Vanguard Studio Head Speaks Up About Activision Blizzard Case
Following the horrific revelations of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit, fans of the Call of Duty series have been reluctant to engage with the company at all. It’s entirely understandable - the things that have been publicised as a result of the lawsuit have left the industry unsettled and scarred a grisly mark on the company.
As a result, some of the staff that are under the Activision Blizzard banner are electing to speak out and reassure fans of the games of their distance from the events that have led to the suit. And the team that has worked on Call of Duty: Vanguard is no different.
What has Sledgehammer Game said about the Activision Blizzard lawsuit?
Click to enlargeAaron Halen, the Studio Head of Sledgehammer Games, addressed Activision Blizzard’s lawsuit at the start of a recent press event, as reported by GamesRadar. “Before we begin”, he said, “I would like to address some recent events. The stories in the pain that people have shared are simply devastating. You know, we love making games. It’s what we do. It’s our life’s work, and we’d love it. But more importantly than that, we’re all humans, we’re here for each other, working side by side, and looking our for one another in good times and in bad times.
“So, on behalf of Sledgehammer Games, and all of the teams supporting Call of Duty: Vanguard, harassment of any kind goes against everything we stand for as a studio. Everyone, regardless of title, role, gender, orientation, ethnicity, are to be treated always with dignity, respect, and equality.”
Sledgehammer is ‘Committed' To Staff Safety
Click to enlargeHalen continued to express that it’s important to Sledgehammer Games that the entire team behind Vanguard feel safe and respected after the findings of the lawsuit. “While we cannot comment on the lawsuit”, he added, “What I can say is that as a team, we are committed to making sure all team members feel safe, welcome, and respected.
"So please know as we start our presentation, that these thoughts and actions are at the top of our mind, and we will be going forward. They speak to the core values of who we are, and who we wish to be. On behalf of everyone on the team, thank you.”
It’s a good thing that Halen spoke up about Sledgehammer's connections to Activision Blizzard, and pledged to ensure that the Call of Duty team don’t fall victim to, or perpetrate, the ‘frat boy culture’ that has been discovered in the company. It remains crucial that these instances are spoken about, and it's refreshing that the Vanguard team is taking a stand.
Check out our Call of Duty: Vanguard guides here:
Call of Duty Vanguard release date
