Activision Blizzard To Pay $18M In Settlement

Activision Blizzard settled with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Monday following allegations of gender-based harassment, agreeing to pay $18 million.

The video game publishing giant has been investigated by the EEOC since 2018, and the company “failed to take corrective and preventative measures,” according to the complaint. 

As part of the settlement, Activision agreed to an outside monitor who will regularly report on the workplace, and will create an initiative with workforce training programs.

It’s not the only legal battle the “Call of Duty” publisher has recently faced.

• The SEC subpoenaed the company and a number of its executives for how it handled allegations of workplace discrimination and sexual misconduct.
• Activision is being sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing for allegations that the company is paying women less than men. After the company denied the claims and employees planned walkouts, president J. Allen Brack stepped down.
• The Communications Workers of America filed with the National Labor Relations Board claiming worker intimidation at the company, including coercive tactics.

The accusations have resulted in lost sponsor relationships — T-Mobile reportedly pulled out as a sponsor of the Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues.

Despite the ongoing allegations, Activision’s revenue grew 18.8% year-over-year to $2.3 billion in its second quarter, and net income increased 51% year-over-year to $876 million.