As part of Microsoft’s proposed $70 billion purchaseSome sort of official FAQ was sent out to all Activision Blizzard employees. Unfortunately, not many questions are actually answered, with the answers looking more like giant black holes in the shape of things could be answers. Someday. Could be.
The FAQ – sent by Activision Blizzard to its own employees – had to be shared as part of the entire legal process with the SEC. so you can read the whole thing here if you feel like it. Below, however, I will only touch on a few of the more notable issues. As you’ll quickly see, the whole point of the document is to reach out to Activision Blizzard employees who have serious concerns about being fired or transferred, or what’s happening to their stock, or anyone wondering how the culture at Microsoft is.
A consistent theme is serious questions like “Do I have to move” or “Will I be deported because I have a work visa” which essentially boils down to “Nothing changes until the deal is finalized and who knows, we’ll take a look at it then.” ‘, leaving people to worry about until the deal is signed – which may not be the case months– if they are allowed to ask the questions again. I’m not saying Microsoft or Activision Blizzard should or could have answers to these questions ready at this point, but it feels like asking them and then not answering them is more stressful than just asking them in peace allow. To everyone affected by this, I’m sorry, I’m sure this sucks! As someone who has recently gone through two changes of ownership at my own workplace, I sympathize with you.
Moving on to other questions, here’s one that continues to suggest that Bobby Kotick will no longer be directing Activision once the deal is finalized:
Will Bobby remain CEO of Activision Blizzard under Microsoft?
Bobby will continue to serve as Activision Blizzard’s CEO, and he and his team will remain focused on driving the company’s culture change and accelerating business growth until closing. Once the transaction closes, Activision Blizzard’s business will report to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
Here is where Activision Blizzard talks about developing games for non-Xbox platforms and does not confirm that future games – not currently in development – will not be Xbox exclusive:
How does this transaction affect existing partner agreements (e.g. Sony, Google, Apple)? Will this change what we can offer our partners or how we structure our agreements?
We will honor any existing commitments upon completion. As with Microsoft’s acquisition of Minecraft, we have no intention of removing content from platforms on which it exists today.
We would be open to discussions to enter into an agreement confirming our intent when appropriate.
How will this transaction affect our pipeline and existing games? How will ongoing projects be affected by the transaction? Will we be working on non-Activision Blizzard titles/products within Microsoft/Xbox/Bethesda after the contract is signed?
We don’t expect this news to impact the launch of Activision Blizzard’s current pipeline or existing games.
Until the closing, everything will remain business as usual and both companies will continue to operate independently. We are still working to finalize the details of the future organization. For the moment we ask you to concentrate on your current tasks.
There is a section addressing the company’s sexual harassment firestorm:
How does Microsoft feel about what’s happened at Activision Blizzard so far?
We cannot speak on behalf of Microsoft. However, Activision Blizzard’s leadership team has discussed the company’s goals at length with Microsoft, and Microsoft has reviewed the renewed cultural commitment and actions we’ve taken to date, as well as the efforts they’ve made. Microsoft supports the goals and the work done.
Here’s a very funny bit that singles out “creative” contributors (artists, writers, etc.) as if they weren’t important and existing parts of a development team, and answers the question “Is creativity valued at Microsoft?” with straight faces asked:
Are the creative staff given the same attention, opportunities, and resources that they were given at Activision Blizzard? Is creativity valued at Microsoft?
Microsoft recognizes and values the depth of talent and creative expertise at Activision Blizzard. In fact, Activision Blizzard employees are a driving force behind the merger for Microsoft.
And finally:
If a reporter asks me about this transaction, how should I answer?
Don’t answer and direct it to Helaine Klasky ([email alias]) immediately.
Aside from asking ieIf Activision Blizzard employees would like to speak about this transaction (or anything else!), Here are the best ways to contact us.
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