Ubisoft's upper management is seeing a huge shakeup after two high-ranking executives were accused of sexual assault. However, Ubisoft is only one of the first groups in the꧒ video game industr𓆏y replacing their staff due to allegations of sex crimes. As gaming's #MeToo moment progresses, who else will join their ranks?
Sexual Crimes and Discrimination In A Male-Dominated Industry
Even as video games continue to be a male-dominated industry. As a result👍, many women who attempt to enter the field are▨ met with sexism and harassment. They're also frequently incentivized to remain silent on instances of sexual abuse, either through threats made to their reputation, their jobs, or in exchange for payment.
The following are just a few examꦗples where women have experienced sex-based abuse and discrimination in the video game indus💫try.
Super Smash Bros Pro Scene
In the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Super Smash Bros Pro community, many sexual assault allegations have recently come to light. They often involve minors or instances where the victim was unable to give consent. 168澳ಌ洲幸运5开奖网:Nintend♑o has released an official statement in which they showed solidarity with the victims of these crimes. However, since they're indirectly involved with the Super Smash Bros Pro scene, it's up to the professional esp🦋or🌟ts organizations to lead their own investigations.
Riot Games
In 2018, exposed Riot Games' toxic and sexist internal culture. The journalistic investigation found that women were being objectified by their male𝔍 peers, shirked promotions to roles they were groomed for, and generally devalued as members of the company. One𝕴 woman claimed there was an email thread circulating about "what it would be like to 'penetrate her,'" and a list was passed around the senior managers on which she appeared as someone they would sleep with.
More recently, there have been racially- and politically-charged issues with Riot Games' upper management. One of the top executives was placed on leave after making "♓abhorrent" remarks about the murder of George Floyd, which led to further investigations into Riot's꧋ internal culture.
Twitch
Literally 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:dozens of Twitch streamers have started to confront the culture of sexual abuse and harassment in the video game industry. The vast majority of victims are women abused by men, though claims have come from members of the LG🎃BTQ+ community as well.
Many of these victims feared they would lose their credibility as entertainers if they refused an abuser's sexual advances. Others claim who use thei𒈔r "internet star" status to prey on vulnerable members of their fanbase, many of whom are minors.
Ubisoft's Reaction To Sexual Abuse Allegations
Once two Ubisoft executives were accused of sexual assault, the men in question were suspended. Following an investigation, at least one has 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:officially resigned.
In a statement to , Ubisoft claims they're continuing their investigation against those individuals and others they found to be "engaging in behaviors that do not align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees." Three Ubisoft empl🐲oyees, including the Vice President of Editorial and Creative Services, Tommy François, and an employee at the Toronto studio are under investigation so far.
Prior to these actions, current and former Ubisoft employees described the company culture as "normalizing sexism and harassment" and "undervaluing women's contributions." These statements mirror those made against Riot Games in 2018, and ♑sentiments expressed by women in gaming as a whole.
Who's Next?
As big companies are exposed for their toxic and bigoted internal culture, more are sure to follow. Here are a few of the companies that🐽 have already brushed with controversy and may come under review soon.
Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard was criticized in 2010 for In one instance, sources claimed they went as far as to replace the female player character on the cover of Black Lotus with a male character, asserting that Acti𝓰vision doesn't "do female characters because they don't sell."
More recently, fans have criticized Call of Duty on mobile for its On June 30, after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. One case of sexual abuse and discrimination often leads to others, so it's likely we may see more fallout from Activision's internal 🌊investigations in the near future.
Riot Games
Despite claims that Riot Games fosters a toxic, sexually-charged culture, there have yet to be an📖y official resignations for deviant sexual behavior. There's an claiming the company is in violation of the California Equal Pay Act, but no official action has been taken against individuals who employees claimed groped and harassed them. That may change as the #MeToo movement gains steam in the video game industry.
Electronic Arts
In Ju🙈ne, encouraging anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or harassment to step forward. They promised that they will investigate those claims seriously, and ta🍌ke "the right actions on behalf of our community." This is in reaction to the myriad sexual abuse allegations made within the video game industry rather than allegations made specifically against Electronic Arts.
Ho💜pefully, the company will hold true to its promise, but that largely depends on victims' willingness to come forward. The bravery of those before them may give those victims the courage they need to sharꦆe their stories.
