I’m sure you’ve heard of the news of Bungie splitting from Activision, right? Well, along with that news comes that of Mike Morhaime, former CEO, setting forth to depart the role of an Advisor at Blizzard this year’s April. All of this information has come forth as of January 10th, 2019.
Yes, while Bungie has taken the Destiny IP and will no longer see Activision as the publisher given that they are underway finalizing the split, Morhaime will soon leave Activision or Activision Blizzard following other key heads departing, too.
Recently, news from publication site unikrn.com posted information pertaining to Morhaime — who served as the CEO at one point — that he will no longer stand as an advisor to Blizzard come April 7th, 2019.
The website shines light on an SEC filing that reads:
“As previously disclosed, on October 3, 2018, Michael Morhaime entered into an agreement with Activision Blizzard, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to which he would provide strategic advice to the Company in an advisory capacity. Mr. Morhaime’s employment with the Company as a strategic advisor will conclude on April 7, 2019.”
I bet you are wondering “what does it matter of his leaving?” Well, the advisor’s soon absence comes after a list of other key executives left the company as well, such as CFO Armita Ahuja, Hearthstone franchise lead Ben Brode, and Activision Blizzard SVP Mike Sespo’s departure for the Overwatch League’s New York Excelsior.
The above departures are joined by Activision Blizzard CFO Spencer Neumann, followed by Blizzard cutting “Heroes of the Storm esports in its entirety” due to acts of “shifting development priorities” at the company.
Lastly, some people claim that Morhaime was one of the “last few decent key people” at said company, while others claim this departure is an act of jumping ship. However, I’m sure everyone will know what’s up when April rolls around because time always tells.