On the other hand, I suspect this is only a setback, not a fundamental shift in policy or direction. Where stuff like this is driven by people like Kotick, I'm reminded of a scene in Serenity:
They'll come at you sideways.
It's how they think.
It's how they move.
Sidle up and smile.
Hit you where you're weak.
Sort of man
they like to send
believes hard.
Kills and never asks why.