Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, has spoken out. He is implementing immediate measures – and will likely fire employees.
Last week, a huge sexism and discrimination scandal erupted at Activision Blizzard, triggered by a lawsuit from the state of California. An initial statement from Blizzard regarding these accusations left employees angry and traumatized. Now there is a letter from CEO Bobby Kotick to all employees – and he uses strong words. People from the management will be fired.
Who is speaking? Bobby Kotick is the current president and CEO of Activision Blizzard. He is one of the “top bosses” and his voice carries significant weight at the game studio.
In the community, Bobby Kotick does not enjoy a particularly good reputation. Many see him as one of the culprits who have “derailed Blizzard.” Some massive payouts in the past have also caused discontent.
What does he write? In the early morning hours (afternoon in America), Bobby Kotick sent an email to all employees. In it, he apologizes for the initial statement. They did not listen properly. It is important to “recognize all perspectives and experiences and to respect the feelings of those who have been wronged in any way.”
The goal is to bring about lasting change. Therefore, the company will immediately implement the following points:
- Support for employees: Every accusation will be thoroughly investigated and decisive measures will be taken. Additional staff and resources will be allocated to strengthen these efforts.
- “Listening Sessions”: Many employees have ideas on how to improve the company culture at Activision Blizzard. A safe, moderated setting will be created for everyone to present and discuss their ideas.
- Changes in personnel: All managers and leadership positions are currently being reassessed. Anyone found to have disrupted the “integrity of the process for evaluating accusations” or obstructed necessary consequences will be terminated.
- Hiring practices: Kotick claims to have sent an email to all managers earlier in the year stating that a “diverse list” should be created when selecting candidates for all positions. More resources will be dedicated to ensuring that all leaders adhere to this.
- Changes in games: Some content in the game has been deemed inappropriate. This content will be removed.
Particularly the last point is not elaborated on, but it is suspected that it concerns NPCs like Field Marshall Afrasiabi. Alex Afrasiabi is one of the accused who allegedly harassed many women. The NPC is named after him and has already been killed repeatedly by players in recent days. There have been numerous calls for the removal of such NPCs.
Whether it is exactly this content or others that are meant will likely be revealed in the coming days.
What else is addressed in the letter? A fairly long part of the letter explains that Kotick has engaged a law firm to review and adjust their measures, rules, and practices. Anyone who believes they have been wronged, harassed, or treated inappropriately at work should report it and it will be followed up.
You can view the full letter from Bobby Kotick to all employees in our sources.
What do you think of Kotick’s response? A good reaction and a clear improvement? Or just nice words to mitigate the problem?
