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Recode Daily

Another gaming giant reckons with its sexist work culture

Recode Daily

Recode

Society & Culture, Science, Technology

4.61.3K Ratings

🗓️ 3 August 2021

⏱️ 9 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Hundreds of employees for the gaming studio Activision Blizzard are speaking out after the company was sued for sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination. The incident is highlighting the industry’s systemic issues of sexism and abuse. The Verge’s Zoë Schiffer (@ZoeSchiffer) joins the show today to discuss the latest developments. References: Read Zoë’s story here. Enjoyed this episode? Rate Recode Daily ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. What do you want to learn about on Recode Daily? Send your requests and questions to recodedaily@recode.net. We read every email! Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Recode Daily by subscribing in your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This episode was made by: Host: Adam Clark Estes Producer: Alan Rodriguez Espinoza (@ardzes) Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey Support Recode Daily by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

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if something goes wrong.

0:38.0

The company behind games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft

0:41.0

is facing a firestorm of criticism and an internal revolt.

0:44.0

Last month, California sued Activision Blizzard for gender-based discrimination,

0:48.0

accusing the game developer of enabling a, quote,

0:51.0

frat boy culture and a work environment of constant sexual harassment.

0:55.0

Several employees have since taken to social media to condemn the company's treatment of women who work there

1:00.0

and obscure the company's leadership for not doing more to stop the abuse of behavior.

1:04.0

Last week, hundreds of them walked out in protest.

1:07.0

I know to listeners, some of the details about this case are disturbing

1:10.0

and include topics like sexual abuse and suicide.

1:18.0

Zoe Schiffer is a senior reporter with a virgin who's been following this story

1:21.0

and she spoke with Activision Blizzard employees at the walk out.

1:24.0

She joins us now. Hey Zoe.

...

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