Some are finding this difficult to believe, considering it's an interview with the head of the very company Xbox wants to acquire. The gaming giant knew going into the deal that abuse and harassment claims wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon, so it stands to reason that figures like Spencer will be questioned on these matters.
Yet it is noteworthy that Spencer isn't supporting Kotick's claims either. This might suggest that the two companies don't have a joint PR strategy when it comes to addressing these questions, or perhaps more concerningly, no joint plans in addressing the issues themselves. Xbox has at least previously
promised to cooperate with unions and
reflected on its own sexist history. Before the merger announcement, Spencer also said that abuse claims in the industry have
left him "saddened and sickened", although he stopped short of calling Activision Blizzard out by name.
As for what happens with Kotick if the merger goes through, that remains to be seen. We've had conflicting reports on whether he'll leave or stick around. In any case, figures from
across the industry have long called for his resignation, and with the number of negative headlines he's attracted over the years, many are expecting Microsoft to push him out.
www.thegamer.com
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/16333233/vpavic_070616_1091_0165.jpg)
