World of Warcraft players stage sit-in protest following Blizzard allegations Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. World of Warcraft players stage sit-in protest following Blizzard allegations Calls for NPC based on former dev to be kicked out of Stormwind. News by Wesley Yin-Poole Deputy Editorial Director Updated on 23 Jul 2021 61 comments World of Warcraft players have staged an in-game protest following recent allegations made against developer Blizzard. This week, the State of California sued Activision Blizzard over what it alleges to be a "frat boy" culture that created "a breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women". The lawsuit includes a number of disturbing allegations and alleges a culture of "constant sexual harassment" mainly at Blizzard Entertainment, the maker of World of Warcraft, Diablo and Overwatch. Activision Blizzard has strongly denied the accusations. In response, World of Warcraft players have gathered in social spaces such as the Idyllia Steps in Oribos to hold sit-in protests. The protest was organised by Fence Macabre, a faction-neutral role-playing guild that operates on the Wyrmrest Accord and Moon Guard servers. Cashed in my Shadowlands boost to get an alt on WRA to participate in the #OribosSitIn , hosted by @fencemacabre ! Worthy use of the time and boost for what's left of my sub! I love WOW dearly but change HAS to happen - now's the time when many eyes are watching! pic.twitter.com/syTnnIUu2Z- Ryuko DragonHalf (@ryukodragon) July 23, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Joining in on the #OribosSitIn, hosted by @fencemacabre . They're helping to raise awareness and running a fundraiser for Black Girls CODE. https://t.co/eyLSEDDKLt pic.twitter.com/1X31pbFbE2- Nyra @ Stewards Rest (@nyradrine) July 23, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings I sit in Oribos to protest Activision-BlizzardI stand up for the victims of sexual harassment, abuse, misogynism, and racism. This shit has got to stop, A/B needs a MASSIVE culture shift. Join us for the #OribosSitIn --https://t.co/UyXkOmO8QH pic.twitter.com/12rUZiwIMQ- Lucario the Rogue (@lucariotherogue) July 23, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings The protest raised over $8000 for Black Girls Code, a group that aims to introduce young women of colour to skills in computer programming and technology. According to the lawsuit, women of colour were allegedly criticised for their body language, for asking for help and for taking breaks, and were forced to document days spent off from work when colleagues were not. "Women of colour were particularly vulnerable targets of [Activision Blizzard's] discriminatory practices," California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) said in the lawsuit. "We hope this protest forces Blizzard to look in the mirror and see that those who inflicted harm - be it through direct action or by complacency - are held accountable," Fence Macabre said in a tumblr post. "Above all: we sit in solidarity for the victims and survivors of Blizzard's hostile work culture, be they those who were forced to leave, those who continue to endure the suffering as we speak, and most: those who are no longer with us. "Change doesn't happen overnight. We know this. But change starts with a spark, a humble - yet powerful - spark all of you have shone bright today. We hope from this spark, Activision Blizzard can illuminate the rot plaguing their company and make transparent, lasting changes to better their organization and associated IPs." World of Warcraft players have also taken aim at an in-game character based on the former senior creative director of World of Warcraft who allegedly "was permitted to engage in blatant sexual harassment with little to no repercussions". Players are reporting this character, a quest-giver in Stormwind City named Field Marshal Afrasiabi, may be in the process of being phased out of the game entirely. But last night players called on Blizzard to remove the NPC, its associated quests and all in-game content relating to the former senior creative director. Kick this Man Out of the City from r/wow To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings He keeps phasing in and out, but I managed to /spit on him before they remove his npc. from r/wow To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Blizzard started despawning Afrasiabi from Stormwind, I added a sign and people started adding their own. Would be a shame if this became a thing. from r/wow To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! 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