Video-game giant Activision Blizzard recently announced that its president, J. Allen Brack, was stepping down as the company faces a discrimination and sexual harassment lawsuit in California, and an employee revolt. The state last month sued Activision Blizzard, maker of World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and other popular games, accusing it of fostering a “frat boy” culture that is “a breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women.” More than 1,500 workers walked off their jobs, and thousands signed a letter criticizing the company after executives dismissed the lawsuit as “meritless” and “inaccurate.” Activision CEO Bobby Kotick later apologized for the “tone deaf” response, but it feels a bit too-little too-late.
Time for a culture renovation?
