Episodes

In this episode, I talk about some diversity efforts – both inside, and outside, of gaming. Warcraft Radio has rebranded. Blizzard is highlighting LGBTQIA+ workers as a Pride Season Spotlight. EA updates SIMS4 with a sexual orientation feature. July is Disability Pride Month. A Better ABK will hold a walkout on July 21st for gender equity. I also talked about Ubisoft shutting down games, Carbot Animations plushies, playing Diablo Immortal with a controller, Hungering Moon Weekend event, and con...

In this episode, I talked about Overwatch supporting the Trevor Project, an interview with Mike Ybarra, and ABetterABK having another walkout. I also mentioned Quebec’s decisions regarding the French language, E3 2023, various governments investigating the Microsoft – Activision Blizzard merger, a lot about Diablo Immortal, an update on Diablo III Season 27, and more! Things mentioned in this episode: Jen was featured on the Realm Maintenance podcast #324 (along with Josh Corbett of Countdown ...

In this episode, I pointed out Blizzard workers at Pride. I mentioned some game companies who want to protect their worker’s access to health care. The ABK Workers Alliance had things to say, and so did ABK Watch. Blizzard acquired Proletariat. I also talked about content from the Diablo community, including a bombshell of an announcement from the guys at Maxroll! Things mentioned in this episode: @TheOneOnDruryLn posted a photo of Blizzard workers celebrating Pride Ubisoft posted a blog titl...

In this episode, I pointed out Wowhead’s Pride Fundraiser – supporting The Trevor Project. I talked about shenanigans at Activision Blizzard (regarding the shareholder’s vote that was ignored by the board). I bring you up to date regarding the delay of Diablo Immortal in China, and spend most of the rest of the show highlighting content creators work about Diablo Immortal. Things mentioned in this episode: Wowhead has a fundraiser for The Trevor Project Axios (from May of 2022) posted an arti...

In this episode, I started by pointing you to various YouTube videos in which people discussed the monetization in Diablo Immortal. There were also some news articles about it. Microsoft will respect Activision Blizzard unionization (after acquisition). Activision Blizzard cleared itself of any wrongdoing (regarding sexual harassment). And I also talked about Diablo IV. Things mentioned in this episode: Josh Strife Hayes posted a YouTube video titled: “The Immoral Design of Diablo Immortal” J...

In this episode, I start by mentioning companies that support LGBTQ+ people, a little bit about unionization, and a questionable post from Bobby Kotick. Most of this episode focuses on Diablo Immortal and “pay to win”. Things mentioned in this episode: Electronic Arts tweeted support for Trans Rights, Women’s Rights, and LGBTQ+ communities Raven Software tweeted about Lion’s Pride and Gaymer Emblems in Warzone Sony tweeted (with partner Immigration Equality) supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants Son...

In this episode, I mentioned Pride month and API Heritage month. The news this time includes a dropped lawsuit, Microsoft’s supporting unionization, and The Washington Post writing about Diablo Immortal! Belgium and the Netherlands won’t release the game because of loot boxes. I also highlighted information about Diablo Immortal including content from the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: BioWare tweeted support for trans rights, women’s rights, and bodily autonomy. Respawn ...

In this episode, I talk about Raven Software winning its union vote – making the Game Workers Alliance the first North American video game union at a AAA gaming company. Activision Blizzard has been accused of illegally treating staff who wanted a union. SOC Investment group wants to remove Kotick (and others) from the board of directors. I also talked about accessibility in gaming, informative news about Diablo Immortal, content from the Diablo Community, and Pride merchandise. Things mentione...

In this episode, I talked about Activision Blizzard backtracking on what they originally presented with King’s Diversity Space Tool. Game Workers Alliance will have a virtual watch party. Sony, Insomniac Games, and Meta won’t let their workers talk about abortion. I also read some of the “Ask Me Anything” thread from Wyatt Cheng about Diablo III. Diablo Immortal is coming to the rest of Pacific Asia. I ended by including content from the Diablo Community. Things mentioned in this episode: Acti...

In this episode, I start with the @DiabloImmortal tweet about Friday the 13th. I read about Raven Software preparing for a union vote. Several gaming companies made statements about the potential repeal of Roe V. Wade. Also mentioned the “Diversity Space Method”, World of Warcraft’s “Social Contract”, the Diablo III ten year anniversary, and a new zone in Diablo Immortal. Things mentioned in this episode: @DiabloImmortal tweeted about Friday the 13th. The Washington Post posted an article tit...

In this episode, I bring you the latest news about Activision Blizzard. The shareholders are angry! I also talked about diversity in gaming, the potential danger of in-person conferences, and a Tweet from Bungie. After that, I point you toward people highlighted by Activision Blizzard, before talking about Diablo Immortal and the first ever Diablo II: Resurrected Ladder season. Things mentioned in this episode: Axios posted an article titled: “Activision advises stockholders to vote against ha...

In this episode, I bring you up to date with the unionization efforts at Activision Blizzard (and in other gaming companies). I also mentioned the Activision Blizzard shareholders vote, James Hong getting a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, phishing in World of Warcraft and more. Also discussed “The Infernal Race” (Ladder in Diablo II: Resurrected), and a lot about Diablo Immortal – on mobile AND PC! Things mentioned in this episode: The Verge posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard again ac...

In this episode, I start with a federal lawsuit about insider trading, and a shareholder lawsuit, that has been dismissed. Evidence appears that could mean Bobby Kotick won’t get a “golden parachute”. Also talked about a sketchy scheme by Kotick and Sandberg, and got excited about a Diablo Immortal announcement that will be revealed on April 25! Things mentioned in this episode: The Hollywood Reporter posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard Cooperating with Regulators’ Ask About Alleged...

In this episode, I talked about a newly hired Chief Diversity officer, a (virtual) job fair for those wanting to work in video game companies, interference in an Activision Blizzard lawsuit, and Vicarious Visions losing its name. Also talked about the survey that included NFTs, the Horadric Cube Gift Box Giveaway, and more! Things mentioned in this episode: Activision Blizzard Appoints Kristen Hines As Chief Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Officer 2022 Diversity In Action Job Fair on May 4, ...

Activision Blizzard dropped its COVID protections and pushed people to return to the office. This caused a fourth walkout protest. The company got positive attention for making all their QA workers full time (with raises), and then blew it by engaging in union busting. Also talked about work from home jobs in gaming companies, some fun from the @Diablo account, and Season 26 “The Fall Of the Nephalem”. The Washington Post posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard employees walk out over li...

In this episode, I bring you up to date on the ongoing Activision Blizzard lawsuits. The company is pushing workers to return to the office while removing protections against COVID. I also pointed out the women Blizzard highlighted for Women’s History Month, talked about accessibility, and spent time going over the latest news regarding Diablo Immortal, Diablo IV, and Diablo III. Things mentioned in this episode: The Washington Post posted an article titled: Microsoft says it will respect outc...

In this episode, I started with updates from Activision Blizzard lawsuits. After that, I went into some ongoing unionization efforts. A big part of this episode highlights ways to support people who are involved in making video games (or who play them). We could all use a support team! I also bring you up to date on some interesting Diablo content. Things mentioned in this episode: GamesIndustry.biz posted an article titled: “Judge prepared to approve Activision Blizzard’s settlement with EEOC...

In this episode, I start off by pointing out some really wonderful things some game companies are doing to make their games more accessible. I talked about gaming companies that are harming their workers, and how that can be discussed ethically by news writers and video makers. There is also plenty of exciting Diablo related content. Things mentioned in this episode: Hearthstone made their “Voyage to the Sunken City Cinematic Trailer” accessible to people who are blind or have low-vision Micr...

In this episode, I started by giving an example of appropriate feedback, and an example of inappropriate feedback. After that I read you the news about the latest shenanigans from Activision Blizzard (and other gaming companies). To balance that out, I bring you good news from gaming companies, and highlight content from the Diablo community, Things mentioned in this episode: @NickQuaglietta tweeted a question at @ShatteredStone (and I responded to it on Twitter) A random person using a fake ...

In this episode, I talk about the Game Workers Alliance and their attempts to unionize, the ABK GoFundMe, and Activision’s anti-union shenanigans. Xbox Game Pass has some newly added games. I also read to you some information about the Diablo 2: Resurrected ladder testing P.T.R. The majority of this episode focuses on content from the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: Game Workers Alliance tweeted about Activision refusing to recognize the union (thread) @isbobbystillceo tw...

In this episode, I bring you news about various governmental regulators who want to probe further into Activision Blizzards workplace issues, the Microsoft Activision Blizzard merger and more. After that, I go into good news from Epic Games, Learnings from the Diablo Immortal Closed Beta, how to stream on Twitch from your Xbox, and content from the Diablo community. Things mentioned in this episode: The Wall Street Journal posted an article titled: “Regulators Widen Activision Blizzard Probes ...

In this episode, I talk about Raven Studio’s attempts to form a union, Blizzard’s many job openings on Diablo teams, and important changes at Twitch. I also read some news regarding Bobby Kotick’s past. Things mentioned in this episode: The Washington Post posted an article titled: “‘Scorched earth’ and big profits: How embattled gaming titan Bobby Kotick outlasts his opponents” Bloomberg Law posted an article titled: “Activision Awaits Crucial Ruling on Scope of Sex Harassment Suit” CNBC po...

In this episode, I read part of a Forbes article about what women went through while working for Blizzard. Zynga has been acquired. Microsoft posted how it will handle its App Store. The rest of the episode is focused on plenty of Diablo content. Things mentioned in this episode: Forbes posted an article titled: “Activision Blizzard was their dream job. The workplace was a nightmare” Business Wire posted a press release stating that Take-Two acquired Zynga (in January) Microsoft posted an ar...

In this episode, I talked about the FTC reviewing the Microsoft acquisition, things related to unionization efforts, how to support the labor movement in games, and Game Workers Alliance. In addition, I talked about Bungie joining Playstation, GameStop getting into NFTs, and plenty of interesting news from not only Diablo games, but also other games made by Blizzard. Things mentioned in this episode: VP of QA at Activision posted anti-unionization message in a Slack channel Polygon posted an ...