In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the leadership changes following Activision's acquisition, the end of Activision Blizzard's hybrid work model for QA staff, and their settlement of a California discrimination lawsuit. He also explores Microsoft's role in the settlement and speculates about a potential new CEO at Activision. KEYPOINTS - Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is officially stepping down and Microsoft is not appointing a direct replacement, instead rolling the suite of Activision Blizzard executives under Microsoft's game content and studios president, Matt Booty. - The California Civil Rights Department and Activision Blizzard have agreed to settle a lawsuit for $54 million, related to claims of unequal and promotion practices on the basis of sex from 2015 to 2020, with the state dropping allegations of systemic harassment. - Microsoft's acquisition and management restructuring at Activision Blizzard, including the settlement with the California Civil Rights Department, represent a significant shift in the company's approach to internal issues and public legal disputes. #xbox #activision #settlement *** STORE LINK: null *** CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 2:03 Leadership changes post Activision's acquisition 9:39 End of hybrid work model for QA staff at Activision Blizzard 13:20 Activision Blizzard settles California discrimination lawsuit 26:02 Discussion on the settlement of harassment claims at Activision 30:11 The role of Microsoft in the settlement and its potential impact on future changes at Activision 33:12 Question: Potential for a new CEO at Activision 38:20 Closing remarks and reflections on the past year *** SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL UTREON/PLAYEUR - https://playeur.com/c/aT-zMZf4XVIxwix2pAVNjE/videos/virtual-legality PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - null *** Discussed in this episode: BOBBY KOTICK OUT https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/20/24009129/microsoft-gaming-xbox-phil-spencer-bobby-kotick-activision-leadership-changes OFFICE REQUIREMENTS https://www.gamesindustry.biz/activision-blizzard-to-end-hybrid-work-for-qa-employees PREVIOUSLY ON... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyerVVc2e98 CALIFORNIA SETTLEMENT https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/2023/12/15/civil-rights-department-announces-settlement-agreement-to-resolve-employment-discrimination-and-equal-pay-lawsuit-against-activision-blizzard/ https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/activision-blizzard-to-pay-54m-to-settle-discrimination-lawsuit/ https://venturebeat.com/games/activision-blizzard-settles-ca-sexual-discrimination-case-50m/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/behind-california-s-surrender-on-activision-blizzard/ar-AA1lODo0 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/activision-blizzard-reaches-settlement-1235764416/ *** "Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law). CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE:    • Virtual Legality   DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL. PODCAST PAGE (with AI chat links) https://vl.hoeglaw.com/