Update 11/18 1:07 pm PT: Microsoft has confirmed to IGN the accuracy of the Bloomberg report and has passed along an additional statement from Xbox head executive Phil Spencer.
In a statement to IGN Spencer says, "I personally have strong values for a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our employees at Xbox. This is not a destination but a journey that we will always be on. The leadership at Xbox and Microsoft stand by our teams and support them in building a safer environment for all."
Update 11/18 12:51 pm PT: In response to the reported Microsoft comment an Activision Blizzard spokesperson has provided the following response:
"We respect all feedback from our valued partners and are engaging with them further. We have detailed important changes we have implemented in recent weeks, and we will continue to do so. We are committed to the work of ensuring our culture and workplace are safe, diverse, and inclusive. We know it will take time, but we will not stop until we have the best workplace for our team."
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has told his team that he's "evaluating all aspects of our relationship with Activision Blizzard and making ongoing proactive adjustments," following the latest reports detailing sexual harassment and discrimination at Activision.
As reported by Bloomberg, Spencer sent an email to staff saying he is "disturbed and deeply troubled by the horrific events and actions" at Activision Blizzard. The email follows a story from the Wall Street Journal that revealed new details about sexual harassment among employees, cover-ups reportedly overseen by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, and more.
IGN reported that Jen Oneal, who stepped down as Blizzard co-lead after three months, was paid less than her male counterpart Mike Ybarra and Activision Blizzard only offered her equal pay after she tendered her resignation.
Spencer is the second major gaming executive to express dismay over the situation at Activision Blizzard. PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan also criticized Activision in an internal email to PlayStation employees writing he is "disheartened and frankly stunned" by the stories. Ryan also said Activision "has not done enough to address a deep-seated culture of discrimination and harassment."
As criticism from across the games industry continues to trickle out, Activision Blizzard's board of executives has stood firm behind Kotick, even as calls for his resignation begin to come out. Over 500 Activision Blizzard employees have signed a petition calling for Kotick's removal following an impromptu employee walkout earlier this week.
Earlier this year Activision Blizzard was sued by the state of California for sexual discrimination and harassment, including underpaying women employees compared to male colleagues doing equal work and fostering a culture where sexual harassment is tolerated.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd. If you know anything about the current ongoing situation at Activision Blizzard reach out to [email protected].