Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard, is one of the most consequential executives in the history of interactive entertainment, having transformed a struggling publisher into a global gaming powerhouse. After taking control of Activision in the early 1990s, Kotick pursued aggressive acquisitions and franchise-driven strategy, culminating in the 2008 merger that created Activision Blizzard. Under his leadership, the company scaled blockbuster franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, generating billions in annual revenue and shaping the modern games-as-a-service model. Known for hard-nosed execution and investor focus, Kotick’s tenure remains both highly influential and widely debated.

Michael Morhaime, cofounder and former CEO of Blizzard Entertainment, helped create some of the most iconic franchises in video game history, including Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft, and launched World of Warcraft into a global cultural phenomenon. Over nearly three decades, he cultivated Blizzard’s reputation for obsessive craftsmanship, player-first design, and community-driven storytelling, fueling the growth of esports and online gaming. After departing Blizzard, Morhaime founded DreamHaven, assembling top creative talent to pursue new worlds and player experiences. His visionary leadership has left an enduring impact on how games are developed, played, and celebrated worldwide.