Following a wait of nearly two years, the Microsoft-Activision deal has now closed. Iconic franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, Warcraft, and Diablo are now owned by the Xbox maker. Interestingly, this merger is expected to benefit one person the most out of everyone else – Activision CEO himself. Based on the latest reports, he might receive a mammoth cut of almost $15 million even after leaving the company.

Before Activision’s huge announcement of the $68.7 billion acquisition getting closed, UK’s regulators had already approved the ambitious merger. After that, gaming fans eventually got to see an official update within hours.

Following the acquisition by Microsoft, CEO Bobby Kotick may exit with a large payment and here’s how

It’s already known that Mr. Kotick will leave as the CEO of Activision next year. One can say that he’s accomplished the biggest challenge before going by overseeing the entire situation of the record-setting merger with Microsoft. As a result, he may end up pocketing a payment that one can only dream of.

As reported by Axios’ Stephen Totilo, Bobby Kotick is expected to get $14.6 million despite leaving as Activision CEO. It’s because of his contracts he’s having right now. They will enable him to receive a healthy sum even if he’s no longer the boss.

Stephen also mentioned that Bobby owned 4.3 million shares as of April 2023. Going by the latest update, he might purchase 2.2 million shares more. In short, he will get more perks, to say the least!

Meanwhile, the CEO shared a crucial message with his team after the official announcement of Microsoft buying Activision. He revealed that Xbox boss Phil Spencer has asked him to stick to his role till the end of 2023.

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“I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition. Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players,” he stated.

What to expect from Call of Duty after Microsoft officially owning Activision?

Now that the FPS franchise is under the roof of the Xbox maker, it will be interesting to witness new changes. According to the reports floating online, Microsoft may end up making COD exclusive to its own console lineup. However, it won’t likely take such a decision due to its commitment to offer the games under the IP to more players.

Microsoft has already signed a 10-year deal with Sony to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. Plus, a similar agreement has been made with Nintendo as well. Future handheld consoles from the Japanese gaming giant will get to have Activision’s upcoming titles.

Speaking of Bobby Kotick, since he will be staying till the end of 2023 for sure, he will probably leave as CEO at some point in 2024.

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