Activision Blizzard Settles: Activision Blizzard is set to pay approximately $50 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit filed by California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD), alleging discrimination against women employees. The lawsuit, following a two-year investigation, accused the video game giant of denying promotion opportunities and underpaying female staff. According to the settlement agreement, the CRD will withdraw allegations of systemic sexual harassment, focusing instead on Activision’s discrimination against women, including denial of promotions and gender-based pay disparities for similar work.
The settlement mandates Activision to take additional measures ensuring fair pay and promotion practices. Monetary relief will be provided to women who worked for the company in California between October 12, 2015, and December 31, 2020. The agreement, pending court approval, emphasizes Activision’s commitment to rectifying past issues. Notably, the CRD expressly acknowledged in the settlement that no court or independent investigation substantiated claims of systemic or widespread sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard.
Activision asserts that no investigations have found its board or CEO to have acted improperly in addressing workplace misconduct. This development follows a similar settlement in 2021, where Activision agreed to pay up to $18 million to resolve claims made by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Despite the recent acquisition by Microsoft, valued at nearly $69 billion, Activision continues to address and resolve legal challenges related to workplace practices.
Also Read: Microsoft 69 Billion Dollar Activision Blizzard Acquisition: A Gaming Industry Odyssey
Our Reader’s Queries
How much did Blizzard settle for?
Gaming giant Activision Blizzard, known for its popular titles like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $54 million. In addition, the company has committed to taking measures to ensure fair pay and equal opportunities for promotions. This move is aimed at promoting a more equitable work environment within the organization.
What is the Activision Blizzard lawsuit?
Activision Blizzard has been hit with a lawsuit by CRD for allegedly violating California’s Equal Pay Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act. These laws are crucial in safeguarding Californians against discrimination. The investigation lasted over two years before the lawsuit was filed in 2021.
What is going on with Activision Blizzard?
After a long wait, Microsoft has finally completed its biggest acquisition yet by purchasing Activision Blizzard. The deal underwent a rigorous regulatory review and has now received a positive ruling from a U.S. district judge.
What is the Activision Blizzard consent decree?
The consent decree being proposed will resolve all of CRD’s claims and ensure that all female employees and contract workers of Activision Blizzard in California from October 12, 2015 to December 31, 2020 will receive monetary compensation for the harms alleged in the lawsuit.