In recent news, following the acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, it has been confirmed that the current and contentious CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, will retain his position until the culmination of 2023. This confirmation came from Kotick himself via an email sent to all employees of the company. In his email, Kotick expressed that Xbox head, Phil Spencer, requested he remain CEO until the end of the year for the purpose of maintaining a smooth transition process, insinuating his departure in 2024. He assured that both he and Spencer are committed to simplifying this period of integration for all involved teams and players. Kotick is projected to financially benefit from the acquisition, potentially receiving hundreds of millions from Microsoft's hefty $69 billion purchase. In specific terms, a 2022 securities filing suggested that if Kotick were to be dismissed or withdraw under certain circumstances within the year following a change of company control, he would be eligible for a $14.4 million severance package. Notwithstanding his impending financial success, Kotick's 30-year tenure as CEO at Activision has not been without scandal. The CEO has faced severe criticisms for managing a sexist and toxic work environment. Activision Blizzard has been sued by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing on charges of nurturing a retaliatory "frat boy" culture. On top of this, Activision recently faced complaints from the Communication Workers of America union regarding labor issues. This news comes in the wake of the gaming industry's overwhelming response to Microsoft's massive acquisition, touted as one of the most historic days in gaming history.