Phil Spencer is reportedly reassessing Xbox’s relationship with Activision Blizzard following new bombshell experiences concerning the firm and CEO Bobby Kotick. Spencer, who runs Microsoft’s Xbox division, reportedly instructed staff in an e mail that he is “evaluating all aspects of our relationship with Activision Blizzard and making ongoing proactive adjustments,” within the wake of an investigation by The Wall Street Journal.
In the memo, which was obtained by Bloomberg, Spencer stated he and different leaders at Xbox are “disturbed and deeply troubled by the horrific events and actions” that reportedly passed off at Activision Blizzard. “This sort of habits has no place in our business,” Spencer wrote.
Kotick is claimed to have recognized about cases of sexual misconduct on the firm for years with out reporting them to the board. He has additionally been accused of mistreating ladies on quite a few events.
Spencer has joined Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan in expressing deep concern concerning the state of affairs. In an inner memo, which additionally leaked earlier this week, Ryan wrote that he was “disheartened and albeit surprised to learn” The Journal’s report. He additionally criticized Activision’s response to the allegations. Earlier this week, the corporate instructed Engadget that the report offered a “misleading view of Activision Blizzard and our CEO.”
More than 900 Activision Blizzard staff and contractors have now signed a petition demanding Kotick’s elimination. A shareholder group has additionally urged the board to take away Kotick and for the board’s two longest-serving administrators to retire by the tip of the yr. In addition, Polygon and Eurogamer each known as for Kotick’s resignation. Strongly worded statements from leaders at Microsoft and Sony, two of Activision Blizzard’s most necessary enterprise companions, will additional crank up the strain.
“We respect all feedback from our valued partners and are engaging with them further,” an Activision Blizzard spokesperson instructed Engadget. “We have detailed important changes we have implemented in recent weeks, and we will continue to do so. We are committed to the work of ensuring our culture and workplace are safe, diverse, and inclusive. We know it will take time, but we will not stop until we have the best workplace for our team.”
Update 11/18 4:13PM ET: Added Activision Blizzard’s assertion.
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