In a rare and extensive interview with the Los Angeles Times, former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick opens up about his legacy, the Microsoft acquisition aftermath, and Call of Duty 2026's roadmap.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has broken a long public silence with a comprehensive interview published by the Los Angeles Times. The conversation covers his controversial tenure, the landmark Microsoft acquisition, and the current state of the Call of Duty franchise at a pivotal moment.
Speaking candidly about the Microsoft deal, Kotick described it as "the right move for the company and its players," emphasizing that the deal has enabled Call of Duty to operate with unprecedented resources. "Microsoft has been an excellent steward of the franchise," Kotick stated. "The investment in Infinity Ward for Modern Warfare 4 is the largest in franchise history — you're seeing the results with MW4's Gunsmith 2.0 and the UE6-powered engine."
The timing of the interview is notable, coming just days after Modern Warfare 4's record-breaking beta launch. MW4 pre-orders have surged past 10 million units worldwide, with the beta receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback for its Gunsmith 2.0 customization system and refined mobility mechanics. The early access beta, which began July 10, has seen peak concurrent player numbers that rival full game launches.
Kotick also touched on the recently announced Black Ops 1 & 2 PS5 enhanced ports, confirming that Activision is exploring more ways to preserve and modernize the Call of Duty back catalog. "There's a generation of players who grew up on Black Ops, and they deserve to experience those classics on modern hardware," he said.
Asked about Call of Duty 2026 specifically, Kotick expressed confidence in the November 6 launch window and Infinity Ward's vision. "Modern Warfare 4 is the most ambitious Call of Duty we've ever built. The campaign alone has branching mission structures unlike anything we've attempted before." He also hinted at "something special" planned for the Warzone integration at launch.
On a personal note, Kotick addressed the controversies that marked his final years at Activision, acknowledging that "leadership is about accountability." While he stopped short of apologizing for specific incidents, he expressed hope that his legacy would be defined by "the joy the games brought to hundreds of millions of players."
The interview concludes with Kotick discussing his post-Activision plans, which include philanthropic work and a potential return to the gaming industry as an investor focusing on emerging VR and AI gaming startups.