Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser says Activision Blizzard stories are “distressing and disturbing,” Fanbyte reported Monday.
Bowser was among the many who read the Wall Street Journal’s story on Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick that led to a walkout from the company’s staff. Fanbyte allegedly received an internal Nintendo email from Bowser about the situation.
“Along with all of you, I’ve been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company,” Bowser said via Fanbyte. “I find these accounts distressing and disturbing, They run counter to my values as well as Nintendo’s beliefs, values and policies.”
Bowser explains later in the email that Nintendo wants to foster an open and inclusive workplace while expecting industry peers to do the same. Spokespeople from Nintendo are “in contact with Activision, have taken action and are assessing others,” Bowser said via Fanbyte.
Looks like Mr. Miyamoto and Bow-, we mean Doug Bowser, are having a great time at #E32019! pic.twitter.com/hVjsDLwiwk
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 12, 2019
Nintendo is also allegedly speaking with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) about Activision Blizzard since both companies are part of the organization. Bowser claims Nintendo has worked with the ESA recently on its stance on abuse and harassment and that the ESA must hold all of its members to high standards.
“Every company in the industry must create an environment where everyone is respected and treated as equals,” Bowser said via Fanbyte. “Where all understand the consequences of not doing so.”
Nintendo’s present joins PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan and Xbox head Phil Spencer in condemning Activision Blizzard’s actions.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.
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