Thu, Jan 21, 2010 | 08:17 GMT

Bobby Kotick to keynote DICE next month

bobbykotick

Pitchforks at the ready. Activision Blizzard boss Bobby “Bobby” Kotick is to deliver a keynote speech at February’s Vegas DICE summit, speaking on “how creative talent drives the video game industry.”

The Bobster, described in this press release as a “video game enthusiast and entrepreneur,” will be heading the Big Cheese event on February 18.

“Bobby Kotick has believed in the power of interactive entertainment his entire career,” said Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences boss Joseph Olin.

“The growth of Activision Blizzard, from bankruptcy to an industry leader is attributable to his unwavering drive to develop a studio model that fosters creativity to deliver great games. Activision Blizzard is home to some of the most talented developers in our industry and we are thrilled to have Bobby’s insight on how great games are built upon great talent.”

Kotick, famed for his outspoken views on making an awful lot of money, is sure to be a huge press draw.

DICE is home to the annual Academy awards for game, which styles itself as gaming’s Oscars.

Watch carefully for Bobby to say something like, “I wish I could take all your money. Forever.”

He just does it to wind you up, you know.

10 comments

#1

Grimrita
21/01/10, 9:02 am

The darkside of the force is a pathway to abilities some consider to be unnatural..

#2

Freek
21/01/10, 10:06 am

We all need somebody to hate and when Jack Thompson stepped down, Kotick took up the task and he does it with passion.

#3

endgame
21/01/10, 10:07 am

“Pitchforks at the ready.” that’s nice. :D

#4

mojo
21/01/10, 10:40 am

“Bobby Kotick has believed in the power of dick-sucking for money since he was a teen gayboylover.

i have to say it, every time a kotick news drops in.

#5

Neolucifer
21/01/10, 11:27 am

so a speech on creativity from the milking monster ? Yeah right ….

#6

Gheritt White
21/01/10, 12:03 pm

@ 5: Actually, the full title of Kotick’s speech is “How Creative Talent Drives the Video Game Industry… and Ways To Keep Them In Line while Exploiting Their Ideas For Maximum Short-Term Returns”

#7

blackdreamhunk
21/01/10, 4:43 pm

please if it wasn’t for blizzard they would have been gone like interplay!!! Do you want to know why high production costs on consoles!

#8

Gheritt White
21/01/10, 4:45 pm

CoD:MW2 sales.

/ends

#9

Eregol
21/01/10, 4:46 pm

How creative talent drives the video game industry?

You mean how to keep milking franchises for all they’re worth?

(like Gheritt said)

#10

Spoonsx21
22/01/10, 2:23 am

Actually, I’ve heard Kotick’s speech will revolve around the Underpants Gnome Formula.

Step 1. Steal talent straight out of college (or any school really).
Step 2. Bleed them dry of their talent by overworking them on tired IPs and paying them inhuman wages.
Step 3. Profit.

Well, at least for me, that finally clears up Step 2.

Doesn’t he sense at least a little bit of irony when his greatest stated motive is profit which seems to be sinking the boat, and yet the thing that keeps Activision afloat is Blizzard, whose greatest motive is to make good games??? Does that even register with him?

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