Activision's Bobby Kotick's DICE 2010 Speech: What Does It Say About Bungie And Infinity Ward?

At DICE 2010, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick delivered a keynote speech about creative talent and the relationship between Activision and its development talent -- an interesting subject for Kotick to speak on, given the industry upheaval yesterday over the publishing deal between Activision and Bungie and the conflict between ex Infinity Ward employees and Activision. The speech is embedded under the "Read More" tag.

Kotick's keynote is like Lost: Watching it in the beginning was kinda cool, then it didn't make any sense, and now at the end, it's starting to become a bit more clear, but maybe only if you accept that it takes place in various time-streams.

Kotick says all the right words in the speech, emphasizing having respect for creative employees and giving resources when they're needed, but I gotta ask: In your opinion, do Activision's recent actions fit with quotes likes this:

"It took us a lot of time to realize how important it is to have a company that is respectful of the independent cultures of the other companies they work with. And not just respectful, but being oriented toward that culture of partnership. Being able to give the resources, whether it's a studio or a company, and know when to stand back and let them run with those resources"

Or, how about this one: 

"There is definitely a pattern emerging: If you have a company, and you want to protect your creative freedom and the integrity of the creative process, and you want to retain your identity and culture, and you want the support of the mothership and the resources of the mothership, we're a really great mothership. But if you want to sell out and move on, there are definitely other companies to talk to... I think we've learned that some ego is healthy, but the outsized egos need to be checked at the door."

Anyway, check out the speech. For insider game-junkies, it's fascinating.