News
Bobby Kotick’s Business Philosophy: Skepticism, Pessimism, and Fear
Wants to Take the Fun Out of Making Games
by Sarah
Some days, I really, really think Activision head honcho Bobby Kotick is just fucking with us. I mean, the man obviously knows how to make bucketloads of cash, and from a business perspective, he’s great at his job. However, he works in an industry that, I believe, should value things like creativity, passion, and artistic motivation. Not surprisingly, Kotick does not agree. During a presentation at Deutsche Bank Securities Technology Conference in San Francisco yesterday, Kotick discussed both the company’s future and business model, and it’s all a little disheartening.
Naturally, as someone who appears to not care at all about video games (other than their profits), Kotick’s secret to success was revealed as such:
"We have a real culture of thrift. The goal that I had in bringing a lot of the packaged goods folks into Activision about 10 years ago was to take all the fun out of making video games."
He added that Activision likes to keep employees constantly reminded of the current economic crisis, creating an atmosphere of “skepticism, pessimism, and fear” and “keeping people focused on the deep depression”. Holy hell, does that sound like a stifling work environment. Kotick also sang the praises of Activision’s top franchises, stating that he hoped series like Guitar Hero and Call of Duty would someday be playable on their own, without a console.
This brings me back to my original statement: is Kotick just trying to get a rise out of the more passionate members of the industry? I mean, the guy has to know that he’s coming off like a total douche, and it’s infuriating that his oppressive business model is working out so well for the company. I know that publishers need to make money to stay alive; I know that the bottom line has to be a focus when running a business; but really, is eliminating any sort of job enjoyment the way to go? How many more years can Activision operate like this until they milk every last franchise dry, or before gamers just don't want to deal with their bullshit practices anymore?
[Source]
Comments
Don't get me wrong, I understand that businesses exist to make money and increase their stock value. And Kotick, as the CEO is responsible solely for the bottom line. However, when your boss goes out of his way to not only foster an environment of "skepticism, pessimism, and fear", but further to pound his chest and wear that shit like a badge just seems like bad business. I can't even imagine what it must feel like for an Activision employee to read this.
I bet there's a dungeon in WoW that is a replica of the developpers' workplace, 'cause by the sound of it, that's where they work. In a dungeon.
He's a nutcase and I hate him. And I love to hate him. Actually, I might love to hate him so much that I actually just love him.