Blizzard Boss Defends Kotick

[standokan]

Koticks smile *shudders* I really wish someone would kick him out of the gaming industry

 

[wammnebu]

this doesnt suprise me in the slightest. both companies went to the michael eisner school of buisness, but kotick is the only one who gets called out on it.

blizzard discovered the secret was to tap the hard-hard core audience. not only do they not mind stagnant releases they embrace it and fear otherwise. and by playing an audience that will hardly even consider unless it has a predecessor from the dos era, they will be cashing they have struck oil in a diamond mine on fantasy island

 

[beema]

Just seeing that evil grinning fat troll-like face is frightening and disgusting all at once.

 

[kebab4you]

Just have to link this;
http://www.h3xed.com/post.php?id=23

 

[Sylveria]

I work under the theory that everyone under Kotick wears one of those explosive slave collars from Fallout 3. He probably forced Blizzard to say this or he'd blow their heads off.

 

[ALPHATT]

do we really care about kotick being a good or bad person, bah I have to stop going to forums/ read comment sections

 

[Arren Kae]

what a gross double-chin.

 

[Ericb]

See, I had this terrible instructor. The guy was an absolute ass when it came to the subject he was teaching, and would cut no breaks, pile on tons of work, and grade as harshly as possible when he got even the slightest provocation to do so.

In ordinary meetings, just for social interaction, a fine fellow. Nothing particularly wrong or grating about him.

Yeah, I find a bit disturbing how some people go all Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde when it comes to work behaviour.

You can be nice and evil at the same time.

And those are the most dangerous types.

 

[Hiphophippo]

See, I had this terrible instructor. The guy was an absolute ass when it came to the subject he was teaching, and would cut no breaks, pile on tons of work, and grade as harshly as possible when he got even the slightest provocation to do so.

In ordinary meetings, just for social interaction, a fine fellow. Nothing particularly wrong or grating about him.

Yeah, I find a bit disturbing how some people go all Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde when it comes to work behaviour.

You can be nice and evil at the same time.

And those are the most dangerous types.

Interesting that you would quote me saying that.

Because I did not.

 

[Marowit]

*Shock & Awe* An employee saying a fellow employee isn't such a bad guy?!....never saw that one coming.

All one has to do is read Mr. Kotick's quotes, and look at franchises like Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, etc...to get a feel for what he actually thinks of gaming as a medium and those who enjoy it.

 

[Sylocat]

Gee, I can't imagine why Kotick would treat Blizzard better than he treats the other studios he works to death...

 

[PhiMed]

Has he ever considered that being the goose that lays the golden eggs might make his perception of Kotick a bit skewed? The reason Kotick has afforded them autonomy is because he KNOWS he is unable to actually improve a company that generates income in as rapid and sustained a fashion as Blizzard.

His entire business philosophy is to buy a company with a great idea, take that idea, and milk it for money until it just sprays powder. Blizzard's business model is BUILT on milking the same idea for money for years. There was no soul there for him to extinguish.

 

[constantcompile]

Interesting to me that Morhaime specified creative autonomy. Okay, so Blizzard gets to determine the content of their soul-sucking cash cow sequels, but do they have any choice about which IP they work on, or what their financial goals are in making them?

If Morhaime really agrees with Kotick so much, I have to ask - when did it become all about the money?

Kotick has openly stated his undying loyalty to the bottom line. If Morhaime really agrees with him, why? Why isn't it enough to be keeping good minds employed and excellent products on the market? Why does it all have to be a means to an end rather than the end itself?

 

[lumenadducere]

Yeah, there's a definite difference between what the head of a prized, cash-cow studio says and what the guys who've been screwed over have to say. And honestly, I'll take the word of the guys who've been screwed over the guys who get treated like princes and, y'know, merged with Activision.

 

[Twilight_guy]

Look like the guy has an image too negative for anyone to defend. The odd thing... if he was replaced the company would probably run in the same way. I suppose people just like having someone to love to hate whether he deserves it or not.

 

[BlindMessiah94]

I know I'm joining the party a bit late here, but can anyone link me to a propaganda piece on why gamers hate kotick so much? Or go on a rant filled with biased examples? I have never followed Activision closely, so I can't say as to why everyone thinks he is the spawn of satan - although don't get me wrong! I'm not defending him. I've just been living under a rock when it comes to why Mr.CEO is so hated.

Please, enlighten me!

_>

waits patiently...

 

[Ericb]

Interesting that you would quote me saying that.

Because I did not.

And that wouldn't be the first time I made this mistake, sorry.

 

[Gindil]

So let's see, Activision has two companies left with two products:

Call of Duty and WoW

So...

The question is, while the industry advances, who's willing to bet that this can't keep up for more than five years?

From the looks, Acti may have a crisis on its hands soon if it can't bring in more companies to tide over the storm.

 

[Hiphophippo]

Interesting that you would quote me saying that.

Because I did not.

And that wouldn't be the first time I made this mistake, sorry.

It's quite alright. I thought it was funny.

 

[agranderson]

I think that you are all jealous. Successful guy running a successful business while you are all sitting back hanging out on the computer. Love their games, keep them coming!