The Game Awards Activision Silence Is Clearly Taking A Side

The Game Awards’ Activision Silence Is Clearly Taking A Side

Contents

Geoff Keighley’s initial attempt to keep The Game Awards neutral concerning allegations against Activision Blizzard is still taking a side.

You Are Reading :[thien_display_title]

The Game Awards Activision Silence Is Clearly Taking A Side

Editor’s Note #1: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available.

Editor’s Note #2: Screen Rant is a judge in The Game Awards 2021.

In offering his perspectives concerning the Activision controversy, The Game Awards’ host, Geoff Keighley chose neutrality when speaking with The Washing Post. In doing so, Keighley’s approach of not taking a clear stance in condemning Activision Blizzard has been met with its own condemnation. For many observers, Keighley’s attempt to remain neutral in light of the upcoming awards this Thursday does indeed take a side.

Activision’s controversy concerning troubling allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and misconduct stemming from a “frat boy” culture present within the company highlights the continuing concerns and systemic problems regarding inclusivity and equality within the gaming industry at large. The report on Activision’s toxic culture revealed a lack of accountability within the company, and Keighley’s comments indicate his uneasiness initially to use his platform to hold Activision and its leadership accountable for how its internal culture and lack of transparency affect the gaming industry more broadly.

See also  Windows 11 SE What Makes It Different And Perfect For The Classroom

On Dec. 3, Geoff Keighley announced on Twitter: “Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision|Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards.” What’s notable about this confirmation is it came after Keighley declared in an interview with The Washington Post: “We have to think very carefully about how to proceed here,” referring to how he was considering the best means to “navigate” the relationship between Activision and The Game Awards 2021. Later in his confirmation of Activision’s departure from this year’s awards, Keighley stated, “There is no place for abuse, harassment or predatory practices in any company or any community.”

Game Awards Backlash: Why Neutrality On Activision-Blizzard Isn’t Enough

While Keighley asserted in the article, “We want to support employees and developers,” what troubles many observers is Keighley’s lack of condemnation initially toward Activision’s leadership for allowing such a toxic culture to develop, as is well-evidenced in the WSJ report. There’s no denying that Activision Blizzard is a powerhouse in the gaming industry, which perhaps initially influenced Keighley’s approach to addressing the controversy. However, other major companies, such as Microsoft, Sony, and ESA, have come out to condemn the misconduct and toxic culture reported at Activision, so it seems directly condemning Activision’s leadership for its lack of promoting an inclusive and safe workplace should have been an easy step for Keighley to take from the start.

It was only after substantial backlash for a neutral approach when speaking to The Washington Post that Keighley decided to take a clearer stance against Activision in his announcement on Twitter that the company would not be participating in this year’s awards. The Game Awards, for which Screen Rant is a judge this year, will take place this Thursday, and many observers will certainly take note of the effects Activision’s absence will have. However, Keighley’s initial hesitation in addressing the serious and disturbing allegations against Activision has already cast a shadow over what should be “a time of celebration for this industry.” Going forward, Keighley, The Game Awards, and other prominent individuals in the gaming industry will hopefully use this moment to better understand that in circumstances as serious as this, neutrality is taking the wrong side.

See also  Logan Trailer Wolverine Still Has Time for One Last Fight

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/game-awards-2021-activision-silence-controversy-geoff-keighley/

Movies -