An unnamed former Activision executive has filed a lawsuit against the Call of Duty publisher in California, alleging age discrimination and a violation of the state’s whistleblower protection law. The plaintiff, a 57-year-old who had been with the company since 2014, claims that he and six other men aged 47 or older were let go as part of a restructuring effort in August of last year. The lawsuit references statements reportedly made by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, suggesting that there were “too many old white guys” at the company. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges that two white executives left the company following Kotick’s ageist remarks. Disturbingly, the plaintiff asserts that he was passed over for a promotion in favor of a younger non-white employee, who became his manager and allegedly criticized his work in a way that negatively impacted his salary increase.
Diversity and its Challenges in the Gaming Industry
While the complaint made by the former Activision executive presents serious concerns regarding age discrimination, it is essential to examine diversity within the gaming industry as a whole. According to Activision Blizzard’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Look-Back report, 73% of the company’s workforce in 2022 were male, and 61% were white. These statistics indicate a predominance of white males within the company. However, it is worth noting that the plaintiff’s claims of a campaign against white males within Activision seem unsubstantiated given the company’s demographics.
Ageism, on the other hand, is a pervasive issue affecting not only the gaming industry but also various sectors. This form of discrimination can have complex implications for career advancement and opportunities. The plaintiff’s allegations regarding age discrimination in the gaming industry find support in the observations of industry professionals. Timothy Cain, one of the original designers of Fallout, referred to ageism as “the last publicly acceptable discrimination” in game development. A 2023 survey by CompTIA revealed that only 17% of tech workers and 14% of software developers and engineers in the United States were aged 55 and over. These statistics highlight the bias against older workers in the tech industry, including gaming.
Activision’s Response and Broader Industry-Wide Bias
Activision has yet to comment extensively on the ageism allegations made in the lawsuit. However, the company did refer to its equal employment opportunity policy when approached by GamesIndustry.biz. The lack of specific remarks raises questions about the company’s handling of the situation and their commitment to addressing issues related to age discrimination. This silence may exacerbate concerns within the gaming community about the industry’s treatment of older professionals.
The gaming industry at large has been criticized for favoring younger hires, a bias that the former Activision executive’s lawsuit seemingly adds weight to. In response to such biases, Kate Edwards, a gaming union worker, initiated the “50 over 50” campaign to combat ageism within the industry. This initiative aims to address the industry’s perceived preference for younger talent and promote inclusivity for experienced professionals.
The lawsuit filed by the former Activision executive sheds light on the alleged age discrimination taking place within the gaming industry. While the claims of a campaign against white males lack substantial evidence, the issue of ageism is one that must be addressed. The lack of representation and opportunities for older professionals in the gaming industry is a concern that industry leaders must acknowledge and actively combat. Activision’s response to the lawsuit will undoubtedly have implications for the future of diversity and inclusion within the company and the broader gaming community. The ongoing conversation surrounding age discrimination in the gaming industry must lead to tangible change and equal opportunities for professionals of all ages.
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