Microsoft is keeping an eye on Activision Blizzard

Microsoft is keeping an eye on Activision Blizzard

Before Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is finalized, there is still a lot of work to be done.

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What does Microsoft buying Activision mean for PlayStation

The terms of the agreement are in place, but it must be authorized by a number of regulatory authorities, the most important of which is the US Federal Trade Commission, before it can be implemented.

The widespread belief is that it will pass, and Microsoft is doing everything it can to grease the wheels by promising "a principled approach to app stores" and, more particularly, keeping Call of Duty games on the PlayStation, and not make it a microsoft activision blizzard exclusive.

Of a recent interview with CNBC, Microsoft CEO Brad Smith addressed an even more difficult question: how would Microsoft deal with the toxicity in Activision Blizzard's corporate culture, which was exposed last year? Making substantial cultural changes, Smith responded, "requires a combination of commitment and humility," which is currently the job of Activision Blizzard management.

"We're looking to the leadership team at Activision Blizzard today to make culture and workplace safety a top priority every single day until the day when this deal hopefully closes," Smith remarked. "And then we'll take over, and we need to make it that same commitment."

Microsoft Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Smith also cautioned, gently but emphatically, that while Activision Blizzard is in charge, Microsoft is monitoring the shots being fired.

When asked if his words suggest Activision Blizzard management will be fired, he responded "I think we all should live in a world where we're under scrutiny. The world is changing, I think mostly in a positive way. It's just one more example of where we're going to serve our employees the best if we embrace the opportunity to change."

Of course, it's all words until it happens, and the subject of unionization looms large, but it's still optimistic.

From Microsoft's standpoint, it's also likely unavoidable: Although Microsoft is evaluating Activision Blizzard management, the degree of the exposure surrounding the company's workplace abuses means that its acquisition of Activision Blizzard is being closely scrutinized by the public in ways that gaming industry takeovers are not.