Gaming continues to be a juggernaut of business, it’s everywhere and more people than ever before and plugging in and playing.
However, despite the often charming, colorful worlds and quirky characters depicted in many titles, the industry isn’t without an ominous shadow.
BIG BUSINESS WITH BIG PROBLEMS
In line with the #Metoo movement that saw high-level movie producers and executives named and shamed for their predatory behavior towards women in their field.
Game developer Activision|Blizzard is now under investigation over reports of ongoing toxic workplace culture.
The developers behind Call of Duty & World of Warcraft saw severe backlash over the handling of a “frat boy” work culture that has victimised its female employees for years.
The gaming community has stood by employees, signal-boosting the hashtag #ActiBlizzWalkout and donating to a series of charities on social media.
Following the “Walkout for Equality” which saw protesting workers stand against female values not being accurately reflected in the words and actions of the leadership.
Statements made by head office failed to respond to the concerns of employees, Activision Blizzard chief later stepped down in the wake of a sexual harassment lawsuit.
A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A NEW HORIZON
With women making up half of Australians online gaming community it’s no surprise that there are so many awesome trailblazers carving a space for themselves.
Discussions around what the future may hold following the recent troubles are ongoing. But these conversations continue to inspire more and more people to come forward and stand up for their rights in this beloved space that in so many ways promotes inclusion.
This week on Ticker gaming we were joined by the Founder of Attack on geek and Women of Xbox – Dhayana (Her followers will know her as @MissDeusGeek – https://twitter.com/MissDeusGeek )
The Prince delivered a high-profile privacy claim, along with other celebrities
Prince Harry is accusing the royals of hiding phone hacking from him
Prince Harry believes his family is withholding information about phone hacking from him to avoid sitting in the witness box.
He appeared at a London court with pop superstar Elton John to deliver a high-profile privacy claim launched by celebrities and other figures against Daily Mail’s publisher.
In a witness statement, The Duke of Sussex says: “The Institution made it clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking and it was made clear to me that the Royal Family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms.”
He went on to say the Royal Family’s “strict no comment policy” meant that “even the worst or most suspicious articles were often never brought to my attention”.
Terry Sanderson has detailed the collision he suffered
The man suing Hollywood superstar Gwyneth Paltrow over a ski accident has taken to the stand.
While testifying, 76-year-old Terry Sanderson recounted what he says was a “blood-curdling scream” just moments before the collision occurred.
Sanderson says it sounded like someone was “out of control”.
Sanderson accuses Paltrow of the 2016 crash and is seeking damages of $300,000.
The actress is denying any responsibility and is now countersuing for $1 and her legal costs.
This comes as a ski instructor told the jury the actress was not a reckless skier at the time.
Paltrow says the incident in Utah, left her with a sore knee and she got a massage afterwards.
Sanderson has also told the court he suffered physical, mental and emotional injuries as a result.
He says these medical issues have changed his relationships with his children, as well as contributing to his split from his partner and losing friends.