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Activision Blizzard employees and contractors say they ‘no longer trust’ CEO Bobby Kotick
[Update: Since the publication of this piece, the petition has risen to over 1,000 signatures. The ABK Workers Alliance has also opened a petition for supporters who would like to sign. Our original story follows.]More than 500 Activision Blizzard employees and contractors have signed a public petition calling for the removal of CEO Bobby Kotick. Following Wall Street Journal report on Kotick’s handling of previous sexual misconduct complaints, as well as its own alleged treatment of employees, Activision Blizzard employees take another step to try to make changes to the editor.
“We, the undersigned, no longer have confidence in Bobby Kotick’s leadership as CEO of Activision Blizzard,” the petition opens. The following is a list of employees from many studios under the Activision Blizzard umbrella who have signed the petition, including Activision, Blizzard, King, Raven Software, Infinity Ward, Treyarch, Sledgehammer, and various support studios.
ABK Workers’ Alliance shared the petition earlier today on social media. “The past few days have been tough, but it has strengthened our resolve to make #ABetterABK now more than ever,” the organization said in a statement. tweet later. “Thank you to everyone who joined us for the walkouts. Your solidarity is appreciated. Every voice counts.
Today, more than 500 current ABK employees and contractors signed a petition calling for the removal of Bobby Kotick as CEO https://t.co/QP9sOJ76bK
– ABetterABK 💙 ABK Workers Alliance (@ABetterABK) November 18, 2021
The walkout and the petition, along with other reactions from Activision Blizzard and elsewhere, are all in response to a recent Wall Street Journal report. In it, the Journal detailed several incidents that have taken place over the years at Activision Blizzard, including the allegations of CEO Bobby Kotick. intervene to keep an employee accused of sexual harassment in the company and allegations of non-response to sexual misconduct within Activision Blizzard.
Kotick posted its own response, shared as a text on the Activision Blizzard investor site. The board also released a statement, saying it remains confident in Kotick’s leadership.
Meanwhile, a Bloomberg report says that PlayStation chief Jim Ryan has expressed “deep concern” over the response and that they have reportedly contacted Activision Blizzard to see how they plan to handle the claims. “We don’t think their response statements properly address the situation,” Ryan said.
A group of shareholders also called for Kotick’s resignation. Game Developer reported yesterday that in internal meetings, Activision Blizzard management has continued to support Kotick. It all comes as a result of investigations into the company for discrimination, harassment and toxic culture by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
