Activision Blizzard employees call for boss to step down

Workers at game-development titan Activision Blizzard have staged a walkout, after reports chief executive Bobby Kotick had long been aware of harassment allegations.

The Wall Street Journal published an extensive investigation into the company, alleging Mr Kotick had “intervened” in at least one case.

Mr Kotick called the report “inaccurate and misleading”.

He has not been personally accused of any misconduct amid the scandal.

Blizzard head J Allen Brack stepped down in August, in the immediate aftermath of the revelations and following an initial staff walkout.

Nearly 1,600 Activision employees and contractors have called for Kotick to be removed. That’s the number who have signed this petition at the time of writing. The petition carries weight because the signatories have given their names and job titles. At the top, they write:

We, the undersigned, no longer have confidence in the leadership of Bobby Kotick as the CEO of Activision Blizzard. The information that has come to light about his behaviors and practices in the running of our companies runs counter to the culture and integrity we require of our leadership — and directly conflicts with the initiatives started by our peers. We ask that Bobby Kotick remove himself as CEO of Activision Blizzard, and that shareholders be allowed to select the new CEO without the input of Bobby, who we are aware owns a substantial portion of the voting rights of the shareholders.

A separate petition to oust him has garnered over 14,500 signatures and counting. This one isn’t limited to employees and contractors, but it is endorsed by Activision’s employee advocacy group ABK Workers Alliance. “Having a petition with Activision Blizzard consumer signatures should show him how much we think he is unfit for his position,” the organizers write.

The boss of Xbox condemned the developments at Activision. Phil Spencer told his staff in an email that he’s “disturbed and deeply troubled by the horrific events and actions” at the company, and referred to the Wall Street Journal report. He added that Microsoft is “evaluating all aspects of our relationship with Activision Blizzard and making ongoing proactive adjustments.” Spencer’s comments follow a similar intervention by Playstation’s Jim Ryan on Wednesday.

Girls Who Code severed ties with Activision. The nonprofit, which advocates for women in tech, had partnered with the company since 2018. A statement from the organization read in part: “We hold our partners accountable when they fall short and work with them to bring meaningful solutions to the table. However, there is a line, and the allegations against Activision have crossed that line.”

‘Zero-tolerance policy’

Activision said it was “disappointed in the Wall Street Journal’s report, which presents a misleading view of Activision Blizzard and our CEO”.

“Instances of sexual misconduct that were brought to his attention were acted upon,” a representative said, alleging changes being made currently were being ignored.

“The constant desire to be better has always set this company apart.

“Which is why, at Mr Kotick’s direction, we have made significant improvements, including a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate conduct.”

The board of directors also issued a statement, saying: “The board remains confident that Bobby Kotick appropriately addressed workplace issues brought to his attention.

“The goals we have set for ourselves are both critical and ambitious.

“The board remains confident in Bobby Kotick’s leadership, commitment and ability to achieve these goals.”