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Bobby Kotick will net $15 million if fired "without cause" by Microsoft

The Activision Blizzard CEO has previously faced calls to resign after being accused of harassment and enabling misconduct.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

February 23, 2022

1 Min Read

Activision Blizzard CEO and alleged harasser Bobby Kotick could receive millions in bonuses and parachute payments as a result of the seismic Microsoft deal.

Microsoft agreed to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion earlier this year, but the deal was struck as the Call of Duty publisher grappled with widespread misconduct allegations, some of which were levelled at Kotick himself.

A number of Activision Blizzard employees called for Kotick to resign in the wake of those allegations, and although it's been reported the long-serving chief exec may step down once the Activision Blizzard purchase has wrapped up, it seems he could still net millions before departing.

According to a recent SEC filing (spotted by Axios), Kotick will be handed a $15 million "golden parachute" payment if Microsoft fires him without "cause" or he chooses to depart for "good reason."

Kotick could also receive up to $22 million in stock if Activision Blizzard makes "appropriate progress" to transforming its workplace culture by achieving gender-related goals and making good on other promises -- such as launching a zero-tolerance harassment policy -- no earlier than six months after the date of the merger agreement.

The news comes as workers across Activision Blizzard continue to push for workplace reforms, including staff at Raven Software who are currently attempting to unionize despite what they describe as attempts to "thwart" their efforts.

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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