Video Gaming Industry Mindful Of Its Role In Employment Says Activisions Bobby Kotick
Under the government’s austerity measures, the UK recently implemented the biggest cuts seen since World War II, including reversing course on the previously planned tax relief for British game developers. The government’s austerity measures are meant to reduce their 156 billion-pound ($250 billion) budget deficit, but many, including Activision CEO Robert “Bobby” Kotick, warn that this drastic measure may result in lost jobs.
The video game sector offers opportunities for high technology job creation in the UK, and reversing the promised tax relief could encourage companies to leave the UK in search of more tax-friendly countries. Moreover, this tax won’t be fully burdened by the companies as it will result in higher game prices for the consumer. Kotick is quoted as saying, “I think it was a terrible mistake. There are so many other places that are encouraging the video games industry.”
Bobby Kotick is chairman and CEO of American computer game company Activision Blizzard Inc. and is credited with transforming Activision from a near bankrupt game company into one of the most successful gaming companies to date. Kotick, who went from avid gamer to game developer to businessman, took over Activision in 1991 and dedicated himself to resuscitating the business. Today, Activision’s annual revenue tops $1.5 billion with over 7,000 full time employees. Kotick is dedicated to the employees and employment rates in his company and says that Activision Blizzard has doubled in size in the past four years and is hiring artists, animators, designers, developers and programmers.
When Bobby Kotick learned that the unemployment rate for United States veterans is significantly higher than the rest of the population, he was quick to brainstorm a solution. To help combat veteran unemployment issues, Activision created the Call of Duty Endowment, dedicated to supporting a variety of organizations that provide job training and placement to veterans. The Call of Duty Endowment is a charitable foundation that takes millions of dollars of profit from the game Call of Duty to contribute to finding well paying jobs that recognize the skills and capabilities of each veteran. Kotick hopes that the Call of Duty Endowment will raise American’s awareness to the needs of returning veterans.
Truly dedicated to the creation of jobs and the employment of US veterans, according to Kotick Activision began actively hiring veterans in its test department in 2008. Kotick is quoted as saying, “We will measure ourselves by the number of jobs we find veterans. Not how much money we raise, not how many fundraisers we host, not how great a party we can throw but simply by the thousands of jobs we hope to find for our veterans.”
For more info and queries in regards to Bobby Kotick go to www.activisionblizzard.com for more informatoin in regards to Bobby Kotick
