Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available.
Geoff Keighley, the host of Geoff Keighley came under fire, as prominent voices in the industry demeaned the TGA 2021’s host's stance.
Despite disturbing allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace, Keighley refrained from holding Activision or its leadership responsible for enabling a “frat-boy” culture and a lack of equality or inclusivity within its workplace. Despite his seemingly neutral stance, The Game Awards founder eventually confirmed that Activision Blizzard would not be part of TGA 2021, beyond its nominations. He later acknowledged that “there is no place for abuse, harassment or predatory practices in any company or any community.”
Though he didn’t overtly mention the growing Activision Blizzard controversy, Geoff Keighley called out workplace abuse during The Game Awards 2021 live stream. In his opening remarks, Keighley acknowledged the recent headlines, pointing out the reality that predatory practices and workplace abuse still remain in the gaming industry. “We should not and will not tolerate any abuse, harassment, and predatory practices by anyone including our online communities,” said Keighley. During his speech, a banner at the bottom of the screen displayed information directing players to The Games and Online Harassment Hotline, should they need or resources. “We all love games and if we want this industry to keep growing, we must build an even brighter and more inclusive future,” Keighley said. “I call on everyone to do their part to build a better, safer video game industry.”
The Activision story has turned on recent accusations as to Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick's involvement. As one of gaming’s most-watched shows, The Game Awards holds tremendous power and authority over many facets of the industry. Many players were expecting a reference of some sort to this ongoing investigation and suit. And though Keighley did not call out Activision by name, many players believe that his speech was referencing, in part, the company’s ongoing saga.
TGA 2021 sharing for abuse victims and promoting a safe space for those affected via The Games and Online Harassment Hotline was a noteworthy beginning to the night. There were no further allusions, either directly or indirectly, regarding the Activision Blizzard suit. However, The Game Awards did use its massive platform to inform gamers about the resources that are available to combat these issues.
Activision Blizzard Reports Harassment Investigation Led to 20 Exits
Source: thegameawards/YouTube
