Activision's Mobile Gaming Unit King to See Leadership Changes Ahead of Microsoft Deal

In January, Microsoft said it was buying the Call of Duty maker for $68.7 billion (roughly Rs. 5,16,885 crore).

By Reuters | Updated: 24 February 2022 12:40 IST

Activision's Mobile Gaming Unit King to See Leadership Changes Ahead of Microsoft Deal

Activision has also been the subject of investigative stories detailing allegations of sexual harassment

Highlights

In January, Microsoft said it was buying Activision Blizzard
Activision has also been the subject of investigative stories
Activision said King's in-game net booking grew 14 percent year-over-year

Video game maker Activision Blizzard's mobile gaming unit, King, said on Wednesday two of its senior executives, including a co-founder, would leave the company before its deal with Microsoft Corp.

In January, Microsoft said it was buying the Call of Duty maker for $68.7 billion (roughly Rs. 5,16,885 crore) in the biggest gaming industry deal in history as global technology giants stake their claims to a virtual future.

Sebastian Knutsson, one of the founders of King, is stepping down from his role as chief creative officer, the Candy Crush maker said.

Activision Harassment Cases Investigation Expanded

President Humam Sakhnini, who worked for six years at King and 12 years at Activision Blizzard, is also stepping down from his role, with Tjodolf Sommestad replacing him. According to the company, Sakhnini is stepping down to return to the United States.

This executive shakeup comes at a time when Activision is already facing a lawsuit from California regulators alleging the company "fostered a sexist culture".

Activision has also been the subject of investigative stories detailing allegations of sexual harassment internally, and its employees have staged walkouts to protest the company's response to the issues.

Activision Said It Faced Subdued Demand for Call of Duty, Other Games in Q4

During its fourth-quarter earnings announcement, Activision said King's in-game net bookings grew 14 percent year-over-year, driven by 20 percent growth in its largest franchise, Candy Crush.

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