Bobby Kotick
Reporting and statements that mention Bobby Kotick.
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Games Inbox: What is the best game of 2026 that’s not GTA 6?
This collection of reader letters discusses potential Game of the Year contenders for 2026, the possibility of Grand Theft Auto 6 having a troubled launch, and concerns about AI's impact on game development. Readers also debate Resident Evil's narrative consistency and the underutilization of Jill Valentine, while expressing a desire for improved Zelda remakes.
As Skydance merges with Warner Bros. and Paramount, the company offers voluntary redundancy and mandates return to the office
Skydance, the newly formed entity combining Warner Bros. and Paramount, has implemented a mandatory five-day return-to-office policy for all employees, citing the importance of in-person collaboration. The company has also offered voluntary buyouts as part of its integration process. This move follows similar return-to-office mandates from EA and voluntary buyout offers from Microsoft.
Skydance launches employee Voluntary Buyout Program following merger
Skydance has launched a voluntary buyout program for employees following its merger with Paramount and Warner Bros. The program offers financial and career support to staff who choose to leave, with rumors suggesting it precedes potential forced layoffs as the two companies integrate.
EA closes Mass Effect, Dragon Age creator BioWare after 30 years of game development
Electronic Arts has announced the closure of BioWare, the acclaimed studio behind Mass Effect and Dragon Age, after 30 years of development. The closure is accompanied by significant layoffs across EA, including 50 employees at BioWare working on a new Mass Effect title, which has now been canceled. This decision follows a recent acquisition of EA and a strategic review of the company's portfolio.
MMO Week in Review: Funcom’s folly
Funcom has confirmed significant layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as part of a restructuring effort. The company will now focus on its existing titles, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles. This news comes amidst a broader week of MMO updates, including RuneScape halting its Reignited plans and Enshrouded launching its 1.0 release.
Live-action Cyberpunk 2077 film reportedly in development, with CD Projekt Red collaborating with Paramount to make it
Paramount Pictures is reportedly developing a live-action film based on Cyberpunk 2077, with CD Projekt Red collaborating on the project. CD Projekt Red has confirmed the partnership, expressing excitement about working with Paramount. This move follows the success of the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime on Netflix and the growing trend of video game adaptations.
MMO Business Roundup: Xbox is ‘back to growth,’ Kotick is on the Skydance board, and Aion 2 misses projections
Xbox is reportedly returning to growth, according to Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, the company formed from the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger. NCsoft's earnings forecast was lowered due to Aion 2's performance, while Necesse developer Fair Games was acquired by Fireshine Games. Additionally, Gardens Interactive, a studio founded by former Journey and Sky: Children of the Light developers, secured $35 million in Series B funding.
Bobby Kotick returns: former Activision boss becomes board member of Skydance, the new company formed by Paramount and Warner Bros
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, a new entertainment company formed by the merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This move comes despite ongoing controversies surrounding Kotick's leadership at Activision, including allegations of a toxic company culture and knowledge of sexual misconduct. Skydance's CEO David Ellison praised Kotick's experience in building franchises, while the merger also combines the gaming divisions of Warner Bros. and Paramount.
"A creative idea can save more money than AI can right now" – Glen Schofield on his retirement, Callisto Protocol's development, and the state of AAA
Veteran developer Glen Schofield discusses his retirement from game development, citing frustrations with AAA development costs and management decisions at Krafton during The Callisto Protocol's creation. He expresses a preference for smaller teams and creative-driven projects, and sees potential in AI as a creative tool rather than just a cost-saving measure.
Bobby's back
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance as an independent director, marking his return to the gaming industry after leaving Activision Blizzard following its acquisition by Microsoft. Skydance praised Kotick's leadership in building Activision Blizzard into a successful company, despite his controversial tenure marked by allegations of harassment and discrimination lawsuits.
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor brings back 'over half' of furloughed staff
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor has begun rehiring over half of the employees it previously furloughed. CEO Greg Foertsch stated this is an important step forward for the studio and the game's continued support. The article notes that while many employees are returning, a significant number remain furloughed, and discusses the nuances of labor regulations regarding furloughs versus layoffs.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick named to the board of post-merger Skydance
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has been appointed to the board of directors for the newly formed Skydance company, which resulted from the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Skydance's media conglomerate includes a video game division that will merge Paramount Games Studio with WB's internal developers. Despite past controversies surrounding Activision Blizzard, Skydance chairman David Ellison praised Kotick's leadership and ability to build enduring franchises.
Skydance Is Merging Paramount And Warner Bros.’ Game Studios Into One Unit
Skydance is merging Paramount's newly acquired Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment with its own Paramount Games Studio. This new division will oversee projects based on Skydance's intellectual property, including franchises like Mortal Kombat, Game of Thrones, and DC Comics. Tony Driscoll will lead the division, which will also incorporate developers like Avalanche Software and NetherRealm Studios.
Bobby Kotick joins Skydance board of directors
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of directors for Skydance, a new entity formed from a combination of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The article notes Kotick's controversial tenure at Activision Blizzard, citing allegations of workplace misconduct and underperformance of key franchises like Call of Duty.
Games Inbox: Is the next Super Mario game open world?
Readers discuss the potential for the next 3D Super Mario game to be open world, drawing parallels to Zelda and Bowser's Fury. Other topics include the 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64, the gameplay of Marvel's Wolverine, criticism of Xbox executives, the viability of a Ganondorf game, Sony's potential U-turn on game discs, the decline of Rare, the unchanging nature of EA Sports FC, and performance issues in Star Wars Zero Company.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming writing highlights include critiques of Final Fantasy XVI's handling of Middle Eastern influences and a discussion on the catharsis of violence in Armored Core VI. Concerns are raised about the current state of AI research, with a researcher lamenting its shift towards corporate product application rather than fundamental understanding. The article also touches on Microsoft's recent layoffs and Bobby Kotick's legal strategies.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Xbox lay off 268 people as Activision take over Halo and Rare, while Obsidian become part of Bethesda, plus Forza and Fable studios merge
Xbox has announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and restructuring several studios. Activision is taking over the Halo franchise, while Rare and World's Edge are folded under its umbrella. Obsidian Entertainment is now part of Bethesda, and Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have merged. Ninja Theory is facing potential closure, and the future of Arkane Studios remains uncertain.
Blizzard layoffs are reportedly imminent, days after an exciting BlizzCon and a seemingly popular World of Warcraft: Forever beta
Reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is facing imminent layoffs, despite recent successes like a popular beta for World of Warcraft: Forever and announcements at BlizzCon 2026. These cuts are expected to affect the company as part of broader job reductions within the Xbox division.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
