Activision Blizzard is embroiled in a wave of controversy following a bombshell lawsuit from the State of California, which alleges a toxic and discriminatory work environment. In the wake of the lawsuit, Activision has scrambled to implement damage control measures, though many of its moves have been criticized by both employees at the company and the general public. During a recent investor meeting, however, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick promised to hold abusers accountable.

During his opening statement to investors, Kotick said, "There is no place at our company where discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind will be tolerated." Kotick went on to state that Activision "will not permit discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment. We will be the company that sets the example for this in our industry." Kotick also stated the company would fire employees – and leaders that enabled poor behavior – for harassment.

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The remainder of Activision's earnings call was largely dedicated to its financial performance and outlook, with questions regarding the lawsuit circumvented or addressed vaguely. For instance, following former Blizzard President J Allen Brack's ousting from the company, Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra were appointed as co-leads. During the investor call, Oneal was asked about the company's plan to get company culture back on track. Oneal dodged the question, instead offering a small update about Overwatch and Diablo projects.

Elsewhere, Activision Blizzard CCO Frances Townsend shared a tweet criticizing whistleblowers, a move that has been rebuked by games industry figureheads. Townsend has been a controversial figure for Activision since her hiring, as the executive publicly defended the Bush administration's use of torture. Townsend served as the Bush administration's Homeland Security Advisor.

Additionally, following an organized walkout arranged by Blizzard employees, Activision hired a union-busting law firm. As a whole, the response to the situation has been a disaster, with company executives failing to navigate the fallout in a meaningful manner. Kotick's words to investors offer some reassurance, but with key developers and other employees leaving the company, the future doesn't look bright for Activision or Blizzard. In fact, some have pointed to the situation as proof that the Blizzard fans once knew is now gone entirely.

Rank and file employees have responded to the company's efforts with letters to leadership and the formation of an Activision Blizzard workers alliance coalition. The moves are part of a larger trend in the industry that seeks to root out harassment and discrimination, particularly in regards to the treatment of women, minorities, and other disparaged groups, such as trans folks. If Activision stands by Kotick's words, it could lead to change within the company, but the entire situation demands that leadership – including and most importantly Kotick – is held responsible.

MORE: Activision Blizzard Hit With Yet Another Lawsuit

Source: Activision Investor Meeting (via PC Gamer)