US video game publisher and developer Riot Games, behind the famous
League of Legends
, announced Monday that it has agreed to pay $ 100 million to end sex discrimination lawsuits.
The complaint was originally filed by two former employees in 2018, who claimed to be victims of discrimination and sexual harassment within Riot Games.
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In detail, Riot Games will pay $ 80 million to members of a class action lawsuit initiated in 2018, including hundreds of former and current employees.
Another $ 20 million will be dedicated to plaintiffs' legal fees.
The agreement has yet to be approved by the court, a hearing being scheduled in the coming months, according to the American group.
In 2019 the publisher sought to settle these lawsuits for $ 10 million, but a California regulatory body (DFEH) blocked the agreement.
The agency explained at the time in court that victims could be entitled to no less than $ 400 million.
This new agreement for an amount multiplied by ten was this time accepted.
"
Correct the shot
"
By signing this agreement the group explained to be "
at the heart of what has become a challenge for our industry
", and assured that it has chosen to "
correct the situation and build a better Riot
". The company will also have its internal reports and pay equity processes audited by a third-party entity for three years. “
While we are proud of how far we have come since 2018, we must also take responsibility for the past
,” the studio added.
Earlier this year, a former assistant sued the video game publisher and his French boss, Nicolo Laurent, accusing the leader of sexual harassment and sexist comments.
The former employee also says Nicolo Laurent allegedly told women working for Riot Games that the best "
way to deal with the stress of the pandemic is to have children
."
An independent review, however, concluded in March that there was no evidence to support the charges.
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The deal comes shortly after Activision Blizzard, another US video game giant, faced protests and legal action from its employees.
They denounce a culture of sexist and toxic harassment against women and the laissez-faire of management.
The CEO of Activision himself is reportedly considering leaving the company if these issues persist.
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