The publisher has also launched its Workplace Responsibility Committee in one of Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick’s potentially last moves as the company’s head.

We recently wrote about how Doug Bowser, Nintendo’s US chairman, has made damning comments about Kotick, following Phil Spencer (Xbox) and Jim Ryan (PlayStation). Bowser mentioned that he was also calling for action by the ESA in this regard. Nintendo and Activision Blizzard are among the members of the Entertainment Software Association (the E3 organizers), and now the organization has said as much in a statement to Gamesindustry:

“Harassment, abuse, or mistreatment of any kind in the workplace is unacceptable and must never be tolerated. When allegations arise, people impacted need to have their voices heard. Any allegation needs to be acknowledged, thoroughly investigated, and addressed with meaningful consequences. The vitality of our industry requires that everyone in the workplace – and our communities – feels valued and respected. As an industry association, the ESA convenes its member companies to create dialogue and shape actions to ensure that these beliefs are realized.”

Meanwhile, Activision Blizzard’s board of directors announced that it has also established a Workplace Responsibility Committee to improve workplace culture. Initially, there will be two independent directors from Activision’s half: Dawn Ostroff, who will become chair, and Reveta Bowers; Ostroff has been an independent director since 2020 and is also the content director and advertising specialist at Spotify. Bowers has been an independent director since 2018; she previously spent 44 years as a teacher and administrator at The Center for Early Education.

According to the announcement, the committee will be tasked with overseeing “the company’s progress in successfully implementing its new policies, procedures, and commitments to improve workplace culture and eliminate all forms of harassment and discrimination,” according to the announcement. “Management to develop key performance indicators and/or other means to measure progress and ensure accountability.” In addition to Kotick, Julie Hodges (chief people officer, joined in September) and Frances Townsend (chief compliance officer) will be expected to provide “frequent progress reports”. Since October, Activision’s board of directors has met bi-weekly to review progress on workplace culture and will also receive weekly written reports on progress.

Isn’t it too late?

Source: Gamesindustry, Gamesindustry