In a Twitter thread posted Friday night, The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley said, “Activision Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards.”
His comments come after an earlier statement he shared in an interview with The Washington Post published yesterday morning about the revelations of gender discrimination and harassment at Activision Blizzard. “We want to support employees and developers,” Keighley said.
He then expressed his support for people coming forward sharing their stories. However, he continued his statement by saying he didn’t want to diminish developer’s opportunities to spotlight their games. “We have to think very carefully about how to proceed here.” It was this series of statements that disappointed many people.
In the evening hours, he released a more direct message on Twitter.
“Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision|Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards”
“#TheGameAwards is a time of celebration for this industry, the biggest form of entertainment in the world.
There is no place for abuse, harassment or predatory practices in any company or any community.”
“I also realize we have a big platform which can accelerate and inspire change. We are committed to that, but we all need to work together to build a better and a more inclusive environment, so everyone feels safe to build the world’s best games.”
“All of us are accountable to this standard.
Incredible games — and the talented developers who build them — are who we want to celebrate.
See you on Thursday.”
Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision|Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 4, 2021
#TheGameAwards is a time of celebration for this industry, the biggest form of entertainment in the world.
There is no place for abuse, harassment or predatory practices in any company or any community.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 4, 2021
All of us are accountable to this standard.
Incredible games — and the talented developers who build them — are who we want to celebrate.
See you on Thursday.
— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 4, 2021
A few gamers pointed out the event’s website which still mentions Activision President Rob Kostich as member of the Advisory Board of The Game Awards.
Whats this then?????? pic.twitter.com/f8X0GQpHci
— Clinical D. Brendon | GONE FOR XENOBLADE 3 (@ClinicalBrendon) December 4, 2021
And still… pic.twitter.com/LzNLu1omif
— 𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚇𝙸𝚂® (@4lexis2511) December 4, 2021
The About page also says members of the board are not involved in the voting process.
The Game Awards will start on Thursday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT, with a 30-minute pre-show.
[Source]: @GeoffKeighley (Twitter): Beyond its nominations, I can confirm that Activision|Blizzard will not be a part of this year’s #TheGameAwards – [Archive].
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