Activision Blizzard Settles with EEOC for $18 Million

According to a Consent Decree entered September 27th, game company Activision Blizzard has agreed to pay $18 million dollars to settle claims brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). This settlement resolves claims of harassment, discrimination and retaliation against the company.

You can read a copy of the Consent Decree here.

In its lawsuit, the EEOC alleged that Activision Blizzard employees were subjected to sexual harassment that was "severe or pervasive." The agency further alleged that the video game publisher failed to take corrective or preventative measures in response to employee complaints and that it retaliated against workers who complained.

You can read a copy of the lawsuit Complaint here.

CWA Statement re EEOC / Activision Blizzard Settlement

Employees and former employees, however, are not happy with the result. In a statement from the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE), the group stated "$18M is a slap in the face to workers considering @ATVI_AB [Activision Blizzard] is worth $72BILLION & workers dealt with toxic working conditions for yrs.”

The Communication Workers of America also indicated it thinks the agency was out gamed, stating "The EEOC has sent a message that corporate bad actors will not be held accountable for their abuse of workers."