- As one of the heads of Activision Blizzard's three gaming branches, Brack usually was a participant on those calls.
Brack will be replaced by Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra, according to a posting on Blizzard's website, which frames them as a solution to the studio's problems:
- "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."
Between the lines: The California lawsuit alleged years of harassment and discrimination of Activision Blizzard employees, largely at the Blizzard division responsible for the development of "World of Warcraft" and "Diablo."
- Brack, a 15-year Blizzard veteran, is one of two employees named in the suit and is singled out for taking "no effective remedial measure" against a creative director accused of abuse.
- "An employee complained to Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack in early 2019 that employees were leaving due to sexual harassment and sexism," the suit also states.
The big picture: The day after news of the lawsuit broke, Brack sent a letter to employees calling allegations in it disturbing and calling on workers to report misconduct.
- He did not mention he'd been accused in the suit of failing to effectively lead.
- Around the same time a clip from a 2010 Blizzcon convention resurfaced, showing Brack and other senior developers laughing off a question from a woman critical of the skimpy outfits worn by some of their games' characters.
- Activision Blizzard officials have oscillated between slamming the California lawsuit is "distorted and untrue" and acknowledging the company needs to do better by its employees.
- Last week, workers staged a virtual and physical walkout at Blizzard in protest of the misconduct and the company's initially harsh reaction to it.
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