Activision Blizzard Settles With EEOC For $18 Million

Activision Blizzard has reached a settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that will see the developer and publisher pay $18 million to employees who claim damages stemming from the alleged harassment at the company. The fund will "compensate and make amends to eligible claimants" as determined by the EEOC.

In addition to establishing the fund, Activision Blizzard agreed to upgrade its policies to reduce and eliminate harassment in the workplace and provide ongoing oversight of the company's training programs, including bringing on a third-party equal opportunity consultant.

Money left over from the $18 million settlement will go to charities promoting gender equality issues, as selected by the EEOC. Activision Blizzard reported revenues of $2.3 billion last quarter.

In a press release, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said, "We will continue to be vigilant in our commitment to the elimination of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. We thank the EEOC for its constructive engagement as we work to fulfill our commitments to eradicate inappropriate conduct in the workplace."

Yesterday's settlement represents only one of the myriad legal challenges Activision Blizzard is facing. It still has its complaint by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, as well as dealing with suits from its own shareholders and the Communications Workers of America and being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In other words, this judgment is just the beginning of what's likely to still be a very expensive fall for Bobby Kotick and company.