Workplace Harassment
Ongoing coverage on Workplace Harassment.
Latest coverage
Opinion: Deprofessionalization could foster toxic work environments on small teams
The article discusses the concept of 'deprofessionalization' in the game industry, where reduced general employment drives out career professionals, potentially fostering toxic work environments, particularly in indie development. It draws parallels between historical instances of harassment at both large and small studios, highlighting how relaxed professional standards can lead to inappropriate conduct and drive talent away from the industry.
UK Employment Rights Act 2025: Harassment law is getting tougher – and games companies need to be ready
The UK Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to harassment laws, impacting games companies operating in the UK. Key reforms include reinstating employer liability for third-party harassment and strengthening the duty to prevent sexual harassment by requiring 'all reasonable steps.' These changes, effective from October 2026, aim to create safer and more inclusive workplaces by shifting focus from reactive measures to proactive prevention.
Former Halo art director who complained about "fraud" and "cronyism" warns looming Xbox layoffs are a chance for bosses to settle scores
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel warns that impending Xbox layoffs could be used by executives to retaliate against employees who have raised complaints about misconduct. Israel, who claims he was driven out of his job after reporting alleged fraud and cronyism, advises current staff to seek legal counsel and document evidence before potential job cuts occur.
Former Xbox Employees Warn of Retaliation From Studio Leadership Ahead of Rumored Layoffs
Former Xbox employees have spoken out about alleged toxic behavior from studio leadership, warning that speaking out against superiors or filing complaints can lead to retaliation, including termination or being pressured to leave. Glenn Israel, former art director at Halo Studios, shared his experiences and advised current employees to be aware of their labor rights and to consult legal counsel if facing layoffs or disputes.
Former Xbox employees warn of potential for retaliation in rumored impending layoffs
Former Xbox employees have come forward with allegations that the company may use impending layoffs as a means of retaliation against employees who have reported or pushed back against alleged toxic behavior and harassment from superiors. Legal experts advise current employees to document all evidence of abuse and their accomplishments to prepare for potential challenges.
'Phoebe' Cerita Dugaan Aksi Pelecehan oleh Penulis Naskah Friends
Lisa Kudrow has revealed allegations of sexual harassment by writers behind the hit 90s sitcom Friends. Kudrow stated that the predominantly male writing staff would discuss sexual fantasies about co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox. A former assistant writer had previously filed a lawsuit in 2004 alleging sexual and racial harassment, which was ultimately dismissed.
Kylie Jenner Digugat Eks PRT dengan Dugaan Bullying dan Diskriminasi
Kylie Jenner is being sued by a former housekeeper, Angelica Vasquez, who alleges bullying and discrimination by other household staff. Vasquez is seeking damages for unpaid wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages, claiming she was ostracized, given difficult tasks, and humiliated based on her race, national origin, and religion. While Jenner is not directly accused of the alleged mistreatment, she is named as a defendant for failing to address Vasquez's complaints.
Halo dev accusing the studio of harassment fights "devs hate Halo" theories in tell-all post: "No one works a 60- or 80-hour week out of spite"
A former Halo art director, Glenn Israel, has addressed fan theories about developers disliking the franchise amidst his harassment allegations against 343 Industries. Israel stated that the studio primarily hired fans and that the narrative issues in games like Halo 4 stemmed from an over-reliance on deep lore rather than developer spite.
South of Midnight Review – Gamerhub UK
This review of South of Midnight touches on broader issues within the gaming industry, particularly concerning workplace harassment and toxic studio environments. While the article acknowledges the existence of great studios and positive leadership, it also highlights recurring accusations and the difficulty in obtaining the full story in such situations.
Former Halo Studios art director accuses studio of harassment
Former Halo Studios art director Glenn Israel and other ex-employees have accused the company of covering up workplace harassment and bullying. These allegations suggest a pattern of misconduct within the studio.
Former Halo Studios art director accuses studio of harassment
The former art director of a studio that worked on Halo has accused the company of harassment. The article also mentions a GDC chat with Owlchemy Labs CEO Andrew Eiche regarding common technical mishaps at industry events.
Los Angeles has a predatory male comedian problem — MP3s & NPCs
This article discusses the prevalence of predatory behavior within the Los Angeles comedy scene, highlighting incidents involving comedians Ian Ira Rousso, Billy Myers III, and Corey Holcomb. The author, a games journalist and rock critic, details accusations of assault, harassment, and exploitation, arguing that the industry often fails to hold perpetrators accountable and that such behavior creates a toxic environment for aspiring comedians, particularly women.
Former Halo Studios employees accuse studio of harrassment and retaliation
Former Halo Studios employees, including art director Glenn Israel, have accused the studio and Microsoft of covering up harassment, bullying, and retaliation. Israel detailed incidents from January 2025 to August and alleged that Microsoft uses layoffs to mask retaliatory acts. Other former employees have corroborated these claims, while Microsoft stated they take all claims seriously.
Halo Studios’ Former Art Director Alleges Harassment Campaigns, Retaliation From Leadership
Former Halo Studios art director Glenn Israel has accused the company's leadership of harassment, favoritism, and retaliation, alleging that complaints were suppressed by Microsoft. Israel claims that leadership engaged in campaigns to force out employees and that his own role was made redundant as a retaliatory act. He warns potential employees against seeking work at the organization due to a lack of respect and fair compensation.
Halo director alleges he experienced ‘multiple harassment campaigns’ and ‘blacklisting, fraud, rampant favoritism’ at Halo Studios
Former 343 Industries art director Glenn Israel has accused Microsoft and Halo Studios executives of orchestrating "multiple harassment campaigns," blacklisting, fraud, and rampant favoritism. Israel alleges that these actions were designed to create grounds for the termination of employees, and that HR departments failed to act. He also claims Microsoft uses layoffs to remove employees who have filed complaints.
Veteran Halo developer of 17 years accuses the studio of blacklisting, fraud, and "multiple harassment…
Glenn Israel, the art director for Halo Infinite and a 17-year veteran of the franchise, has accused senior staff at 343 Industries and Xbox Game Studios of blacklisting, fraud, favoritism, and harassment. These alleged actions occurred between January 2024 and June 2025, leading to his departure from the company.
