CEO of Activision Blizzard says games shouldn’t be political
The CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, has taken a stance on politics in video games. Politics in video games has always been a controversial subject, particularly when video games can include hard-hitting subjects such as war, poverty, as well as genocide and discrimination. These are but a few topics which some video games cover.
However, as Kotaku reports, CEO Bobby Kotick believes that video game companies exist to entertain its consumers and, in that regard, politics should not be shared.
“We’re not the operator of the world’s town halls,” Kotick said in his interview appearance on CNBC. “We’re the operator of the communities that allow you to have fun through the lens of a video game.”
This seems particularly ironic, considering that Blizzard were recently under fire through their treatment of Blitzchung, the riots in search for freedom for Hong Kong and the fact that Blizzard’s games, particularly Overwatch, include political organizations and themes throughout.
Kotick further explained that he is ‘inspired’ by CEOs who do show leadership in the areas he is unable to do so.
“I think there are some business people who are incredible examples of character and integrity and principle and have what you see are the great attributes of leadership, and I think that they are incredibly inspiring for me.” He continued, ” But I think, you know, they do have the right to articulate views and visions and voices about government and policy and politics, and I love engaging with those people.”
While some may find Kotick’s stance alarming, it isn’t surprising as many game developers and companies have also reiterated that their games aren’t ‘political’, despite including themes that makes that statement seemingly up for debate.
Of course, whether these statements are ‘true’ or not remains up to you, reader.
Feature Image Source: Flickr – Bobby Kotick in NYC photographed by Jordan Matter
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