Microsoft Has Already 'Changed' How It Handles Activision Since Lawsuit
Ever since the filing of the lawsuit against Activision Blizzard for their misdemeanours and "frat-boy culture", their public image has soured incredibly quickly.
Their atrocious treatment of staff and Bobby Kotick's refusal to step down after apparently being well aware of the culture in the company's offices has made Activision Blizzard a name that comes with a shudder, and their games come with a remarkably sour taste.
It seems that this big lawsuit has had a big impact on the gaming industry despite the company in question's refusal to budge - and it looks like things have changed in their relationship with other companies too.
Xbox Works Differently With Activision Blizzard After Their Lawsuit
Click to enlargeXbox boss Phil Spencer recently sat down with the New York Times Sway podcast, and revealed that the way in which Xbox interacts with Activision Blizzard has changed since the revelations of the damning lawsuit from last year.
"The work we do specifically with a partner like Activision is something that, obviously, I can't talk publicly about", he says. "We have changed how we do certain things with them and they're aware of that."
It's no surprise that companies in the business are trying to distance themselves from Activision Blizzard, but Spencer has made it clear that this wasn't simply a business decision.
Spencer "Saddened And Sickened" By Workplace "Distress And Destruction"
Click to enlargePhil Spencer went on to say that the advantage taken by companies in the gaming space is something that's directly upset him, and that the distance from the company isn't just a choice made to save face.
Later in the interview, though the company weren't singled out by name, Spencer said that he felt "saddened and sickened" to "hear about workplace environments that cause such distress and destruction of individuals and teams".
It's good news that companies are making some changes to their dealings with the company, and good to see that Spencer isn't just doing it for sake of the brand. Activision Blizzard's actions are grim, and they should be dealt with accordingly - and Xbox's reaction is a good start.