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Activision's Kotick 'Challenged' by Former Bungie VP

Posted September 23, 2010 by James Brightman

At a recent investor's conference, Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick commented that Bungie's probably the last remaining high quality independent developer. Atomic Games president and former executive vp at Bungie Peter Tamte has reacted to this news, noting that if what Kotick said is true, then Activision's entire business is done for. 

In a letter addressed to Kotick, Tamte said, "You were quoted saying that Bungie is the last remaining high quality independent developer. As a former executive vice president of Bungie, I need to tell you: If this is true, you're screwed."

"Activision and every other big publisher have grown by acquiring independent developers. The industry needs a constant supply of new independent developers to buy because they're the ones creating innovative games that become franchises."

Tamte continued by then issuing a challenge to Kotick and Activision: "...we challenge you. You've called Activision the industry's online leader. If you think the newest Call of Duty online experience is that innovative, let players buy just the online part of Call of Duty Black Ops and charge them a fair price."

Tamte even said they'd put Kotick in their new game. 

"In fact, we'll make you a deal. Let consumers buy just the online part of Call of Duty, and we'll give you a starring role in our new online game, Breach. Trust me, starring in your own videogame would give you huge street cred. ...  As an independent developer, Atomic can't spend its way to big sales, like Activision can. We have to innovate. So, if you're confident Activision can innovate without independent developers, this is your opportunity to prove it."

[Thanks to Kotaku]

James Brightman has been covering the games industry since 2003 and has been an avid gamer ever since the days of Atari and Intellivision. He was previously the EIC of GameDaily Biz.