Ex-Activision CEO Bobby Kotick Unintentionally Criticizes Geometry Wars

Today, a clip featuring Bobby Kotick, the former head honcho of Activision Blizzard and somewhat of a controversial figure in the video game world, has been catching some attention. During a video podcast with Kleiner Perkins, where he appeared alongside former EA executive Bing Gordon, Kotick reminisced about a botched acquisition, though he seemed to struggle recalling specifics. He fumbled through his recollection, stating, “We actually had a bad acquisition. The company that was, um… in Manchester, that did the driving game for Xbox, and it was called, um…”

If you’re keen to see this clip in its entirety, you’ll find it around the 8-minute mark on the podcast. Admittedly, it’s not exactly flattering. Then again, when I’m [checks Wikipedia] 62, I might not perfectly remember something I did when I was [uses calculator app] 44, which is the age I am now. Let’s be real, will I recall putting this post together a decade from now? Who knows. However, what I’ll likely never forget is Bizarre Creations’ masterpiece—a game that my family still enjoys even today.

No, I’m not referring to Blur, despite its dedicated fans, nor am I talking about “the driving game for Xbox,” much respect to Project Gotham Racing enthusiasts. I’m firmly referring to Geometry Wars, the standout title that set a new standard for console gaming on Microsoft’s powerful Xbox 360, arguably stealing the show at its launch.

Originally a bonus feature in Project Gotham Racing 2 on the original Xbox, Geometry Wars is straightforward yet addictive—a classic twin-stick shooter where one stick guides your ship, and the other fires. When I was just starting my journey as a video game journalist (RIP Joystiq), I covered the Xbox 360 launch leading up to its big debut in November 2005. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, which was the enhanced high-definition version available on Xbox Live Arcade, left a lasting impression. I vividly remember writing, “If [Project Gotham Racing 3] isn’t the standout of the 360 launch, Bizarre’s other creation surely is!”

In the months after the launch, my colleagues at Joystiq and I marveled at the global leaderboards with a mix of awe and disbelief. Did people really score that high? The idea of a retro game becoming iconic on a high-definition console integrated with the internet was just the first glimpse of what was to come in the gaming world, yet it was undeniably exciting. We kept track of high scores (shout out to Striker and xTHeDoGgx) and had friendly competitions on our private leaderboards.

Fast forward to today, and Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved still captures hearts in my family on the Steam Deck. Its short sessions and spirited father-son competitions highlight just how timeless the game’s design is, nearly two decades later. Even if the studio’s name or its Liverpool roots have slipped your mind, Geometry Wars is definitely worth remembering. While Activision shuttered Bizarre Creations in 2011 shortly after releasing Blur, some team members regrouped to form Lucid Games. They went on to release Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions in 2014, marking the series’ debut on PlayStation.

And if this sounds intriguing and you haven’t had the chance to experience it yet, there’s good news! You can still pick up the original on the Xbox store for the same $4.99 price tag it carried in 2005, or find it on Steam now for just $1.99—cheaper than a cup of coffee at the gas station! For PlayStation fans, Geometry Wars 3 is available at $14.99, about the cost of an upscale coffee these days (don’t quote me on that).

I’d love to hear if any of you share my fond affection for this game. Let me know in the comments, and perhaps I’ll catch you on the leaderboards. 👀