Activision Blizzard Controversy #MeToo Explained
Previously, the president of Activision Blizzard Entertainment decided to resign, just weeks after the company was hit with an inequality and sexual misconduct complaint in California, along with staff outcry over the company’s working conditions.
Following the filing of the lawsuit, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick wrote to staff members, saying that the company was:
“taking swift action to be the compassionate, caring company you came to work for and to ensure a safe environment.”
Alleged Sexism and Harassment
According to the allegation, as early as 2019, Brack knew that staff members were quitting the company due to widespread inappropriate behavior and gender discrimination. Employees had also complained to the company’s HR department about unequal wages and duties, according to the report.
Additionally, employees claim that the company did not take appropriate action measures. This is despite multiple complaints to HR personnel and executives, including Brack.
Blizzard President J. Allen Brack Says Goodbye To The Studio
Fans Backlash
The accused toxic working conditions at Activision Blizzard are forcing fans to reevaluate their support for the company’s brands. However, according to some Activision Blizzard staff members, boycotts may actually cause more problems.
On one hand, I completely understand why people would want to spend their money elsewhere rather than support a company that doesn't align with their morals.
On the other hand, it's a really bad feeling for those of us women who still work and fight daily at said company.
— tami lam (@cuppy) July 26, 2021
According to a current staff member, while they acknowledge the logic behind all this; taking a loss will grab the attention of executives and shareholders, pressuring them to act, however it doesn’t happen that way in practice.
“Even if a critical mass were reached, it’s more likely to result in layoffs on the dev teams than any change in opinion or composition at the top.”
SOURCE: The Associated Press, Yahoo! News
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JC Paredes
Since March 2021, I've worn two hats at Spiel Times: a writer and a Managing Editor. In my writing role, I've earned recognition from Wikipedia and Nev Schulman (Catfish TV Show host) for my insightful analysis and engaging narrative style. I'm passionate about all things gaming, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden secrets within games. My gaming journey began at a young age, captivated by titles like Resident Evil and Tomb Raider. Today, I enjoy exploring open-world RPGs and MMORPGs, consumed by their lore and crafting theories about their narratives. I'm also drawn to the suspenseful atmosphere of horror games and the intricate narratives of crime-themed titles, bringing a unique perspective to my writing. Beyond gaming, I have a fascination with anything unexplained and chilling, a passion that often spills over into my exploration of horror games. When I'm not engrossed in a virtual world, you can find me curled up and spending time with my adorable doggy sidekick, Teemo. As Managing Editor, I'm committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for our writing team. I communicate openly with my team members, addressing any content-related issues and providing guidance to help them excel.
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