BRO CULTURE IS RAPE CULTURE
Facing a "challenging time", Activision Blizzard announces formation of Workplace Responsibility Committee
Another day, another development in the messy, appalling saga that is Activision Blizzard's response to its ongoing sexual harrassment lawsuit.
Following reports that Bobby Kotick apparently discussed stepping down as Activision Blizzard boss, the company's board slipped out a press release at 10.30pm EST detailing the formation of a "Workplace Responsibility Committee".
The press release, written in dense HR-centric language, basically notes that this new committee will oversee Activision Blizzard’s progress in "successfully implementing its new policies, procedures, and commitments to improve workplace culture and eliminate all forms of harassment and discrimination at the company". You can read about some of the proposed policies here, though it's worth noting that they won't necessarily apply to Kotick himself. Hm.
The new Workplace Responsibility Committee will consist of the only two women on Activision Blizzard's 10-person board of directors (a board which has stood behind Kotick as calls for his resignation mount up), though Activision notes "a new, diverse director" will soon be added to the board, too.
"The committee will require management to develop key performance indicators and/or other means to measure progress and ensure accountability," reads the press release. "The chief executive officer, Bobby Kotick, along with the chief people officer and chief compliance officer will provide frequent progress reports to the committee, which will regularly brief the full board. The committee is empowered to retain outside consultants or advisers, including independent legal counsel, to assist in its work."
So, basically, the committee can get advice from outside sources and lawyer up, but there's no reference at all to how it can (or should) interact with the actual workforce. You know, the people making all these complaints and the reason state and federal agencies are investigating the company.
"Formation of the committee and additional future changes will help facilitate additional direct oversight and transparency and ensure that the company’s commitments to Activision Blizzard’s workforce are carried out with urgency and impact," the press release continues. "This has been a challenging time across the company, but the board is confident in the actions underway to set the company up for future success."
It's worth noting, at this point, that this press release is directed at investors – some of which have also called for Kotick's resignation.
Given that PlayStation and Xbox bosses are planning to re-evaluate their relationship with Activision Blizzard, the formation of this Committee may not be enough.
Nintendo Joins Sony And Xbox In Calling Activision Blizzard Crisis 'Disturbing'
Doug Bowser finds recent reports “distressing”
Updated: 23 Nov 2021
Nintendo has joined the likes of Sony and Xbox, speaking out against Activision Blizzard due to recent reports of sexual misconduct and toxicity.
In a new report by Fanbyte, Doug Bowser reportedly expressed concern over the ongoing situation at Activision Blizzard in a company-wide email, calling the allegations "distressing and disturbing."
“Along with all of you, I’ve been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company,” he explained. “I find these accounts distressing and disturbing. They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs, values and policies.
The email reportedly goes on to explain that Nintendo is committed to providing an “open and inclusive” workplace and expects the same from the industry and its partners. Bowser also states that Nintendo has been “in contact with Activision, have taken action and are assessing others.” Although the email apparently stops short of giving further details.
However, the Nintendo chief does reportedly confirm that the company has been working with the ESA – a lobbying organization in which both Nintendo and Activision Blizzard are members. Bowser wrote that Nintendo has been working with the ESA since last week in order to “strengthen its stances on harassment and abuse in the workplace”.
“Every company in the industry must create an environment where everyone is respected and treated as equals,” the email reads. “And where all understand the consequences of not doing so.”
IGN has reached out to Nintendo of America for comment but has yet to receive a response at the time of publishing.
Xbox Boss 'Disturbed and Deeply Troubled' By Latest Activision Reports - IGN Now
Nintendo’s comments follow PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan who is said to be "disheartened and frankly stunned" by the Activision Blizzard scandal. Xbox boss Phil Spencer also added that he is “disturbed and deeply troubled” by the ongoing events.
Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has found himself under pressure to resign, and has reportedly told the company he would consider stepping down if he’s unable to quickly fix the ongoing issues at the company.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Nintendo Of America President Joins PlayStation And Xbox Counterparts In Criticism Of Activision Blizzard
"They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs"
Update: Nintendo has now officially confirmed this in a PR response to Fanbyte:
“We can confirm the content of Doug Bowser’s internal email to Nintendo of America staff is accurate. We have nothing further to share on this topic.”
Nintendo of America's president Doug Bowser last week issued an internal response to ongoing reports about allegations of misconduct at Activision Blizzard.
Bowser's email, which has been publicly shared by Fanbyte, was sent out on 19th November and reached "all levels" of Nintendo of America - including internal development houses such as Retro Studios (Metroid Prime 4) and the recently acquired Canadian team Next Level Games (Luigi's Mansion 3).
Bowser mentioned how "distressing and disturbing" the reports were and said every company in the industry was responsible for creating an environment where everyone is treated as an equal:
“Along with all of you, I’ve been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company. I find these accounts distressing and disturbing. They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs, values and policies.”
“Every company in the industry must create an environment where everyone is respected and treated as equals, and where all understand the consequences of not doing so.”
His email further states how Nintendo has committed itself to an open and inclusive workplace - welcoming everyone - and expects the same from the rest of the industry and its partners.
Nintendo's representatives have apparently been “in contact with Activision, have taken action, and are assessing others." Bowser mentioned how Nintendo has been working with the ESA (a lobbying organisation Activision is also a member of) encouraging it to strengthen its stances on harassment and hold its members to the highest standard.
Both Sony and Microsoft are also reportedly re-evaluating their relationship with Activision Blizzard. You can read more in our previous stories:
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