Bobby Kotick considered buying game sites Kotaku and PC Gamer, it’s claimed

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was interested in acquiring video game press publications in an attempt to change reporting around the company, it’s been alleged.

A new report by the Wall Street Journal details the reasons why Microsoft‘s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was likely made easier due to ongoing problems at the company.

However, a section near the end of the report makes the claim that prior to the acquisition, Kotick was considering the possibility of buying certain video game publications.

According to the report, Kotick wanted to own these publications in an attempt to paint Activision Blizzard in a positive light again.

“Mr Kotick has been eager to change the public narrative about the company, and in recent weeks has suggested Activision Blizzard make some kind of acquisition, including of gaming-trade publications like Kotaku and PC Gamer, according to people familiar with him,” the report reads.

It also states that an Activision spokeswoman disputed this, that G/O Media (the parent company of Kotaku) declined to comment, and PC Gamer didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it intends to acquire Activision Blizzard for $95 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion.

The deal, which will give Microsoft exclusive ownership of Call of Duty, Warcraft, Overwatch, Crash Bandicoot, Guitar Hero and more, is expected to close during Microsoft’s fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Kotick will continue to serve as the CEO of Activision Blizzard throughout the acquisition process.

Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer. However, the announcement didn’t specify whether Kotick would leave Activision Blizzard once the deal is complete.

The Wall Street Journal’s sources believe, however, that Kotick is expected to leave once the deal closes.