World Of Warcraft: Activision Executives Pocketing $40m From Merger

Gamasutra revealed today more details on the Blizzard Activision merger, citing a major bonus divided upon Activision chairman and CEO Robert Kotick and co-chairman Brian Kelly from the deal:

According to a Financial Times report, regulatory filings show the two executives will also receive $10 million each in cash bonuses, along with 363,637 restricted shares, pending the successful completion of the Activision Blizzard deal. Kotick's bonus shares become fully vested in 2010, and he also will receive performance-based shares and options as mid-term incentives.

Both Kelly and Kotick will retain their titles at the new Activision Blizzard, but as part of the takeover have reportedly waived certain benefits to which they would have been entitled.

The report also noted that Blizzard will retain a great deal of independence in deciding their future development projects.