Ex-Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Criticizes Former EA Leader John Riccitiello as 'Worst CEO in Video Games'

Kotick's remarks highlight a long-standing rivalry between Activision and EA, despite past merger discussions and shared industry challenges.

Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard, labeled ex-EA CEO John Riccitiello as 'the worst CEO in video games' during a podcast interview.
Kotick revealed concerns during Riccitiello's tenure that EA might improve under different leadership, jokingly stating he would have paid to keep Riccitiello in charge.
Riccitiello's time at EA from 2007 to 2013 saw successes like FIFA's growth but also missteps, including the infamous SimCity launch and franchise declines.
Following his EA departure, Riccitiello led Unity Technologies but resigned in 2023 after backlash against controversial monetization policies.
Kotick himself faced significant criticism during his Activision tenure, including allegations of workplace misconduct, before stepping down after Microsoft's acquisition in 2023.