On October 9, 2025, a Delaware judge ruled that former Activision Blizzard executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, must face the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit.
Shareholders claim they were underserved in Microsoft’s $75.4 billion deal.
Core Claims Advance
Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick allowed the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit’s primary claim to proceed. It alleges Kotick and directors neglected shareholder interests for personal gain.
Microsoft Claims Dropped
McCormick dismissed two claims against Microsoft in the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit. She found no proof Microsoft facilitated breaches, despite potential passive benefits.
Shareholder Grievances
A Swedish pension fund leads the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit, accusing Kotick of hastening the 2023 merger. They claim he sought job security and $400 million in benefits.
Share Price Dispute
The $95-per-share price was criticized as too low in the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit. Shareholders argue it undervalued the company amid strong performance during approval.
Harassment Allegations Denied
Kotick’s legal team refuted claims he ignored harassment issues at Activision. They noted no investigation validated these, defending his role in the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit.
Kotick’s Deal Influence
McCormick found evidence Kotick favored Microsoft for a swift deal. The Activision Blizzard Lawsuit suggests this protected him during harassment controversies.
Director Priorities Questioned
The Activision Blizzard Lawsuit claims directors favored Kotick’s interests. They allegedly accepted a low price while harassment issues lowered stock value.
Microsoft’s Stance
A Microsoft spokesperson defended the deal. “It delivered fair value,” they said, confident the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit’s remaining claims will be disproved.
Litigation Progresses
McCormick stated the Activision Blizzard Lawsuit can now focus on key issues. “The case moves forward,” she wrote, marking a pivotal moment.
Broader Implications
The Activision Blizzard Lawsuit underscores challenges in corporate mergers. Its outcome may influence how executives manage fiduciary duties in 2025 deals.
