Blizzard’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Explained

Virtually every industry has the potential for sexual harassment, and the gaming industry is no exception. The latest gaming company to become embroiled in a sexual harassment scandal is Blizzard, a developer and publisher based in Irvine, California. This company is known for titles like World of Warcraft, Diablo, Call of Duty, and many other AAA franchises. However, the company’s insane levels of success have been hampered by allegations that its workplace is decidedly unpleasant and abusive.

If you have experienced sexual harassment in California, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you seek justice for all of the hardships you have been forced to endure. No one should feel like they need to accept sexual harassment, especially not in a modern industry like gaming, which is typically associated with progressive thinking and modern policies. With the help of an attorney, you can file a lawsuit and receive a substantial settlement.

What Is Blizzard Being Accused Of?

The lawsuits leveled against Blizzard accuse the developer of creating a “toxic workplace.” The company allegedly cultivated an environment that was hostile towards women, intentionally employing a disproportionately low number of females, subjecting them to sexual harassment, and paying them less than the average worker. This general environment has also been described as a “frat boy culture” by many media outlets.

The specific claims against Blizzard are notable. One male employee reportedly refused to interact with a female employee at all, and had another male employee act as an intermediary between them. Another female employee was denied a promotion specifically because she might “get pregnant and enjoy being a mom too much.” Similarly, some female employees were apparently given negative performance reviews for taking maternity leave or leaving work to pick up their children from daycare.

Some females were apparently groped, and others overheard jokes about rape. A sexual image of one female worker was passed around at an office party, which later led to that woman committing suicide.

In addition, some of the women who complained about these things were transferred, laid off, or demoted. Human resources did not keep complaints confidential. Blizzard has responded by claiming that the complaints paint an inaccurate depiction of the company’s actual workplace culture and environment.

Who is Suing Blizzard?

At least two entities are suing Blizzard. The first is the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which is ostensibly acting on behalf of the women who experienced sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. The second is a shareholder who alleges that the company’s actions led to a drop in the company’s share prices.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have experienced sexual harassment, get in touch with a qualified attorney near you as soon as possible. The sooner you start taking legal action, the more likely it is that your claims will be taken seriously. With the right approach, you can expect a substantial settlement. While this can never take back all the things you’ve experienced, it can provide you with a sense of justice and closure. Book your consultation today.