Activision Blizzard in free fall from PR nightmares and slowing growth

Activision Blizzard is in the middle of a company crisis — but investors have reasons to believe these are short-term issues.

What’s the big deal? In February, nearly every sector benefiting from COVID took a hit — including gaming stocks.

But one of the largest gaming creators, Activision Blizzard — owner of hit franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch and Candy Crush — is going through bigger problems:

• In July, Activision was sued by California for its “frat boy” workplace culture — which unfairly treated women and was subject to sexual harassment.
• In September, the SEC opened an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace discrimination.

Its stock is down 25% in 2021 — and investors weren’t a fan of its Tuesday earnings report:

• Forecasted lower than expected sales for the holiday season and on the latest installment of Call of Duty — released tonight.
• Activision delayed the launch of Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 — the next saga in two of its biggest franchises.

Game releases give sales a big push — and its recent workplace issues may be impacting more than just company morale.

To combat its issues, Activision is making big changes with plans to invest $250M in the next decade to open up opportunities for diverse talent:

• Policy change so employees are now allowed to sue the company directly for sexual harassment and discrimination.
• CEO reduced his pay from $154M to $62.5K (minimum under California law) — forgoing bonuses and stock grants.

Looking forward: If Activision can get past its workplace issues, investors have many things to get excited about… Activision is still the owner of some of the most popular gaming franchises, the mobile gaming industry continues to grow post-lockdown and the delayed releases are a short-term impact.