Activision Blizzard controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2023
California settlement over pay and promotion issues
California regulators and Activision Blizzard announced a $54 million settlement concerning allegations involving pay and promotion inequities. The parties stated that the investigation had not found substantial evidence of widespread harassment or unequal pay for equal work.
2021
California workplace-misconduct lawsuit
California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued Activision Blizzard alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. The case prompted employee walkouts, public criticism, sponsor withdrawals, investigations, and changes involving employees and executives.
2021
EEOC workplace settlement
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reached a settlement with Activision Blizzard that included an $18 million fund intended to compensate or support affected employees.
2019
Activision Blizzard faces backlash over Hearthstone player ban
Public backlash
In 2019, Activision Blizzard faced criticism from gamers, employees, and U.S. politicians after Blizzard banned Hearthstone player Ng Wai Chung for expressing support for Hong Kong protesters during a tournament livestream. Employees also staged a walkout in support of Chung. The backlash followed the ban and drew reactions from multiple groups, including workers within the company and political figures in the United States.
Source excerpt
American video game holding company Activision Blizzard is facing major backlash for banning a professional gamer for voicing his support of the Hong Kong protestors during a tournament live stream.
It escalated when a group of employees staged a walkout protest on the campus in support of Chung on Wednesday.
2019
Employees and fans protest Blizzard’s suspension of a Hong Kong player
Public backlash
In 2019, Activision Blizzard employees walked out in Irvine, California, and fans protested after Blizzard suspended Hong Kong-based Hearthstone player Blitzchung for expressing support for Hong Kong protesters. Reports also noted fans using the #BoycottBlizzard hashtag and sharing posts about cancelling subscriptions and seeking refunds. The controversy centered on the company's disciplinary action and the public response it drew from employees and fans.
Source excerpt
Activision Blizzard employees walked out of work on Tuesday at their campus in Irvine, California. The walkout happened after Blizzard announced a one-year suspension and withheld prize money from Hong Kong-based competitive Hearthstone player
promoting the #BoycottBlizzard hashtag and social media posts blasting Blizzard’s actions. This included imagery ranging from the Blizzard logo combined with the Chinese regime’s flag to screenshots of users cancelling their World of Warcraft subscriptions and refunding their online video games.
He had been punished for shouting a Hong Kong protest slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times!” during a post-game interview broadcast live from Taipei, Taiwan, Oct. 6.