Activision Blizzard sued by former employee over sexual harassment

Chris Kerr,Senior Editor, News,GameDeveloper.com

September 16, 2026

schedule2 Min ReadImage via Activision Blizzard

CW: This article contains references to sexual harassment and assault.

Microsoft subsidiary Activision Blizzard is being sued by a former employee who claims she was sexually harassed during her time at the company.

As reported by the LA Times, a lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court earlier this month in which a woman, referred to as Jane Doe, accused the company behind World of Warcraft of fostering and tolerating a "pervasive 'frat boy' workplace culture."

Specially, she claims to have witnessed male employees and supervisors openly objectifying women. She claims some viewed and displayed pornography in the workplace and made demeaning sexual remarks in her presence.

The anonymous claimant is seeking an undisclosed amount of compensation covering lost wages, benefits, and earning capacity.

A Blizzard spokesperson told the LA Times the company is taking the allegations seriously.

"We strive to maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace, and we do that through best-in-class policies and systems designed to prevent and address harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and by holding employees accountable for their behavior," they stated.

Jane Doe worked at Activision Blizzard for 14 years and began her tenure within the sound department. She has accused 10 men of subjecting her to harassment, physical assault, inappropriate touching, and inappropriate comments.

One co-worker has been accused of luring her to his apartment, where he purportedly instigated unsolicited physical contact before blocking her exit, threatening her with violence, and attempting to rape her.

The suit claims that person continued to demand dates and spread sexual rumors about her—even calling her a "bitch" and "slut" around co-workers and managers.

In addition, an unnamed audio director at Blizzard has been accused of repeatedly touching her leg "in a sexual manner without her permission" and—after she spurned his advances—sabotaging her work and "ensuring she was denied a promotion."

Jane Doe claims she reported her experiences to supervisors and human resources, but says her allegations were ultimately ignored.

Activision Blizzard was sued by the California Civil Rights Department in 2021 for purportedly fostering a widespread culture of sexual harassment and eventually settled a modified version of the lawsuit in 2023 for $55 million.

A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed the lawsuit only relates to alleged misconduct within Blizzard, which at the time of the allegations was not yet under the ownership of the Xbox maker.

Activision BlizzardTop Stories

About the Author

Chris Kerr

Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.

See more from Chris Kerrchevron_right