Activision Blizzard settles discrimination lawsuit for a fraction of its yearly earnings

Enlarge / Activision Blizzard's settlement over harassment and discrimination allegations is a drop in the bucket compared to what it made in revenue last year. (credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images)

Less than a day after a lawsuit alleging discrimination and sexual harassment was brought against it by a federal agency, Activision Blizzard has agreed to settle the case for $18 million. That's less than .5 percent of Activision Blizzard's total 2020 revenue.

The Diablo and Call of Duty maker, which denied any wrongdoing, will create an $18 million restitution fund for affected employees as part of the agreement. It will also comply with antidiscriminatory laws and ensure its workplace is free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation practices. Any money that isn't claimed from the $18 million fund will be donated to charities dedicated to the advancement of women in gaming and tech sectors and otherwise used to improve upon Activision Blizzard's internal programs to promote inclusion, gender equality, and diversity.

Last year, Activision Blizzard earned $8.1 billion in revenue, putting the total settlement number at 0.22 percent of its total 2020 earnings.

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