Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick Apologizes For ‘Tone Deaf’ Statement, Read Full Letter Here

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has issued a letter to his staff following the information {that a} walkout is deliberate for tomorrow. The walkout is the most recent step staff are taking to enhance work situations following particulars of a lawsuit towards Activision Blizzard from the state of California over reported gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the office going public. 

Recreation Informer has obtained a replica of the letter from Kotick to the corporate as a complete, stating that it has “been a tough and upsetting week.” The letter goes on to denounce the preliminary Activision Blizzard response, agreeing with the group that the messaging was “tone deaf” and that it’s “crucial” that the groups come collectively and “acknowledge all views and experiences and respect the sentiments of those that have been mistreated in any manner.” He added, “I am sorry that we didn’t present the suitable empathy and understanding.”

The letter continues, saying:

A lot of you could have informed us that energetic outreach comes from caring so deeply for the Firm. That so many individuals have reached out and shared ideas, options, and highlighted alternatives for enchancment is a strong reflection of how you take care of our communities of colleagues and gamers – and for one another. Making certain that we’ve got a secure and welcoming work setting is my highest precedence. The management crew has heard you loud and clear.

We’re taking swift motion to be the compassionate, caring firm you got here to work for and to make sure a secure setting. There isn’t a place wherever at our Firm for discrimination, harassment, or unequal remedy of any sort.

We are going to do all the pieces potential to make it possible for collectively, we enhance and construct the form of inclusive office that’s important to foster creativity and inspiration.

Kotick additionally particulars an instantaneous plan of motion, with the primary mandate of enlisting the assistance of an exterior regulation agency known as WilmerHale. WilmerHale will examine present insurance policies inside the firm to “be sure that we’ve got and preserve the very best practices to advertise a wholesome and inclusive office.” Given the inflammatory and egregious nature of the allegations at hand, WilmerHale is prone to face an particularly difficult job. 

The CEO additionally gives contact info for Stephanie Avakian, who’s revealed to be most just lately the Director of america Securities and Alternate Fee’s Division of Enforcement. This contact info is for use by anybody that feels or has felt uncomfortable whereas working at Activision Blizzard at the side of the continuing investigation. 

As for what’s subsequent forward of the court docket proceedings going ahead, Kotick has listed the beneath actionable objects in response to the aforementioned lawsuit: 

1. Worker Assist. We are going to proceed to research each declare and won’t hesitate to take decisive motion. To strengthen our capabilities on this space, we’re including further senior workers and different assets to each the Compliance crew and the Worker Relations crew.
2. Listening Classes. We all know lots of you could have impressed concepts on the right way to enhance our tradition. We shall be creating secure areas moderated by third events so that you can converse out and share areas for enchancment.
3. Personnel Adjustments. We’re instantly evaluating managers and leaders throughout the Firm. Anybody discovered to have impeded the integrity of our processes for evaluating claims and imposing acceptable penalties shall be terminated.
4. Hiring Practices. Earlier this 12 months, I despatched an electronic mail requiring all hiring managers to make sure they’ve various candidate slates for all open positions. We shall be including compliance assets to make sure that our hiring managers are, in reality, adhering to this directive.
5. In-game Adjustments. We’ve heard the enter from worker and participant communities that a few of our in-game content material is inappropriate. We’re eradicating that content material.

The message ends with a message of assist and a want to supply a “welcoming, comfy, and secure” work tradition. To study extra concerning the harassment lawsuit, please check with our earlier protection right here.