A major topic in the gaming world in recent months has been the actions of Activision Blizzard’s poor handling of its employees. There have been reports of poor handling of sexual misconduct, horrific work culture and more, and last week a report from The Wall Street Journal exposed more. The article discussed how Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who was aware of sexual harassment and misconduct that had been taking place within the company, intervened to protect abusers, and apparently even was a cause of some of the abuse.
Other companies have taken notice and last week, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser sent out an internal email to all levels of the company, which included Retro Studios and Next Level Games – regarding reports and controversies that have emerged about Activision Blizzard.
The email was obtained by Fanbyte and in it Bowser wrote:
“Along with all of you, I’ve been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company. I find these accounts distressing and disturbing. They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs, values and policies.”
“Every company in the industry must create an environment where everyone is respected and treated as equals, and where all understand the consequences of not doing so.”
Bowser also noted that Nintendo is committed to having an open and inclusive workplace where all are welcome and holds not just itself to this standard, but expects the same from everyone else in the industry as well as their partners. Bowser stated that Nintendo has been “in contact with Activision, have taken action and are assessing others.”
According to Bowser, Nintendo has been working with the lobbying organization known as the ESA, which Nintendo and Activision Blizzard are both members of, to strengthen stances on harassment and abuse in the workplace. Bowser stated that Nintendo feels that the ESA must hold its members to the highest standard.