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Activision Blizzard worker group say Microsoft’s purchase doesn’t change their goalsWhatever happens to Kotick, there’s lots of work to do
Whatever happens to Kotick, there’s lots of work to do
PC Game Music Quiz | Can You Guess PC Classics From The Music?Watch on YouTube
PC Game Music Quiz | Can You Guess PC Classics From The Music?
Through all this, many Activision Blizzard employees have broken the video game industry’s usual wall of silence (I totally understand why people fear reprisal). They’vesigned an open letterprotesting the company’s response, staged severalwalkoutsincludingone demanding Kotick’s removal, and more.
We remain committed to fighting for workplace improvements and the rights of our employees regardless of who is financially in control of the company.
The strike for Raven QA is in its fifth week, and our striking staff has still not received response from leadership regarding our request to negotiate.
And finally, 3 out of 4 of our originalcollective demandsto improve the conditions of women in our workforce have not been met.
Whatever the leadership structure of the company, we will continue our push to #EndAbuseInGaming, and appreciate the outpouring of support we’ve experienced in the last year.
ABetterABK have often supported and amplified theABetterUbisoftgroup’s attempts to push Ubisoft management to do more, given the similar situation there, as well as other initiatives to improve the industry for workers.
Activision Blizzard have been investigating individual reports against employees, though that’s reliant on people coming forward and trusting the system.The Wall Street Journalreported this week that as part of Activision Blizzard’s investigations, 37 have people “exited” the company in some way (vague on whether they quit or were fired) and 44 have been disciplined. They’ve made some policy changes too, but initiatives like their newcommittee to eliminate harrassment and discriminationoften seem token face-saving gestures. It doesn’t help that they’ve beendiscouraging unionisationtoo.
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, yesterdayspoke vaguelyabout the importance of “treating every person with dignity and respect” and Microsoft’s intent of “extending our culture of proactive inclusion to the great teams across Activision Blizzard.” It’ll take more than words, and I’m glad the ABK Worker’s Alliance are in it for the long haul—though sorry they have to be.
What a weird giant mess this potential acquisition is, with so many far-reaching effects and pitfalls. I’m stillfailing to express a hot take.
