Statements coming from within Activision Blizzard have revealed a whole mix of emotions regarding Microsoft's takeover, including some who are worried that the change in leadership could bring with it a round of layoffs.
According to a report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, Microsoft hasn't assured existing employees that there won't be job cuts. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has allegedly stated that Microsoft "is committed to trying to retain as many of our people as possible", with no further information to go on, leaving some employees' jobs hanging in the balance until the takeover goes through during the next fiscal year.
However, in the same report, many inside Activision Blizzard are also "cautiously optimistic" about the creative liberties that may be afforded to them. It's reported that "high-level employees" at Activision Blizzard have discussed scrapping Call of Duty's annual release schedule, freeing up workers to work on different properties. Activision Blizzard has a ton of dormant franchises, and the potential of getting a remake/reboot/sequel of a more niche Activision IP is quite exciting.
But none of that matters if workers at Activision still feel like they're being treated poorly. Activision Blizzard still has deep-rooted systemic issues that won't magically disappear once Microsoft's acquisition of the company gets over the line. Raven Software is still on strike after job cuts last year, and ABetterABK is still demanding reform until real change is made.
Then there's the issue of Bobby Kotick. Bloomberg has also reported that the news that Activision Blizzard's controversial CEO would likely be stepping down persuaded several wavering employees to stay on, although most aren't pleased about having to work under him for another six months.
It's unsurprising that there's a mix of emotions within Activision Blizzard since the whole situation surrounding the company is very complex. Fingers crossed Microsoft listens to employees and does what's best for them, and then we may see the creativity flow out of Activision Blizzard once again.