Microids: Change of Direction, an Activision-Blizzard Veteran Takes the Helm
Ahmed Hassan 
As the video game industry faces an ongoing crisis spanning several years, there has been curiosity about how Microids maintained stability. Despite facing a poor reputation within the gaming community and a challenging year in 2023 characterized by critical and commercial failures (including Goldorak, The Adventures of Tintin, Inspector Gadget, and Flashback 2), the French publisher rebounded in 2024 with two titles that helped restore its reputation: The Smurfs: The Epic of Dreams and Ants.
In 2024, Microids faced challenges due to frequent criticisms of their production methods following several investigations, which highlighted exhausted teams and low morale as a result of critical failures. Additionally, Microids could not avoid the impact of an increasingly demanding and costly industry environment. Operating with often constrained budgets and ending their fiscal year in December (unlike most video game publishers that end on March 31st), Microids consistently released multiple games between September and December. In 2023, for example, they released 14 games over a span of four months, which sometimes strained their schedule.
Michael Sportouch, former CEO of Activision France, replaces Stéphane Longeard.
A method of operation that may shift in the coming months has been set in motion by Media-Participations (the parent company of Microids), which has decided to terminate the employment of Stéphane Longeard, who served as the CEO of Microids since April 14, 2000. This change in leadership was initially disclosed by BFM Tech & Co on February 28, 2025, and later confirmed by LaLettre.fr, which reported that Michael Sportouch will assume the role at Microids. Former President of Activision-Blizzard France, Michael Sportouch, is relocating to Rosa Park in Paris as part of a restructuring initiative within Microids’ management, as requested by Media-Participations’ CEO, Vincent Montaigne.
Stéphane Longeard is not the only individual departing from Microids; Marc Laumet, the deputy general manager, has not held his position since February, according to reports on LaLettre.fr. Employees speaking with BFM Tech & Co expressed concerns about a new profile that may not align with Microids’ established culture: “It’s always challenging to welcome a new boss, and we’re primarily worried that he might alter the atmosphere at Microids,” said an anonymous employee. Michael Sportouch, who is immediately associated with his previous role as General Manager of Activision-Blizzard France, also previously led Atari France, Infogrames, and Game One in the early 2000s. Looking further back in his career, it’s notable that he began as a video game graphic designer for Space Harrier in 1988 under Paul Cuisset, who created both the acclaimed Flashback and its controversial sequel Flashback 2. Thirty-seven years later, these two individuals now find themselves at Microids together again. It remains to be seen whether they will replicate their past achievements.
For fans of Astérix and Obélix, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Carlos Mendoza delves into Microids’ upcoming release, “Astérix and Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2,” set to launch on November 30, 2023. This sequel promises more dynamic gameplay with new moves for Astérix and Obélix, including a Rage mode that adds depth to the classic beat ’em up formula. Carlos provides an insightful look at how the game stays true to its comic roots while introducing innovative elements that fans will surely appreciate. Be sure to check out his detailed analysis Astérix and Obélix Baffez-les Tous 2: Finally, Gameplay Video – There’s Novelty for a sneak peek into this highly anticipated title. In an exciting turn of events, Microids has strengthened its ties with China through a new partnership with Bilibili Games (often referred to as “Chinese YouTube”). This collaboration follows their successful joint venture on F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch in 2022 and is set to bring another high-quality game to the global audience. The project, which emphasizes Chinese culture and is being optimized for international players, was announced by Marcus Thompson back on September 21, 2023. If you’re interested in seeing how this partnership unfolds and learning more about the upcoming game’s unique features, be sure to check out Microids Strengthens Ties with China and Bilibili Games, New Game in Development on Players For Life. For those interested in Microids’ international endeavors and its strategic partnerships beyond France, be sure to check out our blog post titled “Microids: China Shows Interest in French Publisher, Delegation Visits Offices” by Sophie Laurent (published on August 29, 2023). The piece explores the recent visit of a Chinese delegation to Microids’ Paris office and their discussions around potential collaborations with the company. With Microids already making waves through partnerships with Japanese and Saudi Arabian entities, this new interest from China highlights the publisher’s significant global reach and ambition. Dive into the details Microids: China Shows Interest in French Publisher, Delegation Visits Offices to see how Microids is positioning itself for international success despite domestic challenges.
About the Author
Marcus Thompson 
Jonathan Dubinski 
Carlos Mendoza 
Bruno Pferd 
