Activision ‘Frat Boy’ Suit Jolts Effort to Change Gaming Culture

A lawsuit against Activision Blizzard Inc. could be a crucial step to forcing the video-game industry, which has faced persistent allegations of workplace sexual harassment, to take meaningful steps toward gender equality, advocates said.

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued the maker of World of Warcraft and other well-known games, alleging the company encourages a “frat boy” culture where female workers face sexual harassment, unequal pay, and retaliation. The allegations in the July 20 lawsuit sparked a firestorm in the gaming community, with many saying it showed an industry rife with abuse and resistant to change.

Lawyers ...