These past two months have been a rollercoster of bad news, lawsuits and scandals for Activision Blizzard, and magically they spring a press release to sooth the air. Not two days ago, the SEC announced a federal investigation against Activision Blizzard and subpoena Bobby Kotick and other executives. Today, we have this press release conveniently shared at 6:30am EDT (not PST) so that it is released before the Stock Exchange opens in New York City — but leadership has not yet acknowledged reading the 4 ABetterABK demands nor have requested a meeting with workers to listen to them directly without WilmerHale. But sure, let’s read the press release that addresses nothing of what they should be doing.
Activision Blizzard Provides Update on Workplace Initiatives
Company Continues to Work with Regulators to Resolve and Address Workplace Issues.
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sep. 21, 2021– Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) said today that it continues to work with regulators on addressing and resolving workplace complaints it has received. The Company also provided an update on recent initiatives to achieve its goal of ensuring a workplace that is inspiring, equitable, and respectful to all.
Bobby Kotick, Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard, said, “We are deeply committed to making Activision Blizzard one of the best, most inclusive places to work anywhere. There is absolutely no place anywhere in our Company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind. While we continue to work in good faith with regulators to address and resolve past workplace issues, we also continue to move ahead with our own initiatives to ensure that we are the very best place to work. We remain committed to addressing all workplace issues in a forthright and prompt manner.”
Kotick also said that the Company continues to productively engage with regulators, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) with the goal of improving its workplace policies and procedures and ensuring compliance.
The Company is actively engaged in continued discussions with the EEOC and has cooperated with the EEOC’s investigation concerning certain employment practices. It also confirmed that it is complying with a recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subpoena issued to the Company and several current and former employees and executives regarding disclosures on employment matters and related issues. The Company is confident in its prior disclosures and is cooperating with the SEC’s investigation.
Activision Blizzard has made a number of important improvements including significant changes to personnel, exiting a number of employees, and expanding compliance resources. In addition, the Company has refreshed its HR organization and, this week, will welcome a new Chief People Officer, Julie Hodges, who joins the Company from The Walt Disney Company. The Company has also expanded training, performance management, and anti-harassment resources.
The Company remains committed to ensuring it is the most welcoming, inclusive game company and connecting and engaging its 400 million players through epic entertainment created by the very best people in the industry.
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