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Under scrutiny for alleged sexist behavior and human resources violations, Activision Blizzards Blizzard Entertainment division confirmed more departures among its leadership on the high-profile Diablo 4 game team.
The departures on Wednesday come eight days after the resignation of Blizzard president J. Allen Brack, and three weeks after the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, alleging a frat boy culture where women were routinely harassed or paid poorly compared to male counterparts.
After the lawsuit prompted many more women to come forward with their stories of harassment, the company issued an apology and CEO Bobby Kotick pledged zero tolerance for anyone who violated company policies or failed to follow proper processes in response to complaints that were filed. The bulk of the allegations center on the Blizzard division, with many of them going back years.
Previously, Activision Blizzard confirmed that Alex Afrasiabi, former creative director on World of Warcraft, was fired in 2020. On social media, numerous complaints pointed at Afrasiabi, who was the only leader called out by name for inappropriate behavior in the states lawsuit. Others on social media called out former chief technology officer Ben Kilgore, who left in 2018. Blizzard confirmed that Kilgore was no longer at the company but did not go so far as to say he was fired.
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Blizzard parts ways with leaders of Diablo 4 game development
