Xbox Chief Says Evaluating Relationship With Activision After Reports of Sexual Harassment, Gender Inequality

Activision Blizzard, publisher of games like the Call of Duty franchise, has suffered employees staging a walkout and the exit of top executives over the grave allegations.

By Reuters | Updated: 19 November 2021 11:06 IST

Xbox Chief Says Evaluating Relationship With Activision After Reports of Sexual Harassment, Gender Inequality

A spokesperson for Activision said the company was engaging with its partners

Highlights

Xbox gaming leadership team was disturbed by the events at Activision
Allegations against Activision Blizzard have led to launch delays
Earlier this week, Activision employees staged a walkout

Xbox Chief Phil Spencer is evaluating its relationship with Activision Blizzard, the Microsoft-owned gaming console maker confirmed on Thursday amid allegations of sexual misconduct and equal pay violations against the video-game publisher.

Bloomberg first reported the news on Thursday, citing an email sent to employees.

Spencer told the staff the Xbox gaming leadership team was "disturbed and deeply troubled by the horrific events and actions" at Activision, the report noted.

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"The leadership at Xbox and Microsoft stand by our teams and support them in building a safer environment for all," Spencer said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Activision said the company was engaging with its partners.

Allegations against the company, known for video-game titles including Call of Duty and Diablo, have led to launch delays and exit of top executives.

Activision Loses Blizzard Co-Leader; Delays Launch of Overwatch, Diablo

Earlier this week, employees staged a walkout following a report that the company's chief executive officer knew about allegations of sexual harassment and assault earlier than previously known.

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