Trion's Buttler calls Kotick's "bluff"

Trion World Network founder and CEO Lars Buttler has responded to Activision CEO Bobby Kotick's suggestion that it would take a billion dollar investment to be competitive with World of Warcraft.

Speaking to an investor's conference, Kotick implied that a USD 500 million or USD 1 billion investment would not be enough to overtake World of Warcraft in the MMO space.

"We understand that Activision has to defend its merger and scare competition - but I have to call his bluff," Buttler told Game Daily.biz.

"We couldn't be more impressed with what Blizzard has started but WoW is just the beginning; it's pretty wild to suggest that there's only one team that could ever realize the potential of the connected era - and that there's no one out there that can deliver, no matter what the investment," Buttler said.

"They are truly a great team but there are other great teams out there who will make smart decisions, leverage the full advantage of connectivity and define the future of interactive entertainment."

Trion World Network has been ramping up with additional funding and new studio openings, but has yet to officially announce any product information.

Buttler said that the company is examining global markets and opening discussions with developers who are eager to embrace server-based gaming.