Tag: Bobby Kotick

Activision Blizzard officially recognises Raven Software QA union, begins negotiations

After months of unionization efforts from Raven Software, including a strike, Activision Blizzard has officially recognized their union.

Activision Blizzard today confirmed to investors that they have begun negotiating with the Communications Workers of America following the formation of a union for Raven Software’s QA department.

In a letter to investors, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick confirmed that negotiations have begun and that 27 quality assurance employees at Raven Software are being represented by the union.

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Kotick writes: “I wanted to share the news that we will begin negotiations with the Communications Workers of America related to the 27 quality assurance employees at Raven Software, the majority of whom have chosen to be represented by this union. With the election having concluded, we will engage in good faith negotiations to enter into a collective bargaining agreement.

“While first labor contracts can take some time to complete, we will meet CWA leaders at the bargaining table and work toward an agreement that supports the success of all our employees, that further strengthens our commitment to create the industry’s best, most welcoming and inclusive workplace, and enhances our ability to deliver world class games for our players.”

Today’s news follows months of unionization efforts from Raven Software QA staff. A walkout was planned in December 2021, and the following month it was announced that staff were unionizing with the CWA following a strike.

It was also reported that Activision Blizzard shareholders were advised to vote against an employee-elected board member. Despite those efforts, a groundbreaking union was formed, and is today officially recognized. Time will tell whether or not other departments and studios will begin unionizing by following Raven Software’s example.

Written by Dave Aubrey on behalf of GLHF.

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Bobby Kotick allegedly wanted to buy game sites Kotaku and PC Gamer

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick purportedly considered acquiring gaming-trade sites to change public perception of the company.

It has been alleged that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick considered acquiring video game-trade publications Kotaku and PC Gamer amid ongoing allegations of harassment within the company. 

The news comes from a recently filed Wall Street Journal report published in the wake of Microsoft’s announcement that it is acquiring Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, which has already seen rival company Sony experience a $20 billion plummet in market value.

While the acquisition has spurred speculation about several different subjects — whether or not ABK games will be available on PS5 going forward (“some” will be), what the future has in store for blockbusters like Call of Duty, and so on — there is a more important matter at hand. Namely, how will Microsoft affect real change within Activision Blizzard?

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Recent months have seen employees at the company stage walkouts and strikes in retaliation to the company maintaining Kotick’s status as CEO, which has also been contested by shareholders. Now, months later, it has emerged that Kotick had considered acquiring video game news outlets as a means of changing the public narrative of what was occurring internally at Activision Blizzard. 

“Mr. Kotick has been eager to change the public narrative about the company, and in recent weeks has suggested Activision Blizzard make some kind of acquisition, including of gaming-trade publications like Kotaku and PC Gamer, according to people familiar with him,” the report reads. 

“The Activision spokeswoman, Ms. Klasky, disputed that Mr. Kotick wanted to make the acquisitions. A spokesman for G/O Media, the parent company of Kotaku, declined to comment. PC Gamer didn’t respond to a request for comment.”

It is likely that the journalists and editors working at these publications had zero knowledge of an acquisition allegedly being floated, with both outlets being known for rigorous reporting standards and independence of voice.

Written by Cian Maher on behalf of GLHF.

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Bobby Kotick says he will consider leaving Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard employees have signed a petition asking for Kotick’s removal.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has reportedly said he will consider stepping down if he can’t fix the company’s problems fast. 

This follows a report from the Wall Street Journal that alleged, among other things, that Kotick threatened to have an employee killed – something the company didn’t deny. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, Kotick held meetings with senior staff members at Activision Blizzard amid mounting pressure for him to step down. During the meeting, he said he would consider leaving if he can’t fix the company’s problems. 

This follows a video message the CEO sent out to the company, announcing a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. “Zero means zero,” Kotick said in the video. “Any reprehensible conduct is simply unacceptable.” 

It seems that threatening to have an employee killed doesn’t count. 

At the time of writing, 1786 Activision Blizzard employees have signed a petition asking for the removal of Kotick as CEO. 

There is also mounting pressure from outside of the company. Last week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said the company is “evaluating its relationship” with Activision Blizzard. 

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said he was left “stunned” over Activision Blizzard’s response to workplace abuse allegations. 

Written by Kirk McKeand on behalf of GLHF.

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