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The Game Awards’ Geoff Keighley confirms that Activision Blizzard has pulled out of the event amid ongoing accusations of misconduct.
Ahead of the 2021 Game Awards, it was revealed that Activision Blizzard would no longer be a part of the event, as the company remains the subject of allegations of misconduct.
The executive producer of the Game Awards, Geoff Keighley, confirmed on Twitter that the game developer would not be present at the latest event outside of its nominated games, reported Video Games Chronicle. “Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s Game Awards,” Keighley said. “The Game Awards is a time of celebration for this industry, the biggest form of entertainment in the world. There is no place for abuse, harassment or predatory practices in any company or any community.”
The accusations against Activision Blizzard have claimed the company allowed its workplace to play host to acts of harassment and discrimination. In the wake of these assertions, the company has come under further fire as a result of claims that it has failed to address the issues raised. Furthermore, recent accusations have also placed specific blame on Activision Blizzard’s CEO Bobby Kotick, alleging that Kotick was aware and personally complicit in some of the abuse present at the company.
Despite the ongoing nature of the Activision controversies, Keighley was initially hesitant about providing a definitive answer on the developer’s place at the awards. He previously spoke to the Washington Post, saying, “We want to support employees and developers. We have to think very carefully about how to proceed here.”
Keighley’s recent Twitter post, however, confirms that a definitive decision was indeed reached. He spoke of the culture he wanted the awards to represent and why Activision’s current situation was an ill fit for the event. He said, “I also realize we have a big platform which can accelerate and inspire change. We are committed to that, but we all need to work together to build a better and a more inclusive environment so everyone feels safe to build the world’s best games. All of us are accountable to this standard.”
Despite the change in stance on Activision Blizzard specifically, Keighley remained true to the original statement given to the Washington Post. He said, “Incredible games – and the talented developers who build them – are who we want to celebrate. See you on Thursday.” The Game Awards 2021 will air on Dec. 10, and unlike last year, the event is set to include a live audience.
Source: Video Games Chronicle
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