Activision reshuffles US operations

A restructure right at the very top of leading global publisher Activision has seen the company split into four units – one handling Call of Duty, another dealing with internally owned IP such as Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk, a third working on licensed properties and a fourth comprising independent World of Warcraft studio Blizzard.

As part of the moves, former publishing boss Mike Griffith becomes the new vice chairman and Thomas Tippl, as previously reported, is the new COO.

The firm’s licensed operations will be headed by Dave Oxford, the former head of Activision’s low-budget value operations at its Minneapolis office. Internally owned titles will be handled by Maria Stripp.

Blizzard president Mike Morhaime will also act as the interim head of publishing.

A memo from boss Bobby Kotick obtained by the LA Times reads: This is an important change as it will allow me, with Thomas, to become more deeply involved in areas of the business where I believe we can capture great potential and opportunity.”

The paper adds that around 15 jobs have been lost as a result of the restructure.