Also claims he’s not anti-union.
“We’ve had every possible form of investigation done.
And we did not have a systemic issue with harassment - ever.
We didn’t have any of what were mischaracterisations reported in the media,” Kotick told Variety.
Indeed, Kotick blamed “outside forces” for the poor reputation of Activision.
Despite this, Kotick has also claimed he is not anti-union.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) last yearassisted QA testers at Activision studio Raven Softwarewith unionising.
“I am not like other CEOs that are anti-union,” said Kotick.
“I’m the only Fortune 500 CEO who’s a member of a union.
I have a mother who was a teacher.
I have no aversion to a union.
What I do have an aversion to is a union that doesn’t play by the rules.”
Kotick stated the negativity he’s received has been antisemitic.
“The hatred has turned into a lot of antisemitism,” Kotick said.
“When you look at images of me on the internet, there are these antisemitic undertones.
My kids have gotten death threats.”
“I like the company,” he added.
“I like the culture.
So this deal made a lot of sense.”
That said, he believes the company can still be successful without Microsoft.
“We have a great company.
We have an enormous amount of momentum, and we have an extraordinary balance sheet,” said Kotick.
“And we can continue to be successful alone like we have been for the last 30 years.
Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard was recentlyapproved by the EU, butblocked by the UK’s CMA.
