Bobby Kotick says he will consider leaving Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard employees have signed a petition asking for Kotick's removal.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has reportedly said he will consider stepping down if he can’t fix the company’s problems fast. 

This follows a report from the Wall Street Journal that alleged, among other things, that Kotick threatened to have an employee killed – something the company didn’t deny. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, Kotick held meetings with senior staff members at Activision Blizzard amid mounting pressure for him to step down. During the meeting, he said he would consider leaving if he can’t fix the company’s problems. 

This follows a video message the CEO sent out to the company, announcing a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. “Zero means zero,” Kotick said in the video. “Any reprehensible conduct is simply unacceptable.” 

It seems that threatening to have an employee killed doesn’t count. 

At the time of writing, 1786 Activision Blizzard employees have signed a petition asking for the removal of Kotick as CEO. 

There is also mounting pressure from outside of the company. Last week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said the company is “evaluating its relationship” with Activision Blizzard. 

PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said he was left “stunned” over Activision Blizzard’s response to workplace abuse allegations. 

Written by Kirk McKeand on behalf of GLHF.