Over 60 Employees Of Raven Software Stage Walkout To Protest Layoffs

Call of Duty studio lost 12 members on Friday, with more potentially to follow this week.

Jason Winter
By Jason Winter, News Editor Posted:
Share:

Call of Duty Warzone operators

On Friday, a dozen QA personnel at Madison, Wisconsin-based Raven Software -- the studio that develops the Call of Duty franchise for Activision -- were told that they would be laid off at the end of January. According to the Washington Post, the contract workers were informed of their dismissal in one-on-one meetings that began on December 3 and would continue through December 8, meaning that some workers spent the weekend wondering if they would still have a job throughout the coming new year.

Many of the employees who were laid off moved to Madison as part of the job and were reportedly told that they would be receiving pay increases in the near future. While the laid-off workers' formal dismissal date is January 28, they have been given the option to leave earlier, and the Post reports that many are choosing to do so. "It's an embarrassment working for Activision, in my opinion," said QA tester Evan Avillanoza, one of the employees who were let go.

In response, employee advocate group A Better ABK organized a walkout today at Raven Software in support of the 12 individuals who were terminated, calling for them to be reinstated and for all members of Raven's QA team to be offered full-time positions. In a statement, A Better ABK said that the workers were "in 'good standing,' meaning they had not underperformed or committed any fireable offense" and noted that Call of Duty: Warzone brings in $5.2 million per day, in accordance with Blizzard's own financial statements.

Over 60 workers at Raven Software participated in today's walkout, according to the Washington Post.

Activision Blizzard responded to the demonstration by saying, "We support their right to express their opinions and concerns in a safe and respectful manner, without fear of retaliation." The company also said in a statement that it was terminating the employment of 20 contract workers throughout its studios while converting 500 more to full-time positions in the coming months -- which would be good news if true, but at this point, the company deserves exactly zero benefit of the doubt.

Share:
Got a news tip? Contact us directly here!

About the Author

Jason Winter
Jason Winter, News Editor
Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.

Discussion (1)

zariarn 1 year ago
That irks me whenever the company is making 5.2 million a day from one game.


Read Next

Gwent Update 9.6 Adds Twelve New Cards Tomorrow As The Game Crowns A Champ

Gwent Update 9.6 Adds Twelve New Cards Tomorrow As The Game Crowns A Champ

Including Kin Radovid V.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 year ago

You May Enjoy

Bloodhunt Introduces Infinite Battle Pass, PS5 Founder's Edition, And Team Deathmatch Adjustments

Bloodhunt Introduces Infinite Battle Pass, PS5 Founder's Edition, And Team Deathmatch Adjustments

All was covered in the third edition of the community newsletter.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 6 days ago
Guild Wars 2 September Update Nerfs Some Of Y'all For Being Too PvE OP

Guild Wars 2 September Update Nerfs Some Of Y'all For Being Too PvE OP

Of course, there are fixes and quality of life changes as well.

By QuintLyn Bowers - 6 days ago
More Details On The International — Dota 2's Major Tournament — Have Been Revealed

More Details On The International — Dota 2's Major Tournament — Have Been Revealed

You can still attend in-person, but you better be quick about it!

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 1 week ago
Three TEKKEN Characters Have Joined The Brawlhalla Roster

Three TEKKEN Characters Have Joined The Brawlhalla Roster

Welcome to the family Devil Jin, Nina Williams and Yoshimitsu!

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 4 days ago
Halloween Events, A 24-Person Quest, And More! Here's PSO2 New Genesis's 2023 October Update Plans

Halloween Events, A 24-Person Quest, And More! Here's PSO2 New Genesis's 2023 October Update Plans

There's limited-time quests, new main story content, region updates, fresh trials, and a Halloween event.

By Matthew D'Onofrio - 5 days ago