The awful story of Activision-Blizzard continues.
I wrote about the sexual harassment, discrimination, frat boy attitudes, on the job drinking etc. two weeks ago, and I'm not going to repeat it here.
In the weeks since a lot has happened. The CEO of Activision-Blizzard, Bobby Kotick released a statement condemning such behavior and vowed that anyone doing so would be fired, even executives. (We'll see if that holds true). He also hired a law firm to act as a third party watchdog that employees can approach safely with such problems. The problem is however that the firm in question is WilmerHale, a company famous for union busting. So, the employees have protested that choice in no uncertain terms, particularly since there has been a lot of talk of unionizing.
Blizzard president J. Allen Brack has left the company. One can only assume that “left” means “get lost before we have to fire you without benefits”. As the man in charge, it is obvious that this whole mess falls on his shoulders so it is possible that he is getting out of Dodge while he still can. Either way, it is no loss. He's being replaced by Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra as co-leaders of the company. Jesse Meschuk the SVP and senior people officer has also left Blizzard.
Several high profile sponsors have pulled out of the Esports leagues for both Overwatch and Call of Duty. Such sponsors include T-Mobile, Kellog's, State Farm and Coca-Cola. The last one is a bit funny as Kotick is also on the Coca-Cola board.The company has other sponsors who haven't pulled out yet, but time will tell if they also jump ship if for no other reason than to not have their brands associated with such reprehensible behavior.
As if it isn't bad enough that they are being sued by the State of California, Activision-Blizzard is also being sued by their own investors for failing to disclose that the state investigation was taking place. Since the investigation has being going on for the better part of two years, it's kind of hard to try to claim they forgot... I for one am looking forward to the fallout from this.
Twice now, there has been a group of investors who have tried to deny Kotick his ludicrous $100 million bonuses, but they have failed. Failed so far, that is. I can't imagine there is a single investor who is happy with the entire board of Activision-Blizzard right now. Lying to employees is one thing. Lying to customers is another, but lying to the investors is illegal and stupid. Some big heads may yet roll for this.
There is more to this story, so much more but I'm running out of time. Check out these articles if you want to know more:
That's that and all that. Join me again next time, and until then, have a great and safe week!
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