Bobby Kotick
Reporting and statements that mention Bobby Kotick.
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Wolverine developer Insomniac denies using generative AI after fans spot strange restroom sign
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI in the development of Marvel's Wolverine after fans pointed to a peculiar restroom sign. Community director James Stevenson stated it was a "UV map bug" and confirmed no AI assets are present in the game. This comes as other studios like Level-5 have admitted to using AI, highlighting the ongoing debate in the industry.
World of Warcraft: Forever has a new race you can't get without paying $30, and it's not the first impression fans were hoping for: "They are just blue elves"
Blizzard Entertainment's upcoming World of Warcraft: Forever expansion will feature a new race, the Skyborne, which is locked behind a $29.99 paywall. This pricing strategy has drawn significant criticism from fans on Reddit, who also feel the new race's design is uninspired and too similar to existing elf races. The company has yet to comment on the controversy.
BlizzCon 2026: Diablo IV will not receive any further expansions as efforts shift over to Diablo V
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that Diablo IV will not receive any further expansions beyond the two already released, with development efforts now shifting towards Diablo V. While the company plans to continue supporting Diablo IV with seasons and story content if player interest remains high, the focus is clearly on the upcoming sequel.
After laying off Battlefield 6 developers, EA pays its CEO $38 million because Battlefield 6 did so well
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received over $38 million in compensation for the 2026 fiscal year, largely due to the success of Battlefield 6. This comes despite the company laying off developers who worked on the game and other titles. Wilson's compensation ratio to the median employee also increased significantly.
Taiwanese authorities detain Nvidia employee for alleged attempt to smuggle AI chips into China
An Nvidia employee in Taiwan, identified as 'Chang,' has been detained on suspicion of falsifying documents to export approximately 50 Super Micro servers containing Nvidia AI chips to China. This incident is part of a broader investigation into potential AI chip smuggling routes. Nvidia has stated that smuggling is unacceptable and that all sales comply with US export control rules.
Regulators clear the path: Saudi Arabia’s $55B takeover of EA loses its final barrier
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission for its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, removing a major regulatory hurdle. The deal, which is the second-largest in video game history, has been cleared without competition concerns. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase its presence in the global gaming market.
Evening Reading - July 14, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading from Shacknews covers various gaming industry updates, including pre-order guides for Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves DLC. It also reports on Ubisoft Barcelona developer strikes over layoffs, a delay for the PlayStation FlexStrike Fight Stick, and the retirement of Dead Space creator Glen Schofield. Additionally, the article touches on non-gaming news regarding data centers and healthcare.
17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
Minecraft is introducing craftable cushions and new straw beds in its latest preview build, allowing players new ways to rest. These additions come as Mojang, an Xbox-owned studio, is impacted by significant layoffs affecting numerous gaming companies.
Bernie Sanders is mad about the Xbox layoffs
US Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized Microsoft and Xbox following recent layoffs, highlighting the company's significant profits and executive compensation. Sanders argued that corporate tax breaks do not create jobs and that the layoffs, coupled with a price increase for Xbox, demonstrate a flawed economic system. The article also references Sanders' past criticism of Bobby Kotick and the FTC's opposition to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
GTA 6 developer Rockstar accused of enforcing crunch, weaponising bonus payments, and ignoring a widening gender pay gap
Rockstar Games is facing new allegations from employees regarding crunch culture, a widening gender pay gap, and the weaponization of bonus payments, particularly concerning the development of Grand Theft Auto 6. These claims emerge as employees pursue union recognition, with Take-Two Interactive stating they will engage in dialogue with the union.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
MMO Business Roundup: Steam Deck’s price hike, Microsoft’s ActiBlizz settlement, and Rockstar UK’s union
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Valve's Steam Deck OLED experiencing significant price hikes. Microsoft has settled a $250 million class-action lawsuit related to its Activision Blizzard acquisition. Additionally, developers at Rockstar Games have officially formed a union, the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), and plan legal action over alleged union-busting.
Microsoft Reaches $250 Million Settlement in Lawsuit With Activision Blizzard Shareholders
Microsoft has settled a shareholder lawsuit related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $250 million. The lawsuit, led by the Sjunde-AP-Fonden fund, accused former Activision Blizzard executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, of breaching fiduciary duties by agreeing to the acquisition price. Both Microsoft and Kotick deny the allegations, with the settlement aimed at avoiding litigation distractions. The acquisition was finalized in October 2023, bringing Activision Blizzard into the Xbox family.
Microsoft to pay $250M to settle lawsuit filed by aggrieved Activision Blizzard shareholders
Microsoft has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden (AP7) concerning its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleged that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to avoid consequences of sexual harassment allegations. Microsoft stated it is settling to avoid litigation burdens and does not substantiate the claims of systemic misconduct.
Microsoft agrees to pay $250m to settle lawsuit over Activision Blizzard deal
Microsoft has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden AP7, which alleged that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to Microsoft. The lawsuit claimed shareholders were deprived of a better stock price, though Microsoft and Kotick denied the allegations. The settlement, pending court approval, will be funded 40% by Microsoft and 60% by directors' and officers' liability insurance.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO claims Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit against Microsoft-Activision merger was a ploy to strengthen Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick alleges that a lawsuit filed by a Swedish pension fund against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a tactic to benefit Embracer Group. The lawsuit reportedly aimed to strengthen Embracer's position during the merger process.
Former CEO Bobby Kotick claims lawsuit against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision was only filed to help Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick claims a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was intended to benefit Embracer Group. Kotick alleges the lawsuit aimed to hinder Activision's growth and talent acquisition in California. Embracer Group has denied these claims.
