Paradigm via Bloomberg

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is alleged to accept quietly donated large sums of money to Republican campaigns through a secret company named Norgate LLC, reported CNBC. The CEO's contributions are said to have gone towards a political action committee associated with controversial Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

CNBC besides shed light on 807080A LLC, a strangely named company that Kotick has reportedly used as another method of making discreet political donations. Through this company, the CEO allegedly donated to a committee benefitting former Bridgewater CEO Dave McCormick's GOP primary entrada for Pennsylvania's Senate seat. McCormick emerged every bit a controversial figure during the 2022 Super Bowl, during which he broadcasted a entrada commercial that prominently featured the phrase "Let's Become Brandon" — a derogatory slogan commonly used to "discreetly" insult sitting United States President Joe Biden.

The 2 companies reportedly shared the same address on their FEC filings and were linked back to Kotick thanks to a personal mailbox on Norgate's filing existence registered in Kotick's name.

In a argument to CNBC, Kotick'southward spokesperson Mark Herr did not comment on Norgate, but did advise that 807080A LLC was previously used to "manage some of Kotick'due south investments." Herr also dedicated Kotick, claiming "Mr. Kotick has contributed roughly the same corporeality to Democrats and Republicans," despite contribution records indicating Republicans have, on average, received larger sums of money.

Kotick's support of the Republican party isn't exactly a secret. His personal donation history is publically bachelor to view on OpenSecrets, which displays some rather hefty amounts donated to Republican politicians. In 2022, Activision Blizzard also hired Frances Townsend, who previously served equally Homeland Security Counselor to former Republican President George Westward. Bush.

Kotick is a controversial figure in the video game industry. His exorbitant salary and poor treatment of Activision Blizzard's sexual misconduct scandal have made him a target of frequent criticism past game industry fans and employees alike. In November 2022, a group of shareholders called for the CEO'south resignation, but to no avail.

This news comes in the midst of what has been a tumultuous year for Activision Blizzard. QA workers from one of the visitor's subsidiaries, Raven Software, are currently attempting to unionize afterward roughly a third of the section was laid off. Additionally, it was announced that Microsoft would acquire the Call of Duty and Overwatch maker in a bombshell conquering deal set to close in 2023.