Notes

World of Warcraft Players are Hosting Sit-in Protests after Blizzard Allegations



World of Warcraft players are hosting sit-in protests after Blizzard claims.

Oribos is a great alternative to California protests.



- - By Cass Marshall - on July 22nd, 2021 at 2:39 pm.



World of Warcraft's social hub Oribos is crowded with players, but it's not due to any new raid or update. Hundreds of players are participating in an in-game protest against Activision Blizzard after a lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The court documents include allegations of a "frat boy culture" which exposed female employees to "constant sexual harassment."



Fence Macabre, a roleplay guild that hosts stories with no faction on the Wyrmrest Accord or Moon Guard servers, organized the protest. The group is also running an effort to raise money for Black Girls Code, an organization that teaches computer programming as well as digital technology to girls between 7-17.



The lawsuit was widely reported on Wednesday night. Many players were shocked learn about the alleged culture surrounding an activity that is important to so many.



After the participants have left the protest, new players arrive to join the protest. Many of their accounts have "sublocked," which means they have pre-paid gaming time. I sat in the middle of the protests for a while and listened to the conversations flow. Extrememining Some came to say goodbye and wish their fellow roleplayers luck. One elf stated that he was looking for a reason to return to Final Fantasy 14. Some took advantage of the occasion to vent their frustrations with certain Blizzard employees and speculate on chats in the game about the executive who sent the company's response immediately.



Hinahina Gray is a deputy with Fence macabre and a genuine reader who brings an Native Hawaiian perspective to media. "Some people who have joined us remain not sure about their decision, and are considering leaving the communities they've helped create," she wrote in an Discord message. It's not an easy decision to make after having made such a huge emotional investment. A majority of us have cancelled their subscription. We wanted to have an in-game protest as it would allow people from all over the world to come and join us. We still have game time, we may be able to do something with it."



She also acknowledges that for some players, making the right choice is difficult.



"In saying that, it is an emotional loss, and a majority of our communities of extended members struggle, particularly those who are also marginalized who have found people like themselves and build an identity," Gray said. "As an Indigenous queer person, I definitely feel it.


Here's my website: https://extrememining.org/