Activision Blizzard Walkout: Workers Protest Harassment Response

Activision Blizzard Faces Backlash Over Discrimination Lawsuit

A significant controversy has erupted at one of the world’s leading video game developers following the filing of a state lawsuit alleging discrimination and sexual harassment. Last week, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing initiated legal action against Activision Blizzard, asserting that the company cultivated an environment conducive to harassment and discrimination targeting women.

Employee Walkout Planned

In response to what many perceive as an inadequate reaction from company executives, a collective of Blizzard employees is organizing a walkout. This demonstration is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. PDT.

While the majority of Blizzard’s workforce currently operates remotely, those participating in the walkout intend to assemble at the entrance to the company’s Irvine, California campus.

Organizers Voice Concerns

The walkout organizers articulated their rationale, stating that recent pronouncements from Activision Blizzard, including statements from legal counsel and Frances Townsend, alongside accounts shared by both current and former staff, do not align with the values held by employees.

They have encouraged supporters to contribute financially to organizations dedicated to supporting underrepresented groups in technology, such as Black Girls Code, RAINN (the anti-sexual violence organization), and Girls Who Code.

Company Overview

Activision Blizzard is renowned for publishing highly successful gaming franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Starcraft, and Overwatch. The Blizzard subsidiary, established through a 2008 merger, maintains its headquarters in Irvine, California.

Allegations Detailed in the Lawsuit

The state agency’s lawsuit portrays a workplace atmosphere likened to a “frat house,” where female employees are allegedly denied equal opportunities compared to their male colleagues and are subjected to frequent and overt harassment, sometimes originating from supervisory personnel.

Company's Initial Response

Last week, the company issued a strong rebuttal to the lawsuit, attributing the legal challenge to “unaccountable state bureaucrats” who are purportedly driving businesses away from California. Frances Townsend, Activision Blizzard’s Executive Vice President and a former Homeland Security advisor, reinforced this assertive stance in an internal communication, characterizing the lawsuit as a misrepresentation of the company’s practices.

Walkout Organizers Condemn Response

In a published open letter on Monday, the walkout organizers strongly criticized Blizzard’s response to the allegations presented in the lawsuit. They contend that these statements have hindered progress toward achieving equality within the gaming industry and beyond.

“…These statements make it clear that our leadership is not putting our values first,” they wrote.

Demands Outlined in Open Letter

The letter, endorsed by over 2,600 employees, articulates several demands. These include the elimination of mandatory arbitration clauses – which organizers claim shield perpetrators and restrict victims’ access to redress – enhanced representation and opportunities for women and nonbinary employees, salary transparency, and a comprehensive audit of the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Social Media Support and Solidarity

On Twitter, a wave of support for Wednesday’s walkout has emerged under the hashtag #ActiBlizzWalkout. Some individuals are advocating for a boycott of Activision Blizzard games as a demonstration of solidarity. Others are suggesting that streamers utilize the walkout timeframe to raise awareness regarding pervasive sexual harassment and discrimination within gaming culture.

Symbolic Protest at Headquarters

A Blizzard employee shared an image depicting the company’s iconic statue of an axe-wielding orc, a prominent landmark at its Irvine headquarters. The three plaques surrounding the statue, which display the company’s core values – “Lead responsibly,” “play nice, play fair,” and “every voice matters” – were covered with paper.