US video game publisher Activision Blizzard posted results that beat expectations in the second quarter but warned that its setbacks over recent accusations of sexism and discrimination within the company could weigh on its business.
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"If we experience prolonged periods of negative publicity, drastically reduced productivity or other negative consequences related to this matter, our business is likely to be affected,"
the group said in a statement. The video game publisher is indeed in the midst of a storm after the filing of a complaint by an agency of the State of California accusing the creator of the blockbuster "Call of Duty" of having allowed a sexist and toxic culture to settle. .
Activision announced earlier today the departure of the head of its subsidiary Blizzard Entertainment, directly named in the complaint.
"We remain intensely focused on the well-being of our employees,"
assured the boss of the company, Bobby Kotick, saying he wanted to offer an environment
"welcoming, supportive and safe"
.
"Solid" performance
The group's financial performance has remained
"solid"
in the second quarter and forecasts have been raised, said Bobby Kotick.
Driven by its blockbusters "Call of Duty", "World of Warcraft" and "Candy Crush", the turnover of the company increased by 19% to reach 2.3 billion dollars.
Its net profit jumped 51% to $ 876 million. Reported per share and excluding exceptional items, it amounted to 1.20 dollars, against 75 cents expected by analysts. Activision Blizzard now expects 8.52 billion revenue in 2021, against the 8.37 billion announced at the end of the first quarter. On the New York Stock Exchange, the title took 3.6% in electronic exchanges following the official session.
