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Yesterday, we summarized 17 days of the #1esports sexism scandal, and today we’re here to wrap it up with some final thoughts on Activision and Blizzard’s sexist actions, and how other prominent esports organizations may one day follow suit.
Blizzard, the developer of Overwatch, has been under fire for making gamers uncomfortable for the last week or so. The issue, which popped up a few days after Ana’s release, was that she is a black lesbian named after the famous opera singer Adriana Lecuona. On top of that, Ana is a fairly powerful character in Overwatch, and is basically a walking siren who can mesmerize opponents and get them to do whatever she wants.. Read more about blizzard activision and let us know what you think.
T-Mobile has reportedly backed out of sponsoring Activision-Blizzard esports competitions, including leagues for Call of Duty and Overwatch, according to our reporting on the continuing Blizzard sexual harassment and sexual discrimination controversy that has resulted in numerous lawsuits. It’s possible that it’s not the only one, as The Washington Post reported last night that Coca-Cola and State Farm are also contemplating withdrawing their sponsorships. Along with IBM, Xfinity, Cheez-It, Pringles, and Teamspeak, they seem to be the only surviving sponsors.
This weekend, State Farm, a major insurance company in the United States, halted all advertising and said that it is “reevaluating [its] limited marketing partnership with the Overwatch League.” Coca-Cola says it is “informed of the accusations concerning Activision Blizzard” and is “[taking] a step back for a time to review future plans and initiatives,” but it hasn’t said if it would withdraw. On the OWL website, both Coca-Cola and Statefarm are still listed as sponsors.
Both businesses aired advertisements last weekend, and likely the weekend before that as well, in the aftermath of the lawsuit’s filing, according to WAPO. The issue was thrust into the spotlight this week when Blizzard’s CEO, J. Allen Brack, was ousted and replaced on the morning of Activision-quarterly Blizzard’s investor call.
In the financial report from earlier this week, we have a comprehensive summary of the controversy, or you may go through all of our coverage thus far piece by piece:
• Activision-Blizzard sexism crisis day 17: More esports sponsors contemplate leaving Overwatch League • New exposé exposes even more levels of sexual harassment and discrimination at Blizzard Blizzard may live on, but it will never be Blizzard again, according to the patch notes. • Q2 2021: Activision sales are up, Blizzard MAUs are down amid sexism controversy • Activision-Blizzard Day 14: Brack and Meschuk departures, fraud lawsuit, proto-union, and Q2 financials By not working at Blizzard, the gamer in the notorious BlizzCon video claims she “dodged a bullet.” J. Allen Brack, the CEO of Blizzard, is stepping down ahead of today’s investor call. Jeff Strain, a former co-founder of ArenaNet, has called for gaming developers to form a union. • Has Blizzard’s sexism lawsuit altered your gaming plans? • Massively Overthinking: Has Blizzard’s sexism lawsuit changed your gaming plans? • The WoW Factor: What makes this new Blizzard controversy stand out? • • Activision-Blizzard walkout organizers react to Kotick, Kotaku exposes attendees of the ‘Cosby suite’ • Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick: ‘The leadership team has heard you loud and clear’ • Massively OP Podcast Episode 332: Does every voice truly count at Blizzard? • Blizzard employees plan a strike over a sexism issue, and the World of Warcraft team addresses the playerbase • Blizzard’s sexism controversy continues, with 2500 developers signing a petition criticizing Acti-reaction Blizzard’s • MMO Week in Review: RIP to the Blizzard you thought you knew Blizzard’s culture of “abuse, inequity, and apathy” has been apologized for by Chris Metzen. ‘I am very sorry that I failed you,’ Mike Morhaime says to female Blizzard employees. The World of Warcraft Factor: No monarch can reign forever Activision pushes down on deflection as J Allen Brack confronts Blizzard employees over sexism controversy Furious World of Warcraft gamers conduct a protest against Activision Blizzard • California has filed a lawsuit against Activision-Blizzard for discrimination and a misogynistic, poisonous workplace atmosphere.
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