In a letter, Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, commented on the future of the company, which is under scrutiny after several allegations regarding sexism. Kotick has promised improvements and has asked management to cut his salary and bonuses until the goals are achieved.
What was this letter about? The letter was sent by Bobby Kotick to the employees of Activision Blizzard and also published via Businesswire (via Businesswire.com).
It states that Kotick wants to make Activision Blizzard the most inviting and inclusive company in the industry. To achieve this, five steps will be taken:
- A zero-tolerance policy on harassment will be implemented. Anyone who harasses others can expect to be fired immediately. This will also be a direct clause in future employment contracts.
- The proportion of women and non-binary employees in the company is to increase by 50%. Currently, the percentage is about 23%. An additional $250 million will be set aside for the next 10 years for this purpose.
- The company will waive forced arbitration in cases of sexual harassment allegations. If an employee chooses to sue, the company will not stand in the way.
- The issue of equal pay will be further emphasized.
- There will be regular progress reports on whether and how these plans have been implemented.
Until the measures are fully implemented, Kotick has asked the management of Activision Blizzard to cut his salary. According to the letter, he would receive $62,500 per year, the lowest amount allowed by law in California for his position. Additionally, he does not wish to participate in bonuses or stock options.
How is Kotick viewed in the community? The CEO is particularly unpopular among Blizzard fans. Many see him as the reason why “their beloved Blizzard” has changed for the worse. Money has become too much of a focus since the acquisition by Activision.
He also received a bonus of $200 million in early 2021, while layoffs were occurring at Blizzard. This was not well received by many gaming fans.
Government Agency Investigated Discrimination at Activision Blizzard
What led to the change in direction at the company? Activision Blizzard is currently under criticism because it is said that a culture like that of a fraternity exists within the company. Women are allegedly targets of constant sexual harassment and are simultaneously paid less.
Men, on the other hand, can get away with anything and even drink alcohol at work. The promotion opportunities for women are also said to be lower than those for men.
This was alleged by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the largest civil rights agency in the U.S., which sued the company in court. A focal person was Alex Afrasiabi, whose room was referred to as the “Cosby Suite” during BlizzCon.
The lawsuit escalated into a scandal that harmed the company’s value and Blizzard’s reputation.
What has been done since the lawsuit?
- As a first reaction to the lawsuit, some employees were laid off.
- Kotick also announced that “Listening Sessions” would be introduced to allow employees to share their ideas for improving the company culture. Additionally, employees who have raised allegations of harassment will be supported.
- Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack left the company.
Some changes have also been made to the game WoW:
- Names of NPCs and a city have been changed that are associated with individuals accused of sexism.
- In one dungeon, female NPCs were replaced by male NPCs.
- Some emotes have been removed or changed.
- Some half-naked women were replaced by fruit.
Why is Blizzard still being sued? In addition to the lawsuit by the civil rights agency, there is another proceeding that the employees of Activision Blizzard themselves initiated.
It states that the employees feel oppressed. They are not allowed to openly discuss their salaries, are heavily restricted in their communication on social media, and are not allowed to form a union.
Employees sue Activision Blizzard – Feel oppressed by bosses
The lawsuit escalated into a scandal that harmed the company’s value and Blizzard’s reputation.
What has been done since the lawsuit?
- As a first reaction to the lawsuit, some employees were laid off.
- Kotick also announced that “Listening Sessions” would be introduced to allow employees to share their ideas for improving the company culture. Additionally, employees who have raised allegations of harassment will be supported.
- Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack left the company.
Some changes have also been made to the game WoW:
- Names of NPCs and a city have been changed that are associated with individuals accused of sexism.
- In one dungeon, female NPCs were replaced by male NPCs.
- Some emotes have been removed or changed.
- Some half-naked women were replaced by fruit.
Why is Blizzard still being sued? In addition to the lawsuit by the civil rights agency, there is another proceeding that the employees of Activision Blizzard themselves initiated.
It states that the employees feel oppressed. They are not allowed to openly discuss their salaries, are heavily restricted in their communication on social media, and are not allowed to form a union.
Employees sue Activision Blizzard – Feel oppressed by bosses
