to be told that it comes with a series of absurdly disheartening potential caveats.
As reported by Windows Central, Kotick recently held an all-hands company meeting regarding Microsoft’s pending acquisition of his company and other topics related to Activision Blizzard’s future. Though the talk...
- 10/11/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Microsoft has proposed divesting from Activision Blizzard’s cloud streaming rights in a bid to secure approval of the $69 billion deal from U.K. competition regulators. Under the agreement, Microsoft will not be able to exclusively release popular Activision titles like Call of Duty, Diablo or Overwatch on Xbox cloud gaming or control the terms of licensing to rival services. Instead, Ubisoft will acquire the rights to the company’s existing and future games for the next 15 years.
The proposal is intended to convince the Competition and Markets Authority to permit the merger. The agency blocked the transaction on the basis that it would hurt competition in the nascent cloud gaming market.
After months of wrangling, the CMA on Tuesday finalized its order to block the original merger. Microsoft had taken the unconventional step of looking to revisit the decision, highlighting concessions secured by the European Union to license popular...
The proposal is intended to convince the Competition and Markets Authority to permit the merger. The agency blocked the transaction on the basis that it would hurt competition in the nascent cloud gaming market.
After months of wrangling, the CMA on Tuesday finalized its order to block the original merger. Microsoft had taken the unconventional step of looking to revisit the decision, highlighting concessions secured by the European Union to license popular...
- 8/22/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft Corp. has extended its agreement for a $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard to Oct. 18, 2023, to surmount remaining regulatory hurdles to creating one of the largest video game developers worldwide.
The original deal contract was set to expire on July 18. After negotiations, the merger deal deadline has been extended in return for Microsoft agreeing to pay Activision Blizzard from $3 billion to $3.5 billion should the merger deal be terminated after Aug. 29, and $4.5 billion if canceled after Sept. 15. Both sides agreed the termination fee will only be paid if the merger deal fails to close.
“The recent decision in the U.S. and approvals in 40 countries all validate that the deal is good for competition, players, and the future of gaming. Given global regulatory approvals and the companies’ confidence that CMA now recognizes there are remedies available to meet their concerns in the UK, the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards of directors...
The original deal contract was set to expire on July 18. After negotiations, the merger deal deadline has been extended in return for Microsoft agreeing to pay Activision Blizzard from $3 billion to $3.5 billion should the merger deal be terminated after Aug. 29, and $4.5 billion if canceled after Sept. 15. Both sides agreed the termination fee will only be paid if the merger deal fails to close.
“The recent decision in the U.S. and approvals in 40 countries all validate that the deal is good for competition, players, and the future of gaming. Given global regulatory approvals and the companies’ confidence that CMA now recognizes there are remedies available to meet their concerns in the UK, the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards of directors...
- 7/19/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gas up the Learjets and break out the Moncler vests, it’s time for corporate chieftains to let their hair down, as only the one percent of the one percent knows how.
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav, Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple head Tim Cook, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are heading to Idaho in July to attend the annual “summer camp for moguls,” known more formally as Sun Valley. And Bob Iger, back on the throne at the Walt Disney Company, will also be touching down in the resort town after a brief, unhappy (for shareholders) interregnum. They’ll be mixing and mingling with other media barons, Silicon Valley heavyweights and political players at the media finance retreat hosted by Allen & Co.
Among those getting tapped to dust off their Brooks Brothers casual wear are two former treasury secretaries,...
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg, Warner Bros. Discovery honcho David Zaslav, Paramount Global chair Shari Redstone, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple head Tim Cook, and Microsoft founder Bill Gates are heading to Idaho in July to attend the annual “summer camp for moguls,” known more formally as Sun Valley. And Bob Iger, back on the throne at the Walt Disney Company, will also be touching down in the resort town after a brief, unhappy (for shareholders) interregnum. They’ll be mixing and mingling with other media barons, Silicon Valley heavyweights and political players at the media finance retreat hosted by Allen & Co.
Among those getting tapped to dust off their Brooks Brothers casual wear are two former treasury secretaries,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
In a surprise move, Microsoft’s planned $68.7 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard has been prohibited by the British regulator, which earlier in the year warned that the mega-deal “could harm U.K. gamers” and “substantially reduce” competition.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final findings well more than a year after the technology giant had unveiled a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick.
In its report, the CMA said it found that merger may be expected to result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in cloud gaming services in the U.K., and Microsoft would find it “commercially beneficial to make Activision’s titles exclusive to its own cloud gaming service.” With Microsoft already having an estimated 70-80 percent market share in that market, it claimed that “even a moderate increment to Microsoft’s strength may be expected to substantially reduce competition,...
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published its final findings well more than a year after the technology giant had unveiled a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick.
In its report, the CMA said it found that merger may be expected to result in a “substantial lessening of competition” in cloud gaming services in the U.K., and Microsoft would find it “commercially beneficial to make Activision’s titles exclusive to its own cloud gaming service.” With Microsoft already having an estimated 70-80 percent market share in that market, it claimed that “even a moderate increment to Microsoft’s strength may be expected to substantially reduce competition,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft’s proposed 69B acquisition of Activision could bring harm to the UK’s 45M-strong gaming community, the nation’s competition body has ruled.
In a provisional finding delivered in the past hour, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that Microsoft “buying one of the world’s most important game publishers would reinforce [its] strong position and substantially reduce the competition that Microsoft would otherwise face in the cloud gaming market in the UK.” Both companies can respond to the ruling, which will conclude in April.
Microsoft already accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 of global cloud gaming services, said the ruling, and corners the market in other ways via its ownership of Xbox, Windows and Azure.
A small number of Activision’s flagship games such as Call of Duty play an important role in driving competition between consoles, added the CMA, which said Xbox and Playstation’s competition...
In a provisional finding delivered in the past hour, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that Microsoft “buying one of the world’s most important game publishers would reinforce [its] strong position and substantially reduce the competition that Microsoft would otherwise face in the cloud gaming market in the UK.” Both companies can respond to the ruling, which will conclude in April.
Microsoft already accounts for an estimated 60 to 70 of global cloud gaming services, said the ruling, and corners the market in other ways via its ownership of Xbox, Windows and Azure.
A small number of Activision’s flagship games such as Call of Duty play an important role in driving competition between consoles, added the CMA, which said Xbox and Playstation’s competition...
- 2/8/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard “could harm U.K. gamers” and “substantially reduce” competition, a British regulator found in a provisional analysis unveiled on Wednesday. The mega-deal “raises concerns about cloud and console gaming” and “could result in higher prices, fewer choices or less innovation,” the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said.
The 68.7 billion transaction “could make Microsoft even stronger in cloud gaming, stifling competition in this growing market and harming U.K. gamers who cannot afford expensive consoles,” it added. It “could also harm U.K. gamers by weakening the important rivalry between (Microsoft’s) Xbox and (Sony’s) PlayStation gaming consoles.”
The CMA published its provisional findings more than a year after the technology giant had unveiled a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick. The transaction, which has also faced opposition from such rivals as Sony and U.S.
The 68.7 billion transaction “could make Microsoft even stronger in cloud gaming, stifling competition in this growing market and harming U.K. gamers who cannot afford expensive consoles,” it added. It “could also harm U.K. gamers by weakening the important rivalry between (Microsoft’s) Xbox and (Sony’s) PlayStation gaming consoles.”
The CMA published its provisional findings more than a year after the technology giant had unveiled a deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick. The transaction, which has also faced opposition from such rivals as Sony and U.S.
- 2/8/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Activision Blizzard reported fourth-quarter net income of 403 million, or 52 cents per share, down from 564 million, or 72 cents per share in the year earlier period, and revenue of 2.3 billion, up from 2.2 billion in the year-earlier period.
The company saw its costs increase, after the gaming company agreed to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission 35 million to settle the charges about how the company handled and processed employee complaints about the workplace and alleged violations of whistleblower protection rules. Activision Blizzard also saw a 27 million expense related to winding down of its partnership with NetEase Inc., a major Chinese video game publisher. Both were reflected in its fourth-quarter balance sheet.
Net bookings came in at 3.57 billion, up from 2.49 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Monthly active users rose to 389 million, up from 368 million in the prior quarter.
“We ended 2022 with record quarterly net bookings as we delivered on our mission to bring epic joy to players.
The company saw its costs increase, after the gaming company agreed to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission 35 million to settle the charges about how the company handled and processed employee complaints about the workplace and alleged violations of whistleblower protection rules. Activision Blizzard also saw a 27 million expense related to winding down of its partnership with NetEase Inc., a major Chinese video game publisher. Both were reflected in its fourth-quarter balance sheet.
Net bookings came in at 3.57 billion, up from 2.49 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. Monthly active users rose to 389 million, up from 368 million in the prior quarter.
“We ended 2022 with record quarterly net bookings as we delivered on our mission to bring epic joy to players.
- 2/6/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick both said they’re confident their 69 billion merger will close, despite news that the antitrust-buster FTC plans to challenge it in court.
“This sounds alarming, so I want to reinforce my confidence that this deal will close,” Kotick said in a memo to employees. “The allegation that this deal is anti-competitive doesn’t align with the facts, and we believe we’ll win this challenge.”
Smith said Microsoft has “been committed since Day One to addressing competitive concerns, including by offering earlier this week proposed concessions to the FTC. While we believed in giving peace a chance, we have complete confidence in our case and welcome the opportunity to present our case in court.”
Kotick’s memo:
Team,
I wanted to provide a brief update on our pending merger with Microsoft. This week the U.S.
“This sounds alarming, so I want to reinforce my confidence that this deal will close,” Kotick said in a memo to employees. “The allegation that this deal is anti-competitive doesn’t align with the facts, and we believe we’ll win this challenge.”
Smith said Microsoft has “been committed since Day One to addressing competitive concerns, including by offering earlier this week proposed concessions to the FTC. While we believed in giving peace a chance, we have complete confidence in our case and welcome the opportunity to present our case in court.”
Kotick’s memo:
Team,
I wanted to provide a brief update on our pending merger with Microsoft. This week the U.S.
- 12/8/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday sued to block Microsoft’s 69 billion bid to buy video game publisher Activision Blizzard, alleging that the deal will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming.
The move represents another aggressive step taken by competition regulators to rein in consolidation of the tech industry. It marks a roadblock in Microsoft’s plans to expand its gaming arm. The deal, if approved, would’ve married Microsoft, which owns the Xbox console and a game streaming service, and Activision, maker of Call of Duty, Warcraft and Candy Crush.
The FTC said that the proposed transaction would enable Microsoft to stifle competition to Xbox and its “rapidly growing” game streaming service. It pointed to the tech giant’s history of acquiring competitors to “suppress competition from rival consoles,” including its purchase of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks...
The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday sued to block Microsoft’s 69 billion bid to buy video game publisher Activision Blizzard, alleging that the deal will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming.
The move represents another aggressive step taken by competition regulators to rein in consolidation of the tech industry. It marks a roadblock in Microsoft’s plans to expand its gaming arm. The deal, if approved, would’ve married Microsoft, which owns the Xbox console and a game streaming service, and Activision, maker of Call of Duty, Warcraft and Candy Crush.
The FTC said that the proposed transaction would enable Microsoft to stifle competition to Xbox and its “rapidly growing” game streaming service. It pointed to the tech giant’s history of acquiring competitors to “suppress competition from rival consoles,” including its purchase of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks...
- 12/8/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
San Francisco, Oct 3 (Ians) Gaming company Activision Blizzard’s chief compliance officer, Frances Townsend, is stepping down after several sexual assault allegations surfaced at the company.
She is stepping down from her role after hundreds of employees last year criticised her response to workers’ sexual harassment complaints, a charge Townsend has denied.
Townsend will still serve as an advisor to the board and the embattled Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, reports Wall Street Journal.
Townsend joined the Call of Duty (CoD) game maker in March 2021 as executive vice president for corporate affairs, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer.
She will no longer be an employee and “her deputies will be promoted to fill the positions she held”.
Townsend, an ex-counterterrorism official under former US President George W. Bush, was tasked with helping Activision deal with state and federal probes into allegations of gender bias and sexual harassment at the company,...
She is stepping down from her role after hundreds of employees last year criticised her response to workers’ sexual harassment complaints, a charge Townsend has denied.
Townsend will still serve as an advisor to the board and the embattled Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, reports Wall Street Journal.
Townsend joined the Call of Duty (CoD) game maker in March 2021 as executive vice president for corporate affairs, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer.
She will no longer be an employee and “her deputies will be promoted to fill the positions she held”.
Townsend, an ex-counterterrorism official under former US President George W. Bush, was tasked with helping Activision deal with state and federal probes into allegations of gender bias and sexual harassment at the company,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Click here to read the full article.
Activision Blizzard reported lower year-over-year earnings and revenue for its second quarter, after the company saw lower engagement for its Call of Duty franchise and lower bookings for World of Warcraft.
The company reported net revenue of 1.6 billion, down from the 2.3 billion in the year-earlier quarter. It reported earnings per share of 36 cents, compared to 1.12 a year earlier, as the company says it continues to make investments in technology and staffing.
Activision Blizzard reported active users 361 million monthly active users, down from 372 million in the prior quarter.
“Our acquisitions this past quarter of Proletariat and Peltarion further boost our development resources, including our artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Even in a challenging economic environment, with so many companies announcing hiring freezes and layoffs, our development headcount grew 25 year-over-year as of the end of the second quarter. Our talented teams are planning to...
Activision Blizzard reported lower year-over-year earnings and revenue for its second quarter, after the company saw lower engagement for its Call of Duty franchise and lower bookings for World of Warcraft.
The company reported net revenue of 1.6 billion, down from the 2.3 billion in the year-earlier quarter. It reported earnings per share of 36 cents, compared to 1.12 a year earlier, as the company says it continues to make investments in technology and staffing.
Activision Blizzard reported active users 361 million monthly active users, down from 372 million in the prior quarter.
“Our acquisitions this past quarter of Proletariat and Peltarion further boost our development resources, including our artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. Even in a challenging economic environment, with so many companies announcing hiring freezes and layoffs, our development headcount grew 25 year-over-year as of the end of the second quarter. Our talented teams are planning to...
- 8/1/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Shareholders of video game giant Activision Blizzard have voted in favor of a plan for an annual report on the company’s efforts to curb workplace abuse and harassment.
The maker of Call of Duty and World of Warcraft had recommended a “no” vote on the proposal, which would require disclosures of the amounts paid to settle employee claims. “Rather than diverting energy and resources toward creating yet another report, we should continue to directly respond to employee concerns,” it said in a statement. After two-thirds of shareholders voted for the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, Activision Blizzard said it would “carefully consider” the matter.
Microsoft has agreed to acquire Activision Blizzard for 68.7 billion, but the transaction is still undergoing regulatory review.
An internal investigation of claims of sexual abuse and harassment last week cleared the company of wrongdoing. Many current and former employees as well as shareholders have...
The maker of Call of Duty and World of Warcraft had recommended a “no” vote on the proposal, which would require disclosures of the amounts paid to settle employee claims. “Rather than diverting energy and resources toward creating yet another report, we should continue to directly respond to employee concerns,” it said in a statement. After two-thirds of shareholders voted for the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, Activision Blizzard said it would “carefully consider” the matter.
Microsoft has agreed to acquire Activision Blizzard for 68.7 billion, but the transaction is still undergoing regulatory review.
An internal investigation of claims of sexual abuse and harassment last week cleared the company of wrongdoing. Many current and former employees as well as shareholders have...
- 6/22/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Wall St. Journal is reporting that Meta Platforms COO Sheryl Sandberg may have been prompted in part to give up her position because of a company investigation into her activities, including a review of her use of corporate resources to help plan her upcoming wedding.
As of May, the review was ongoing, the WSJ said. The investigation is also looking into allegations that Sandberg pressured the U.K.’s Daily Mail to “shelve” an article about Sandberg’s former boyfriend, Activision Blizzard Inc. CEO Bobby Kotick, and a 2014 temporary restraining order against him.
“None of this has anything to do with her personal decision to leave,” said Caroline Nolan, a Meta spokeswoman, to the WSJ. She earlier said that the Kotick matter had been resolved.
The WSJ story also allowed that Sandberg has been “telling people that she feels burned out and that she has become a punching bag for the company’s problems.
As of May, the review was ongoing, the WSJ said. The investigation is also looking into allegations that Sandberg pressured the U.K.’s Daily Mail to “shelve” an article about Sandberg’s former boyfriend, Activision Blizzard Inc. CEO Bobby Kotick, and a 2014 temporary restraining order against him.
“None of this has anything to do with her personal decision to leave,” said Caroline Nolan, a Meta spokeswoman, to the WSJ. She earlier said that the Kotick matter had been resolved.
The WSJ story also allowed that Sandberg has been “telling people that she feels burned out and that she has become a punching bag for the company’s problems.
- 6/3/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
San Francisco, April 22 (Ians) Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Meta (formerly Facebook), is reportedly facing internal scrutiny over using her influence to bury two stories about her former boyfriend, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, in a popular UK media outlet. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Sandberg put pressure […]...
- 4/22/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Activision Blizzard said Tuesday a federal court will approve its $18 million settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over a lawsuit charging sexual harassment and retaliation.
The Eeoc filed its case last September, following a separate suit by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing. According to the Eeoc complaint against the Santa Monica-based Fortune 500 company behind Call of Duty, Warcraft and Candy Crush, Activision’s female employees were subjected to sexual harassment that was “severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment.”
The settlement was reached last fall and the judge’s decision to approve it removes some legal overhang after Microsoft in January agreed to acquire Activision for $95 a share in an all-cash deal worth close to $70 billion.
The $18 million fund will compensate claimants. Those who file claims will waive the right to join Dfeh state court proceedings. Beyond the fund, Activision earlier this month hired hire an internal Eeo coordinator.
The Eeoc filed its case last September, following a separate suit by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing. According to the Eeoc complaint against the Santa Monica-based Fortune 500 company behind Call of Duty, Warcraft and Candy Crush, Activision’s female employees were subjected to sexual harassment that was “severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment.”
The settlement was reached last fall and the judge’s decision to approve it removes some legal overhang after Microsoft in January agreed to acquire Activision for $95 a share in an all-cash deal worth close to $70 billion.
The $18 million fund will compensate claimants. Those who file claims will waive the right to join Dfeh state court proceedings. Beyond the fund, Activision earlier this month hired hire an internal Eeo coordinator.
- 3/29/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Bobby Kotick, CEO of the massive game developer and publishing company Activision Blizzard, used a secret company to make donations to 2020 GOP campaigns to avoid public scrutiny. Kotick also used another LLC to donate to Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick who is running in Pennsylvania this year. Federal Election Commission filings reportedly showed […]
The post Activision Head Bobby Kotick Used Secret Companies To Donate To GOP Campaigns appeared first on uInterview.
The post Activision Head Bobby Kotick Used Secret Companies To Donate To GOP Campaigns appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/18/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Activision Blizzard is currently under investigation following accusations of harassment, discrimination, and fostering a hostile work environment. You can read more about the investigation here.
In a statement regarding Microsoft’s stunning acquisition of Activision Blizzard, controversial Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick (who may be on his way out of the company as a result of this deal) shed a little light on why Activision Blizzard agreed to this massive purchase and what it means for everyone moving forward.
“As investments in cloud computing, AI and machine learning, data analytics, and user interface and experience capabilities are becoming more competitive, we believe this partnership will better enable our ambitions,” said Kotick in a recent email to Activision Blizzard employees who likely hate him. “In considering possible partners, all roads ultimately lead to Microsoft. Like us, they have been making games for a long time. Microsoft has already distributed games to...
In a statement regarding Microsoft’s stunning acquisition of Activision Blizzard, controversial Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick (who may be on his way out of the company as a result of this deal) shed a little light on why Activision Blizzard agreed to this massive purchase and what it means for everyone moving forward.
“As investments in cloud computing, AI and machine learning, data analytics, and user interface and experience capabilities are becoming more competitive, we believe this partnership will better enable our ambitions,” said Kotick in a recent email to Activision Blizzard employees who likely hate him. “In considering possible partners, all roads ultimately lead to Microsoft. Like us, they have been making games for a long time. Microsoft has already distributed games to...
- 1/18/2022
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Remember when the finale of WandaVision brought you to tears? Well, it doesn’t look quite as good without all the special effects.
“It’s been just over a year since WandaVision first hit Disney+, so while we wait for the Scarlet Witch to return in Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness to grapple with the whole ‘so I was understandably quite sad and magically took it out on a small town/a witch passing by/the synthetic corpse of my android lover’ deal, in the meantime, Ilm has given us a great chance to look back and see the series’ emotional finale come together.”
Read more at Gizmodo
Activision Blizzard continues to make headlines in the news, but this time because Microsoft is on the verge of buying the gaming company for a pretty penny.
“In an extraordinary turn of events, Microsoft is getting near to a deal to buy Activision Blizzard,...
“It’s been just over a year since WandaVision first hit Disney+, so while we wait for the Scarlet Witch to return in Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness to grapple with the whole ‘so I was understandably quite sad and magically took it out on a small town/a witch passing by/the synthetic corpse of my android lover’ deal, in the meantime, Ilm has given us a great chance to look back and see the series’ emotional finale come together.”
Read more at Gizmodo
Activision Blizzard continues to make headlines in the news, but this time because Microsoft is on the verge of buying the gaming company for a pretty penny.
“In an extraordinary turn of events, Microsoft is getting near to a deal to buy Activision Blizzard,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Lee Parham
- Den of Geek
Microsoft is acquiring rival Activision Blizzard in a $68.7 billion deal that will reshape the video game sector.
The all-cash transaction, the largest in Microsoft’s history, will vault the company to the No. 3 spot among all global video game companies by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. At $95 per share, the deal represents a 45% premium on last Friday’s closing price of Activision Blizzard stock.
Activision Blizzard’s various divisions make games like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, in addition to eSports ventures via Major League Gaming. The company has studios around the word with nearly 10,000 employees.
Gaming has surged during the coronavirus pandemic, and the deal is just the latest combination of significant players. Last week, Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive said it would acquire Zynga, which makes mobile games, in a deal worth $12.7 billion.
Activision Blizzard has been contending with a massive internal disruption as a company,...
The all-cash transaction, the largest in Microsoft’s history, will vault the company to the No. 3 spot among all global video game companies by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. At $95 per share, the deal represents a 45% premium on last Friday’s closing price of Activision Blizzard stock.
Activision Blizzard’s various divisions make games like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, in addition to eSports ventures via Major League Gaming. The company has studios around the word with nearly 10,000 employees.
Gaming has surged during the coronavirus pandemic, and the deal is just the latest combination of significant players. Last week, Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two Interactive said it would acquire Zynga, which makes mobile games, in a deal worth $12.7 billion.
Activision Blizzard has been contending with a massive internal disruption as a company,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
While we’re looking forward to celebrating the very best games of 2021 in the near future, it’s tough to paint an accurate picture of this year without also spending a little time talking about some of 2021’s biggest controversies.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this has been an especially noteworthy year for video game controversies compared to previous years, but there is no denying that some of the year’s biggest stories were controversial in one way or another. Given the context of some of those controversies and the way they remind us that there is a lot of work left to do to make the video game industry a better place, it would be harmful to ignore some of them as we wrap up this year.
That being the case, here’s a look at some of the controversies that may not show...
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this has been an especially noteworthy year for video game controversies compared to previous years, but there is no denying that some of the year’s biggest stories were controversial in one way or another. Given the context of some of those controversies and the way they remind us that there is a lot of work left to do to make the video game industry a better place, it would be harmful to ignore some of them as we wrap up this year.
That being the case, here’s a look at some of the controversies that may not show...
- 12/17/2021
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The CEO of Activision Blizzard, maker of popular video games like Call of Duty, Overwatch and World of Warcraft, conceded widespread failures to protect workers and outlined sweeping changes.
Bobby Kotick, who is leading the company through a difficult period as it copes with a number of claims of sexual harassment and misconduct, shared his thoughts in a letter to employees. The letter was also put out as a press release.
“The guardrails weren’t in place everywhere to ensure that our values were being upheld,” Kotick wrote. “In some cases, people didn’t consistently feel comfortable reporting concerns, or their concerns weren’t always addressed promptly or properly. People were deeply let down and, for that, I am truly sorry.”
The company has been rocked by a series of allegations over its culture. Just last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the company for workplace harassment and discrimination after a three-year-investigation.
Bobby Kotick, who is leading the company through a difficult period as it copes with a number of claims of sexual harassment and misconduct, shared his thoughts in a letter to employees. The letter was also put out as a press release.
“The guardrails weren’t in place everywhere to ensure that our values were being upheld,” Kotick wrote. “In some cases, people didn’t consistently feel comfortable reporting concerns, or their concerns weren’t always addressed promptly or properly. People were deeply let down and, for that, I am truly sorry.”
The company has been rocked by a series of allegations over its culture. Just last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the company for workplace harassment and discrimination after a three-year-investigation.
- 10/28/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent a memo to all of the company’s employees early Thursday morning, apologizing for how the company dealt with claims of sexual harassment and discrimination at the company and outlining steps it intends to take to move forward.
“Over the last decade, as we’ve brought in new companies, grown our workforce, and expanded our business, we believed we had the systems, policies and people in place to ensure that our company always lived up to its reputation as a great place to work. Clearly, in some vitally important aspects, we didn’t,” Kotick wrote in ...
“Over the last decade, as we’ve brought in new companies, grown our workforce, and expanded our business, we believed we had the systems, policies and people in place to ensure that our company always lived up to its reputation as a great place to work. Clearly, in some vitally important aspects, we didn’t,” Kotick wrote in ...
- 10/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent a memo to all of the company’s employees early Thursday morning, apologizing for how the company dealt with claims of sexual harassment and discrimination at the company and outlining steps it intends to take to move forward.
“Over the last decade, as we’ve brought in new companies, grown our workforce, and expanded our business, we believed we had the systems, policies and people in place to ensure that our company always lived up to its reputation as a great place to work. Clearly, in some vitally important aspects, we didn’t,” Kotick wrote in ...
“Over the last decade, as we’ve brought in new companies, grown our workforce, and expanded our business, we believed we had the systems, policies and people in place to ensure that our company always lived up to its reputation as a great place to work. Clearly, in some vitally important aspects, we didn’t,” Kotick wrote in ...
- 10/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Activision Blizzard has another government lawsuit on its plate, with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Eeoc) suing the Call of Duty, Overwatch and World of Warcraft publisher for workplace harassment and discrimination on Monday.
The suit, filed after a three-year investigation, alleges that Activision Blizzard’s female employees were subject “to sex-based discrimination, including harassment, based on their gender,” along with retaliation “for complaining about sex-based discrimination.” The file also alleges that female employees were paid less than their male-counterparts.
The Eeoc demands that Activision Blizzard “institute and carry out policies, practices, and programs to
ensure equal employment opportunities, and which eradicate the effects of its past and present unlawful employment practices.” The demands also include compensating employees affected by the harassment and discrimination with back pay and damages.
Monday’s lawsuit comes just a couple months after the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleged that...
The suit, filed after a three-year investigation, alleges that Activision Blizzard’s female employees were subject “to sex-based discrimination, including harassment, based on their gender,” along with retaliation “for complaining about sex-based discrimination.” The file also alleges that female employees were paid less than their male-counterparts.
The Eeoc demands that Activision Blizzard “institute and carry out policies, practices, and programs to
ensure equal employment opportunities, and which eradicate the effects of its past and present unlawful employment practices.” The demands also include compensating employees affected by the harassment and discrimination with back pay and damages.
Monday’s lawsuit comes just a couple months after the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleged that...
- 9/27/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Sun Valley, Idaho — Brian Grazer and Bobby Kotick goofed around a little bit when they ran into each other in the driveway outside the Sun Valley Lodge.
Grazer pretended to be announcing Kotick’s name in sports announcer fashion (“Bob-bee Kooo-tick”). But other than a little backslapping and mugging for a selfie by the chairman of Imagine Entertainment and the CEO of Activision Blizzard, Allen & Co. conference attendees were all business for the gathering here that brings together business moguls, tech titans and other influential figures for heady conversations about issues ranging from business to public health (a natural topic after last year’s conference was Ko’d by Covid) to immigration to climate change.
Upon arriving at the mountain resort, Allen & Co. conference-goers were directed to take a rapid Covid-19 test. That sober reminder of real-world conditions outside of this picturesque Alpine village-style setting definitely cut into the willingness...
Grazer pretended to be announcing Kotick’s name in sports announcer fashion (“Bob-bee Kooo-tick”). But other than a little backslapping and mugging for a selfie by the chairman of Imagine Entertainment and the CEO of Activision Blizzard, Allen & Co. conference attendees were all business for the gathering here that brings together business moguls, tech titans and other influential figures for heady conversations about issues ranging from business to public health (a natural topic after last year’s conference was Ko’d by Covid) to immigration to climate change.
Upon arriving at the mountain resort, Allen & Co. conference-goers were directed to take a rapid Covid-19 test. That sober reminder of real-world conditions outside of this picturesque Alpine village-style setting definitely cut into the willingness...
- 7/7/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
If ever there was a year for the Allen & Co. conference to be a fertile ground for dealmaking among the titans of tech and media, it’s this one.
The entertainment industry is in an everyone’s-talking-to-everyone moment, as evidenced by the surprise of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger and Amazon’s move to swallow up a legacy Hollywood studio with its nearly $9 billion acquisition of MGM.
The moguls and C-suite executives who attend the invitation-only Allen & Co. gathering that runs July 6-10 at the Sun Valley mountain resort haven’t done much mingling over the past 18 months amid lockdown conditions. This year’s high-altitude reunion, after last year’s conference was tabled for the first time in years, could spark — and even revive — any number of conversations.
The news that surfaced in May about the AT&T/WarnerMedia/Discovery talks shook loose a burst of chatter about intriguing albeit mostly...
The entertainment industry is in an everyone’s-talking-to-everyone moment, as evidenced by the surprise of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger and Amazon’s move to swallow up a legacy Hollywood studio with its nearly $9 billion acquisition of MGM.
The moguls and C-suite executives who attend the invitation-only Allen & Co. gathering that runs July 6-10 at the Sun Valley mountain resort haven’t done much mingling over the past 18 months amid lockdown conditions. This year’s high-altitude reunion, after last year’s conference was tabled for the first time in years, could spark — and even revive — any number of conversations.
The news that surfaced in May about the AT&T/WarnerMedia/Discovery talks shook loose a burst of chatter about intriguing albeit mostly...
- 7/6/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Santa Monica-based game giant Activision Blizzard has appointe Dawn Ostroff to its board as an independent director effective immediately.
The longtime entertainment executive currently oversees content and advertising at Spotify. Previously she co-founded and served as president of Condé Nast Entertainment through 2018. Before that she held a number of leadership positions in the industry including at The CW Television Network, United Paramount Network, Lifetime Television, Twentieth Century Fox Film and The Walt Disney Company.
“Dawn has an incredible track record of leading her teams into the new age of digital entertainment, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Board,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, home to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Farm Heros. “There are few executives that have spanned television, film, media and music, but Dawn has touched them all and left her mark in every industry. With her distinguished career background and perspective,...
The longtime entertainment executive currently oversees content and advertising at Spotify. Previously she co-founded and served as president of Condé Nast Entertainment through 2018. Before that she held a number of leadership positions in the industry including at The CW Television Network, United Paramount Network, Lifetime Television, Twentieth Century Fox Film and The Walt Disney Company.
“Dawn has an incredible track record of leading her teams into the new age of digital entertainment, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Board,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, home to Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Farm Heros. “There are few executives that have spanned television, film, media and music, but Dawn has touched them all and left her mark in every industry. With her distinguished career background and perspective,...
- 6/11/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Some Activision Blizzard shareholders are attempting to prevent company CEO Bobby Kotick from receiving a substantial payment which they believe is unjustified.
“Despite repeated low approval votes from shareholders, Activision Blizzard maintains multiple, overlapping opportunities for its CEO to earn outsize equity awards, even when performance-related vesting thresholds have not been met,” reads a filing from CtW Investment Group director Dieter Waiznegger. The filing encourages Activision shareholders to vote against an upcoming Management Say on Pay proposal.
There are two main issues the filing raises. The first is that it seems Kotick’s payment parameters are largely performance-based. That is to say that he should only receive increased pay if certain figures and metrics are met. However, it appears that some of those metrics and figures are not properly outlined within the terms of the proposal.
The second issue is that it seems other performance-based metrics have been lowered in comparison to previous years.
“Despite repeated low approval votes from shareholders, Activision Blizzard maintains multiple, overlapping opportunities for its CEO to earn outsize equity awards, even when performance-related vesting thresholds have not been met,” reads a filing from CtW Investment Group director Dieter Waiznegger. The filing encourages Activision shareholders to vote against an upcoming Management Say on Pay proposal.
There are two main issues the filing raises. The first is that it seems Kotick’s payment parameters are largely performance-based. That is to say that he should only receive increased pay if certain figures and metrics are met. However, it appears that some of those metrics and figures are not properly outlined within the terms of the proposal.
The second issue is that it seems other performance-based metrics have been lowered in comparison to previous years.
- 6/5/2020
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Save the Children, the international humanitarian organization, announced today that Jennifer Garner will host its “Centennial Celebration: Once in a Lifetime” event on October 2 in Beverly Hills, with a special performance by five-time Grammy Award winner James Taylor.
Tommy Hilfiger, founder of Tommy Hilfiger, will be honored at “The Centennial Gala: Changing The World for Children” gala in New York City on September 12. To help celebrate the night in New York, chef and humanitarian José Andrés will create a special dessert for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, the two events are a culmination of the organization’s 100th year anniversary and will celebrate Save the Children’s mission to do whatever it takes for the most vulnerable children in the United States and around the world.
Save the Children will present the Humanitarian Award to Tommy Hilfiger, fashion designer and American icon, for his unceasing dedication to uplifting the lives of others.
Tommy Hilfiger, founder of Tommy Hilfiger, will be honored at “The Centennial Gala: Changing The World for Children” gala in New York City on September 12. To help celebrate the night in New York, chef and humanitarian José Andrés will create a special dessert for guests to enjoy. As previously announced, the two events are a culmination of the organization’s 100th year anniversary and will celebrate Save the Children’s mission to do whatever it takes for the most vulnerable children in the United States and around the world.
Save the Children will present the Humanitarian Award to Tommy Hilfiger, fashion designer and American icon, for his unceasing dedication to uplifting the lives of others.
- 8/13/2019
- Look to the Stars
Tim Cook, Lachlan Murdoch, Shari Redstone, Brian Roberts, Mark Zuckerberg and Bob Iger are among the media and technology moguls who will be touching down in Sun Valley, Idaho, in July for Allen & Co.’s annual media conference.
The invite-only confab is a chance for the one-percent of the one-percent to break out their windbreakers and jeans, and give the power suits a rest while biking and hiking in alpine splendor. It’s also historically been the locus of deal-making. Comcast’s purchase of NBC/Universal, the Washington Post’s sale to Jeff Bezos and Disney’s pact for Capital Cities/ABC were all hatched at Sun Valley. The conference was also the birthplace of some less successful mergers, namely AOL’s disastrous marriage to Time Warner.
In recent years, as technology and streaming have upended the traditional entertainment business, the biggest stars at Sun Valley have hailed from Silicon Valley.
The invite-only confab is a chance for the one-percent of the one-percent to break out their windbreakers and jeans, and give the power suits a rest while biking and hiking in alpine splendor. It’s also historically been the locus of deal-making. Comcast’s purchase of NBC/Universal, the Washington Post’s sale to Jeff Bezos and Disney’s pact for Capital Cities/ABC were all hatched at Sun Valley. The conference was also the birthplace of some less successful mergers, namely AOL’s disastrous marriage to Time Warner.
In recent years, as technology and streaming have upended the traditional entertainment business, the biggest stars at Sun Valley have hailed from Silicon Valley.
- 5/29/2019
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Video game publisher Activision Blizzard is laying off 8% of its staff ahead of a year with very few major game releases and a projected drop in revenue.
The company, which is behind major games and franchises like Overwatch, Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft, is shedding about 800 people in an effort to “[deprioritize] initiatives that are not meeting expectations,” CEO Bobby Kotick said in an earnings call yesterday.
While Kotick led the call by saying Activision Blizzard had “once again achieved record results in 2018,” operating chief Coddy Johnson conceded that, over the course of the year, “in-game execution was inadequate in some of our franchises, and we saw weaker-than-anticipated retail demand.”
As a result, “Our 2019 outlook assumes that we will not improve in-game monetization as quickly as we would like and that it is a transition year where we have less new major content to release than we should,” Johnson added.
The company, which is behind major games and franchises like Overwatch, Call of Duty, and World of Warcraft, is shedding about 800 people in an effort to “[deprioritize] initiatives that are not meeting expectations,” CEO Bobby Kotick said in an earnings call yesterday.
While Kotick led the call by saying Activision Blizzard had “once again achieved record results in 2018,” operating chief Coddy Johnson conceded that, over the course of the year, “in-game execution was inadequate in some of our franchises, and we saw weaker-than-anticipated retail demand.”
As a result, “Our 2019 outlook assumes that we will not improve in-game monetization as quickly as we would like and that it is a transition year where we have less new major content to release than we should,” Johnson added.
- 2/13/2019
- by James Loke Hale
- Tubefilter.com
Videogame publisher Activision Blizzard said it is laying off several hundred workers — about 8% of its total workforce of 9,600 — in a restructuring that will also boost the number of game developers by 20% during 2019.
Shares in the Santa Monica-based maker of Call of Duty gained 4% in after-hours trading following the news, which came as the company announced a mixed bag of quarterly and full-year results. Adjusted earnings per share of 90 cents in the fourth quarter fell short of Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, and “bookings” — a metric that includes deferred revenue from upcoming projects — reached $2.84 billion, short of forecasts for $3.04 billion.
The company had already signaled it planned cost cuts, but the scope of the roughly 800 departures was not known until this afternoon.
“While our financial results for 2018 were the best in our history, we didn’t realize our full potential,” CEO Bobby Kotick said. “To help us reach our full potential, we...
Shares in the Santa Monica-based maker of Call of Duty gained 4% in after-hours trading following the news, which came as the company announced a mixed bag of quarterly and full-year results. Adjusted earnings per share of 90 cents in the fourth quarter fell short of Wall Street analysts’ forecasts, and “bookings” — a metric that includes deferred revenue from upcoming projects — reached $2.84 billion, short of forecasts for $3.04 billion.
The company had already signaled it planned cost cuts, but the scope of the roughly 800 departures was not known until this afternoon.
“While our financial results for 2018 were the best in our history, we didn’t realize our full potential,” CEO Bobby Kotick said. “To help us reach our full potential, we...
- 2/12/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Matthew Byrd Feb 13, 2019
Activision Blizzard will let go of hundreds of employees as part of a change in company focus.
Activision Blizzard has begun laying off a large number of employees. Early reports indicate that a large number of these layoffs will affect non-development employees at Blizzard. Specifically, it will target a large number of employees in the studio's eSports and publishing divisions.
“Over the last few years, many of our non-development teams expanded to support various needs,” Blizzard president J. Allen Brack said in a statement acquired by Kotaku. "Currently staffing levels on some teams are out of proportion with our current release slate. This means we need to scale down some areas of our organization. I’m sorry to share that we will be parting ways with some of our colleagues in the U.S. today. In our regional offices, we anticipate similar evaluations, subject to local requirements.
Activision Blizzard will let go of hundreds of employees as part of a change in company focus.
Activision Blizzard has begun laying off a large number of employees. Early reports indicate that a large number of these layoffs will affect non-development employees at Blizzard. Specifically, it will target a large number of employees in the studio's eSports and publishing divisions.
“Over the last few years, many of our non-development teams expanded to support various needs,” Blizzard president J. Allen Brack said in a statement acquired by Kotaku. "Currently staffing levels on some teams are out of proportion with our current release slate. This means we need to scale down some areas of our organization. I’m sorry to share that we will be parting ways with some of our colleagues in the U.S. today. In our regional offices, we anticipate similar evaluations, subject to local requirements.
- 2/11/2019
- Den of Geek
Activision Blizzard Studios is already getting the gears turning on a sequel to Call of Duty, tapping Black Panther scribe Joe Robert Cole to pen the upcoming second installment.
The studio hired Sicario 2 director Stefano Sollima earlier this year to helm the first film, which is an adaptation of the popular video game, and even though a cast hasn’t been assembled, the studio wants a sequel script ready to go as soon as the first pic goes into production next year.
The studio hired Sicario 2 director Stefano Sollima earlier this year to helm the first film, which is an adaptation of the popular video game, and even though a cast hasn’t been assembled, the studio wants a sequel script ready to go as soon as the first pic goes into production next year.
- 11/27/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
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