Activision Blizzard chief may step down if misconduct not fixed: media

The main of Activision Blizzard, accused of mishandling harassment complaints astatine the video giant, has signaled helium would see stepping down if helium cannot rapidly hole institution culture, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Bobby Kotick, who has led the institution for 3 decades, told senior executives during a gathering connected Friday that helium could permission if the problems with misconduct aren't solved "with speed," the Journal reported, citing sources astatine Activision.

Activision Blizzard did not instantly respond to a petition for remark from AFP.

The turmoil astatine the institution comes successful the aftermath of a Wall Street Journal study that Kotick has for years been looped into reports of maltreatment that included an allegation of rape, but did not stock each that helium knew with the committee of directors.

After the report, much than 1,700 employees, oregon astir 17 percent of the 10,000-member workforce, had signed a petition calling for Kotick to basal down, according to the Journal.

Some 150 workers staged a walkout astatine the California company, joined by colleagues who halted moving remotely successful solidarity, according to posts shared by an Activision Blizzard workers confederation relationship connected Twitter. Walkouts are highly uncommon astatine American exertion companies.

Kotick has defended himself, saying the study was misleading and that helium was devoted to gathering an inclusive company.

"Anyone who doubts my condemnation to beryllium the astir welcoming, inclusive workplace doesn't truly admit however important this is to me," Kotick said successful a connection Tuesday.

The company has faced accrued scrutiny successful caller months.

In July, California authorities regulators accused the creator of the blockbuster "Call of Duty" of condoning a civilization of harassment, a toxic enactment environment, and inequality.

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© 2021 AFP