Activision Blizzard agrees to pay $18 million to resolve a discrimination lawsuit

Game publisher Activision Blizzard has reached a settlement with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), according to the company's website. The government agency had filed a complaint against the corporation, alleging that it had engaged in harassment and discrimination at work.

Employees claiming damages will be compensated through a $18 million fund established by Activision Blizzard as part of the settlement agreement. If there is any money left over, it will be donated to charities that are concerned with bullying, gender equality, and the advancement of women in the gaming industry. Alternatively, the funds can be utilized to establish projects in the field of diversity within the organization.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused Activision Blizzard of sexual harassment against female employees. According to the complaint, measures were also taken against the women who had complained of harassment, and women were paid less than male employees. Executive Chairman and CEO Bobby Kotick stated in a statement that discrimination, harassment, and other types of uneven treatment have no place in the company's culture. To that end, he stated that the corporation is "vigilant" in its efforts to prevent workplace harassment and discrimination.

Furthermore, this is not the only case that has been filed against Activision Blizzard, which publishes games such as World of Warcraft and the Call of Duty series, among other things. In July, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a lawsuit against the corporation, alleging that it discriminated against and sexually harassed women.