Activision Blizzard and harassment: will pay 18 million to a government agency

There is no peace for Activision Blizzard: on Monday the company said it will pay 18 million dollars to the federal employment agency in the context of the lawsuit with the state of California. For those who missed it, the software house has recently been at the center of a major diatribe over reports of workplace abuse, ranging from sexual harassment to toxic management behavior towards employees.

Activision Blizzard: 18 million to the federal employment agency

Activision, to the microphones of New York Times, said the money paid serves as a symbol to make amends, acknowledging the allegations and demonstrating a willingness to create a healthier job in the future. Note that, according to the statements, a portion of these funds will be given to charity, to help women active in the video game industry.

A refund that seems right, especially after what emerged in the document filed by the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In the context of this document it was described a workplace to say the least toxic, where female employees were regularly harassed, even sexually, and discriminated against with lower salaries.

The complaint came later 3 years of investigation in the software house, which took place simultaneously with a second survey by a US employment agency, which reached the same conclusions. It should be emphasized in this sense that the agreement on Monday which provides for the payment of 18 million dollars does not affect the Californian lawsuit in any way, but is an initiative taken independently by the software house.

Activision took the opportunity to explain that it will use the opportunity for improve its internal policies, to prevent such incidents from happening again.

“There is nowhere in our company for discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment of any kind, and I am grateful to the employees who have courageously shared their experiences,” explained Activision’s CEO. Bobby Kotick – I’m sorry that someone has had to experience inappropriate behavior ”.