It is not the only one that has been reported in recent months, but the case of sexual abuse and workplace harassment of some Activision Blizzard workers by superiors and male colleagues has reopened the deep gender gap that is lived in the video game industry. Not only have protests been organized and joint statements released by thousands of developers, other industry leaders, such as Phil Spencer (Xbox manager) They have spoken out against these abuses and have given their full support to the victims.
In a recent tweet after one of the meetings of the Xbox Women in Gaming program that the company has managed for some time, Spencer refers directly to the recent cases of discrimination by sending all your personal support to the victims. “I see you, I am with you,” says the manager.
I just came out of a powerful discussion with Xbox Women in Gaming, from whom I’ve learned so much over the years. I want to share my personal support for everyone who has experienced sexual harassment or discrimination. I see you. I stand with you.
– Phil Spencer (@ XboxP3) July 30, 2021
Unlike other cases, such as that of Ubisoft, that of Activision Blizzard has been especially relevant and painful because the complaint has been filed by an agency of the state of California itself, in the United States, based on an investigation of more than two years. The car contains testimonies from company workers about an established “culture of fraternity” among their male colleagues and managers, employment discrimination and sexual behavior and abuse that led to the suicide of a worker during a business trip.
On the other hand, after the criticism received for the mismanagement of the crisis, the official response by Activision Blizzard has not gone down well in much of the industry either, not only due to insufficient and inadequate, but also for referring the matter to a consultancy. specialized in preventing union movements among workers, among other things.