Activision Blizzard's Investigation Results Have Everyone's Attention

Over the past year, controversy has shrouded Activision Blizzard. The controversy was in regards to allegations of a toxic workplace environment and widespread harassment at Activision Blizzard and its subsidiaries, leading to several high-profile lawsuits that have severely damaged the company's image within the court of public opinion. Further allegations also accused company CEO Bobby Kotick of being aware of the harassment and not doing anything about it. Despite settling one of the cases out of court, and being the subject of a historic $68.7 billion purchase from Microsoft, these allegations continue to be at the forefront of virtually every discussion in regards to Activision Blizzard.

With numerous lawsuits pending, an internal investigation was launched to determine how bad the damage really is and whether or not higher-ups within the company were aware or otherwise downplayed the situation. On June 16, Activision Blizzard published the findings of this investigation, which is said to have been done with the help of external consultants. "Contrary to many of the allegations, the Board and its external advisors have determined that there is no evidence to suggest that Activision Blizzard senior executives ever intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay the instances of gender harassment that occurred and were reported," the statement to investors read. "That work also has not unearthed any evidence, directly or indirectly, suggesting any attempt by any senior executive or employee to conceal information from the Board."

Despite Activision Blizzard claiming to have found no evidence of widespread harassment within the company, many have expressed doubt at the final report's validity. In response to the news, gaming news website Dextero posted a meme of Activision Blizzard awarding itself a medal, implying a conflict of interest. Another Twitter user responded with a screenshot of the infamous "Diablo Immortal" reveal at 2018's BlizzCon, in which a fan asks the developers if the game was an "out-of-season April Fools' joke." One gamer accused the investigation of "sweeping [the allegations] under the rug."

Needless to say, observers aren't convinced that Activision Blizzard's executive division was unaware of the harassment or otherwise downplayed the instances of it happening. Until the results of a third-party investigation with no internal involvement are released, it's likely people will continue to cast doubt on any and all findings. It's unclear if or how this internal investigation will affect ongoing lawsuits.