Blizzard Fined 46.4 Billion Won for Sex Crimes: Will Diablo 4 Revive the Company?

Blizzard Fined 46.4 Billion Won for Sex Crimes: Will Diablo 4 Revive the Company?

Introduction:

Blizzard Activision, commonly known as Blizzard, faced a major scandal involving sexual harassment within the company. In 2021, Blizzard employees filed a lawsuit in California, USA, accusing the company of turning a blind eye to sexual violence and sexism. The lawsuit revealed disturbing incidents, including the circulation of explicit photos of female employees by male colleagues who had inappropriate relationships with their superiors during business trips. The company's silence and lack of disciplinary action against the perpetrators further exacerbated the issue. As a result, Blizzard was fined $35 million by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for violating the Securities and Exchange Act.

Diablo 4's Controversial Release:

Blizzard is set to release its highly anticipated game, Diablo 4, next month. However, it remains uncertain whether the game can overshadow the controversies surrounding the company, including allegations of negligence and cover-ups related to internal sex crimes. The development of Diablo 4 faced its own share of difficulties, including the replacement of the game director, which raises concerns about the game's overall quality.

Game Director Replacements:

During the development of Diablo 4, Blizzard underwent internal conflicts and controversies, leading to the replacement of the game director. The game director plays a pivotal role in overseeing the entire process, from conception and planning to development and release. In April 2021, Luis Barriga, the original game director, left the company amid allegations of sexual harassment. Blizzard's decision to replace Barriga indicated their commitment to address the misconduct allegations and separate employees involved in unfair acts or those who failed to appropriately handle such accusations. Joe Shely was hired to fill the vacancy left by Barriga.

Sexual Harassment Culture at Blizzard:

Blizzard has been known for its chronic issues with sexual harassment and ethical concerns. Foreign media has referred to the company's culture as a "frat boy" culture, highlighting the rampant sexual crimes against female employees. Reports have also indicated an excessive drinking culture within the company. Furthermore, Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick faced severe backlash after it was revealed that he had sexually harassed an employee and made death threats. Despite approximately 1,000 employees demanding his resignation, Kotick has retained his position as CEO.

Implications for Diablo 4:

The controversies surrounding Blizzard, along with the directorial changes during Diablo 4's development, raise doubts about the game's success and overall quality. Replacing a game director is uncommon and can result in significant changes to the game's vision and direction. Historical examples, such as the departure of game director Glenn Scofield from the Dead Space franchise, resulting in subsequent sequels' failure, further contribute to the uncertainty.

Future of Blizzard and Kotick's Role:

The future of Blizzard remains uncertain, and there is speculation regarding when Bobby Kotick will step down as CEO. Rumors suggest that Kotick might consider leaving the company if Microsoft successfully acquires Blizzard. However, the current situation leaves room for doubt regarding the company's ability to regain its standing and reputation.

Conclusion:

Blizzard's hefty fine for sex crimes, combined with the controversies and directorial changes during Diablo 4's development, have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the company's future. Diablo 4's release will serve as a crucial test for Blizzard, determining whether it can recover from the scandal and restore confidence in its brand. However, given the gravity of the allegations and the deep-rooted issues within the company, the road to redemption may prove challenging.