Read the Emails Phil Spencer, Bobby Kotick, And Satya Nadella Sent to Employees After Activision Blizzard Sale

Earlier today, Microsoft announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion, putting huge franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and more under Xbox’s umbrella. While we’ve already seen how the video game industry is reacting to the huge acquisition, you can now take a look at how Microsoft and Activision Blizzard leaders broke the news to their staff members.

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, whose future with the company is still unclear at the moment, shared an email with all Activision Blizzard employees, saying Microsoft was the clear choice to partner with.

“In considering possible partners, all roads ultimately lead to Microsoft,” Kotick wrote. “Like us, they have been making games for a long time. Microsoft has already distributed games to hundreds of millions of the world’s computers and computing devices and has technologies and innovation that will support the next generation of games.”

Activision Blizzard has been under fire for months due to serious allegations of harassment and misconduct, with Kotick at the center of many of the headlines. Kotick told employees Microsoft will help improve Activision Blizzard’s culture.

“Microsoft also will support our journey to further strengthen our culture,” Kotick wrote. “Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, has been a passionate advocate for caring as the currency of leadership. Inspiring people through empathy is a powerful motivator, and one we embrace as we renew our resolve – and in the work we are now doing – to set a new standard for a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.”

The ABK Worker’s Alliance has already responded to the news, saying the acquisition, “does not change the goals” of the organization working for workplace improvements and employee rights.

And, speaking of Nadella, MSPU posted the email penned by the Microsoft CEO, sent to all employees regarding the acquisition. In addition to celebrating the acquisition, Nadella also announced a new title for Xbox head Phil Spencer.

“Effective today, Phil Spencer will become CEO, Microsoft Gaming,” Nadella wrote. “When the acquisition closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil. We look forward to extending our journey to create a more diverse and inclusive culture to our new colleagues at Activision Blizzard, and ensuring all our employees can do what they love, while thriving in a safe and welcoming environment — one where everyone feels empowered to do their best work.”

Spencer also shared his own words with Microsoft employees, calling the agreement, “a milestone for our company, our business, and our industry. Spencer also somewhat addressed Microsoft’s efforts to create inclusive environments at all of its studios.

“Microsoft is committed to our journey for inclusion in every aspect of gaming, among both employees and players,” Spencer wrote. “We deeply value individual studio cultures. We also believe that creative success and autonomy go hand-in-hand with treating every person with dignity and respect. We hold all teams, and all leaders, to this commitment. We’re looking forward to extending our culture of proactive inclusion to the great teams across Activision Blizzard.”

You can read the full statements from Kotick, Spencer, and Nadella, as the industry continues to digest this significant announcement. And, read up on how this transaction compares to other media mega deals over the last few years.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.