An announcement posted to the Activision Blizzard website says that Jen Oneal, former lead of Vicarious Visions, and Mike Ybarra, a former Xbox exec, will "co-lead Blizzard moving forward."
by 
Blizzard Entertainment president J. Allen Brack is stepping down about a week after the game developing company was hit with a state of California lawsuit citing “multiple counts” of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Brack took the helm at Blizzard in 2018. Prior to that, he led the development World of Warcraft, allegedly overseeing a toxic team that was considered “untouchable” due to the revenue the game brought in, The Verge reports.
An announcement posted to the Activision Blizzard website says that Jen Oneal, former lead of Vicarious Visions, and Mike Ybarra, a former Xbox exec, will “co-lead Blizzard moving forward.”
“Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust,” the company says in a statement.
“With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon.”
In late July, a day after the lawsuit was served, more than 1,500 Blizzard employees staged a walkout and listed four demands aimed at improving diversity and equity at Blizzard.
“We will not return to silence; we will not be placated by the same processes that led us to this point,” anonymous walkout organizers said in a public statement.
Blizzard isn’t the only gaming company to come under fire for discriminatory practices.
In December 2019, it was announced that League of Legends developer Riot Games would pay at least $10 million to women who worked at the company between 2014 and 2019 following gender discrimination claims.
The suit was filed in November 2018 by two female employees of the LA-based studio sued over violations of the California Equal Pay Act, detailing allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
Before the lawsuit, a damning article was published on the games website Kotaku, with 28 current and former employees describing a prevalent and toxic “bro culture.”
