Bobby Kotick Declares Former EA Boss John Riccitiello 'Worst CEO in Video Games'

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick recently called his ex-EA counterpart, John Riccitiello, "the worst CEO in video games" during an appearance on the Grit podcast. Speaking alongside former EA chief creative officer Bing Gordon, Kotick acknowledged EA's superior business model, stating that Activision would have paid to keep Riccitiello as CEO indefinitely. He clarified this wasn't a personal attack on Gordon, but rather a reflection of Activision's fear that Gordon might lead EA.

Riccitiello's departure from EA in 2013 followed poor financial performance and layoffs after a tenure as CEO beginning in 2007. His tenure at Unity Technologies, from late 2014 to 2023, also ended controversially, marked by backlash over proposed and later rescinded installation fees and his controversial remarks about developers who didn't embrace microtransactions.

Kotick revealed that EA made multiple attempts to acquire Activision Blizzard, noting that EA's business model was, in many respects, stronger and more stable than Activision's.

While Kotick's leadership at Activision Blizzard concluded with significant financial success prior to Microsoft's acquisition in 2023 for $68.7 billion, his tenure was also marked by controversy surrounding allegations of sexism, a toxic work environment, and handling of misconduct claims. Activision Blizzard maintains that independent reviews found no evidence of widespread sexual harassment and that the board acted appropriately. A $54 million settlement was reached with the California Civil Rights Department in December 2023, with the department stating that no court or independent investigation substantiated allegations of systemic sexual harassment or improper board conduct.

In the same interview, Kotick also criticized the 2016 film adaptation of Warcraft, calling it one of the worst movies he'd ever seen.