CEO Bobby Kotick draws consequences from the scandal at Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard, Inc., previously known as Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a US video game company that has Activision (Creator of the Call of Duty Saga, Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk and Skylanders among others) and Blizzard Entertainment (Developers by World of Warcraft, Diablo, Starcraft, Overwatch among others). Since its fusion in 2008 and subsequent purchase by Tencent Holdings, Activision Blizzard has become the most important Third-Party for the United States and globally, achieving a market capitalization of 49 billion dollars.

In a letter, Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, has come to the future of the company. This stands for several allegations on sexism in criticism. Kotick now promised improvement and asked the administration to shorten his salary payments and bonuses until the goals were implemented.

What was that for a letter? The letter was sent by Bobby Kotick to the employees of Activision Blizzard and also published via BusinessWire (via businesswire.com).

It says, among other things, that Kotick wants to make the company Activision Blizzard for the inviting and integrative company in the industry. To do this, 5 steps should be taken to achieve the goal:

There will be a zero-tolerance policy on the subject of harassment. Who harass others, must expect a drainage immediately. This will also be a direct paragraph in future employment contracts. The proportion of women and non-binary employees should increase to 50% in the company. Currently, the quota is about 23%. Extra $ 250 million for the next 10 years will be taken in hand. The company waives forced arbitration dishes when it comes to allegations of sexual harassment. If a staff decides to complain about a lawsuit, the company does not stand in the way. The subject of labor equality should continue to be brought to the fore. It should give regular progress reports, whether and how these plans have been implemented.

Until the measures have been completely implemented, KITICK has asked the management of Activision Blizzard to shorten its salary. With $ 62,500 per year, he became the lowest amount, which is possible for his position according to the right in California. He also does not want to be involved in bonuses or shares.

How is Kotick seen in the community? The CEO is unpopular with the fans of Blizzard. Many see in him the reason why their beloved blizzard has changed to the negative. The money has been too focused on the acquisition of acitivision.

He also got a $ 200 million bonus in early 2021, while releases at Blizzard took place. That did not matter to many gaming fans.

State authority determined because of discrimination against Activision Blizzard

How did the course change at the company? Activision Blizzard is currently in criticism, because in the company a culture should prevail in a student connection. Women are the goal of constant sexual harassment and would pay even worse.

Men, on the other hand, could allow themselves and even drink alcohol at work. Even the promotion opportunities of women should be less than those of men.

This threw the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the largest civil rights authority in the US, the company and sued her in court. A person s focus was Alex Afrasiabi, whose room was called Cosby Suite during the Blizzcon.

The lawsuit grew to a scandal that hurt the company value and the reputation of Blizzard.

What has already been done since the lawsuit ?

As a first reaction to the action, some employees were released. Kotick also announced that Listening Sessions are introduced so that employees can share their ideas for improving corporate culture. In addition, employees should be supported that alleged allegations for harassment. The Blizzard boss J. Allen Brack left the company.

Also at the game Wow have made some changes:

Names of NPCs and a city were changed, which are related to persons who are being accused of sexism In a dungeon, female were replaced by male NPCs Emotes were painted or changed From a few half-naked women was fruit

Why is Blizzard still sued? In addition to the claim of the civil rights authority, another procedure is running that the employees of Activision Blizzard themselves have led themselves.

It says that employees feel suppressed. They should not speak openly about their salary, would be severely limited in communication in social media and should not be a union.

Employee sue Activision Blizzard - feel suppressed by bosses