Batman Arkham developer Rocksteady accused of failing to act on sexual harassment
"We have carefully listened to and learned from our employees."
British developer Rocksteady Studios has been accused of inaction in response to claims of harassment and abuse.
A November 2018 letter to company bosses highlighting various instances of inappropriate behaviour went largely ignored, The Guardian reported today, after having heard from one of those who signed.
In total, 10 women out of the company's then 16 female staff reportedly put their name to the letter. (Rocksteady currently lists having 239 employees total.)
The letter included complaints "in the form of unwanted advances, leering at parts of a woman's body, and inappropriate comments in the office", "discussing a woman in a derogatory or sexual manner with other colleagues" and "slurs regarding the transgendered community".
Speaking anonymously to The Guardian, the woman said she was coming forward to speak about the letter now due to a lack of action from Rocksteady in response.
"I have heard everything from groping claims to incidents involving directors, all of whom are men," she said. "Yet the only thing we had as a result was a company-wide seminar that lasted an hour. Everyone who attended was asked to sign a statement confirming that they'd received the training. It felt that it was a just way for them to cover their arses.
"I'd say 97 to 98 per cent of the developers there are incredible people, and it's so unfair that this will land on them because a few people weren't managed properly."
After being contacted by the newspaper for comment, Rocksteady bosses are said to have discussed the letter in a meeting with all staff and promised new initiatives in response.
"From day one at Rocksteady Studios, we set out to create a place where people are looked after, a place fundamentally built on respect and inclusion," a Rocksteady spokesperson told The Guardian.
"In 2018 we received a letter from some of our female employees expressing concerns they had at that time, and we immediately took firm measures to address the matters that were raised. Over the subsequent two years we have carefully listened to and learned from our employees, working to ensure every person on the team feels supported. In 2020 we are more passionate than ever to continue to develop our inclusive culture, and we are determined to stand up for all of our staff."
Rocksteady is set to reveal its long-awaited Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game this weekend.