Activision Blizzard Stands Firm on DEI Amidst Growing Backlash and DOD Policy Changes

Despite large corporations such as Walmart and Amazon abandoning their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and with President Donald Trump terminating DEI programs at a federal level, Call of Duty developer Activision Blizzard President Rob Kostich remains committed to going against the flow.

In an all-staff message, Kostich underscored the firm’s steadfast dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), even as doubts about DEI rise within the gaming community and there seems to be a cultural backlash against such ideologies on our company Slack.

Activision/Blizzard President doubles down on DEI and ESG. Hundreds of employees send likes.

In a company-wide communication, Rob Kostich reiterates the company’s dedication to controversial policies that some believe have led to the continuous closure of studios throughout 2024.

“To be clear, this work continue…

— Grummz (@Grummz) January 27, 2025

Kostich’s post stated:

Team, with the ongoing discussions about diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in workplaces, it’s natural that questions have arisen regarding the future of these initiatives at Activision. Let me clarify that our commitment to this critical area remains unwavering and is integral to every aspect of our business. Our Inclusive Growth team has been instrumental in integrating inclusivity across all our operations. Our approach here revolves around improving experiences for all employees, delivering top-notch experiences to players worldwide, and offering inclusive opportunities to everyone engaging with our company and brand. I’m excited about the amazing work we’ll continue to achieve together.

The post, with numerous Activision Blizzard staff expressing excited feedback (some even displaying ideological symbols in their responses), reinforced the organization’s commitment to integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within its game development, work environment, and overall business approach.

Nevertheless, this action is being taken amidst a growing wave of public disapproval towards these projects. Coincidentally, today is when President Trump is scheduled to enact an executive order that will effectively prohibit DEI initiatives within the U.S. Department of Defense. Activision Blizzard has previously collaborated with the DoD through the “Call of Duty” Endowment Program.

Previously acknowledged World of Warcraft head honcho, recognized as “Grummz” online, shared his thoughts by mentioning the recently designated U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, in a post on platform X.

Hey PeteHegseth! I was wondering if you could confirm that Activision does indeed have a partnership with the Department of Defense, specifically for the Call of Duty Endowment Program?

This is what their President sent out to the entire company today, doubling down on DEI.

Since you are now Secretary of Defense, I thought this should be…

— Grummz (@Grummz) January 27, 2025

Kern’s post read:

Hi @PeteHegseth! I came across some information that might be of interest to you in your new role as Secretary of Defense. Activision has a joint initiative with the DoD, isn’t that correct? Specifically, it’s for the Call of Duty Endowment Program. Today, their President announced a strengthened commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the company. Given your new position, I thought you should be aware of this.

The collaboration between Activision Blizzard and the Department of Defense, through the Call of Duty Endowment program, has traditionally aimed at assisting military veterans in finding civilian employment. However, uncertainty looms over this partnership due to President Trump’s executive order intended to dismantle programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Department of Defense. The question is whether the government will persist in its relationship with a company whose leadership remains committed to upholding DEI principles, while other corporations and federal entities appear to be distancing themselves.

Over the past weekend, it was made clear by Secretary Hegseth that the Department of Defense has no intention of engaging in Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion initiatives on any scale.

The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at @DeptofDefense.

The Pentagon will comply, immediately.

No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 26, 2025

On X, the President stated that his instructions (legal directives) are unequivocal. He made it clear that there will be no more Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at the Department of Defense. The Pentagon is expected to obey these orders promptly with no exceptions, renamings, or delays.

To numerous gamers and industry analysts, Activision Blizzard’s actions appear increasingly disconnected from both the gaming community and the evolving corporate world. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives have been subject to mounting criticism for focusing more on ideological objectives rather than improving product or service quality, which has sparked resistance in several sectors, including gaming.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll see if this position impacts Activision Blizzard’s relationships with important partners such as the Department of Defense, and how it influences their standing within the gaming community. With voices like Mark Kern demanding accountability and federal review, this could just be the start of a bigger cultural struggle unfolding in the video game industry.

2025-01-28 00:56

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