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Bobby Kotick Confirms Exit From Activision Blizzard After Microsoft Takeover. After over three decades as the CEO of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick will be officially stepping down on December 29. 'Variety' points out that the news comes shortly after Microsoft's massive $69 billion takeover of the company. Microsoft Gaming announced that Matt Booty, the current president of game content and studios, will oversee the Activision Blizzard teams. Booty's appointment was announced by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, along with other management changes, in a December 20 staff memo. "At the leadership level, these changes will provide the clarity and accountability that is necessary to achieve our ambitious goals and foster a culture that is welcoming, empowering and committed to Gaming for Everyone." In the memo, Spencer also thanked Kotick , “for his invaluable contributions to this industry, his partnership in closing the Activision Blizzard acquisition and his collaboration following the close.” "Under Bobby’s watch, Activision Blizzard in its many incarnations has been an enduring pillar of video games.", Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, via 'Variety'. 'Variety' reports that Kotick penned a farewell note to employees, thanking those who contributed to his 32 years at the helm of the wildly successful company. "As my last day leading this company inches closer, I marvel at how far the talented people at our company have come toward realizing the great potential of games. You have transformed a hobbyist form of entertainment into the world’s most engaging medium…", Bobby Kotick, farewell note to Activision Blizzard employees, via 'Variety'. "I cannot adequately express the pride I have in the people who continue to contribute to our success and all those who have helped throughout my 32 years leading this company.", Bobby Kotick, farewell note to Activision Blizzard employees, via ‘Variety’. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT