As Activision Blizzard faces some of the most damning allegations seen in the gaming industry, many were concerned that CEO Bobby Kotick would still be taking home his usual millions this year. Just before the accusations came to light, we reported that he had been approved a pay packet of $155 million - and that was after a 50% reduction.
However, in a statement today, Kotick has pledged to take home a much-reduced salary of $62,500. He says that this will also include any bonuses, which he will be "asking not to receive".
Kotick - whose net worth is estimated to be anywhere between $600 million and $7 billion - says he has asked the Board of Directors to put this pay reduction in place until Activision Blizzard has met its goals in countering abuse and discrimination.
"I have asked the Board to reduce my pay to the lowest amount California law will allow for people earning a salary, which this year is $62,500", said Kotick. "To be clear, this is a reduction in my overall compensation, not just my salary. I am asking not to receive any bonuses or be granted any equity during this time."
The wording in this statement doesn't appear to rule out the possibility of a bonus, however. As Kotick's pay is being handled by the Board, he is asking to not receive any bonuses, but that is not a guarantee. For clarification, TheGamer has reached out to Activision Blizzard, asking the company to pledge that Kotick will refuse any bonuses he is offered, or at the very least, donate them elsewhere should he receive them. The company has not responded at the time of publication.
Of course, the Board didn't exactly comply with the last promise that Kotick would take home a reduced pay packet. While earlier this year it was reported that Kotick would face a 50% pay cut, this was more than made up for in his bonuses, which brought him back up to the eye-watering $155 million. In previous years, the CEO - often labelled overpaid - has enjoyed earnings of $30 million in 2019, and $65 million in 2012.