Image via Activision Blizzard

Bobby Kotick virtually took a page out of Rupert Murdoch'due south media playbook. He reportedly considered buying leading gaming media outlets similar Kotaku and PC Gamer in order to modify the narrative about Activision Blizzard.

According to a new written report by The Wall Street Periodical, Kotick allegedly wanted to buy both publications to spin the public narrative about Activision Blizzard and identify its image in skilful standing once once again. The report stated that he had been eager to do so weeks before Microsoft acquired the scandal-ridden company for nearly $seventy billion, which made waves throughout the gaming industry.

The report said in part, "Mr. Kotick has been eager to change the public narrative nigh the company, and in contempo weeks has suggested that Activision Blizzard make some kind of acquisition, including of gaming-trade publications like Kotaku and PC Gamer, according to people familiar with him." Kotaku's parent company G/O Media and PC Gamer didn't reply to WSJ's request for annotate, only Activision's spokesperson disputed the claims.

Had Activision Blizzard actually bought Kotaku and PC Gamer, information technology likely would've severely damaged the brownie of both outlets. A gaming company purchasing whatever media organization generally brings about loads of ethical concerns — almost chiefly potential conflicts of involvement — even if the media organizations involved were not given mandates to write only positive things about their owner.

Following Microsoft'southward acquisition of Activision Blizzard, everyone expected Kotick to resign from his position equally CEO immediately due to his involvement in the company'due south "frat boy culture" declared in the sexual misconduct lawsuit. Instead, he volition remain in his office until the bargain closes during the fiscal year 2023.