Nintendo sends out internal response to Activision Blizzard harassment reports

Last week, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser issued an internal email to all levels of the company – including development partners such as Retro Studios and Next Level Games – regarding reports and controversies that have emerged pertaining to Activision Blizzard.

A lot has been coming through over the past few months regarding Activision Blizzard’s poor handling of its employees, particularly when it comes to sexual misconduct in the workplace. It all cumulated last week following a report from The Wall Street Journal. In its article, the publication wrote about Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who was aware of sexual harassment and misconduct that had been taking place within the company, intervened to protect abusers, and apparently even dished out his own abuse.

Fanbyte managed to obtain the internal email from Nintendo discussing the Activision Blizzard situation. Bowser wrote:

“Along with all of you, I’ve been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company. I find these accounts distressing and disturbing. They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs, values and policies.”

“Every company in the industry must create an environment where everyone is respected and treated as equals, and where all understand the consequences of not doing so.”

Bowser noted in its letter that Nintendo is committed to having an open and inclusive workplace where all are welcome. The company not only holds itself to this standard, but expects the same from everyone else in the industry as well as their partners. Additionally, Nintendo has been “in contact with Activision, have taken action and are assessing others.”

Nintendo, along with Activision Blizzard, are members of the ESA. According to Bowser, Nintendo has been working with the lobbying organization to strengthen stances on harassment and abuse in the workplace. Nintendo also feels that the ESA must hold its members to the highest standard.