Video Game Industry Response to Nationwide Protests

June 2, 2020

Nationwide protests from the past weekend—in response to the senseless death of George Floyd and other African-Americans who have died in police custody—have inspired expressions of empathy and support by many.

Today, the ESA issued the following statement:

ESA Foundation also issued the following statement:

Below are links to member company statements:

2K

• “This week we muted our channel out of respect for what’s going on in the world. We are increasing funding for our 2K Foundations program by an additional $1M and expanding its mission to help fight racial injustice and inequalities in black communities across the globe. Black Lives Matter.”

Activision Blizzard 

• “Today, and always, we support all those who stand against racism and inequality. There is no place for it in our society – or any society. Black lives matter.”

Amazon

• “The inequitable and brutal treatment of Black people in our country must stop. Together we stand in solidarity with the Black community – our employees, customers, and partners – in the fight against systemic racism and injustice.”

Bandai Namco

• “The ideals of inclusion, diversity, and fairness are core to BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America. We stand in solidarity with our Black employees, our Black players, and the Black community.”

Bethesda

• “Together we stand united with Black communities to listen and speak up againts inequity, oppression, and racism. Not just now, but always. #BlackLivesMatter”

Bungie

• “When words are not enough, only action can bring about change. Taking a stand against systemic racism, injustice, and prejudice is everyone’s responsibility and it begins with education and engagement. Here is a list of suggested organizations that we encourage you to visit and donate to. blacklivesmatter.com showingupforracialinjustice.org antiracismcenter.com eji.org colorlines.com We at Bungie are making a commitment to stand up on behalf of our Black community; including our players, developers, fans, and neighbors. Racial injustice surrounds us, and we need to help create positive change. Bungie is making financial contributions to these organizations and matching to the donations made by any of the people on our team. This will not be our only contribution to the fight for justice in our country, and globally. We have a platform, and we plan to use it. Black Lives Matter.”

Capcom

• “With respect to current events, Capcom will refrain from game-related posts on our social channels for the time being. We will also be postponing Capcom Pro Tour Online, which was scheduled to begin this weekend. We at Capcom support Black communities and everyone who is standing against racism and fighting for equality for all. We understand that there are bigger, more important voices that deserve to be heard right now, and the spotlight belongs to them. #BlackLivesMatter”

Deep Silver

• “We at Deep Silver, our studios and employees, stand in solidarity with all communities against racism and inequality. As individuals, and as an organisation, we stand by those in our teams who are in pain right now and continue to listen and learn from their experiences. Black Lives Matter”

Disney Interactive

• “We stand against racism. We stand for inclusion. We stand with our fellow Black employees, storytellers, creators and the entire Black community. We must unite and speak out.“

Electronic Arts

• “Tomorrow, we had committed to celebrating Madden NFL 21 with you, but we’re not going to do that now. We stand with our African American / Black community of friends, players, colleagues and partners. Our immediate attention is on actions we can take to drive change against the unjust treatment and systemic bias that is plaguing the nation and our world. We’ll find another time to talk football with you. Because this is bigger than a game, bigger than sports, and needs all of us to stand together and commit to change.”

Epic Games

• “Recent events are a heavy reminder of ongoing injustices in society, from the denial of basic human rights to the impact of racism both overt and subtle against people of color. We’re acutely aware of the pain our friends, families, team members, players, and communities are experiencing. We believe in equality and justice, diversity and inclusion, and that these fundamentals are above politics. The team is eager to move Fortnite forward, but we need to balance the Season 3 launch with time for the team to focus on themselves, their families, and their communities. The live event The Device will be delayed to Monday, June 15, and the Season 3 launch delayed to Wednesday, June 17. We know this delay comes on the heels of another one, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during these difficult times.”

Gearbox Software

• “Gearbox condemns racism and injustice. We hope that the anger and grief of recent events spur lasting change. It is time to dismantle the systemic racism and create an inclusive America that delivers on the promise of liberty and justice for all. Black Lives Matter.”

Microsoft/Xbox 

• “There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities.”

Nexon America Inc.

• “Nexon America beliees in #Diversity and #Inclusion. We are all in this together. #BlackLivesMatter #NoRacism“

Nintendo of America

• “Nintendo shares the pain felt in the United States after the tragic death of George Floyd, and we stand with the Black community and all those who recognize our shared humanity and fundamental belief in equity and justice. We reject bias, exclusion, oppression, and the violence that leads to these completely unnecessary deaths. We are committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and diversity in all aspects of our business and the work we do.”

Rebellion

• “Rebellion stands with our Black colleagues, creators and communities against racism. #BlackLivesMatter We must all listen, learn and act to make meaningful long-term change. Let’s stand together for a better world.”

Riot Games

• “Alongside our nation, our hearts are heavy as hope seems lost and trust has been broken. Riot Games stands in solidarity with the Black community against all acts of injustice, racism, prejudice, and hatred. Silence is not an option. Let our collective voices rise and our actions make “progress” a reality. Now is the time to unite through our skills, talents, and time in the most impactful ways possible. Our communities of color deserve more. Black lives matter.”

SEGA

• “SEGA stands united with the Black community against all forms of racism and discrimination. Equality is everyone’s business and we want to help combat these issues with the help of our communities and team members. SEGA and its studios will be making donations to worthy causes that align with this statement. In addition, we will be matching donations made by our employees.”

Square Enix

• “Everyone at Square Enix’s offices and studios across the globe stands with our Black community in the fight against racism, prejudice, and hate. We are pledging $250,000 and will match employee donations to support the Black Lives Matter organization and other charities, in the effort to help combat racial injustice and positively affect change in the world. #BlackLivesMatter”

Sony Interactive Entertainment/PlayStation

• “We denounce systemic racism and violence against the Black community. We will continue to work towards a future marked by empathy and inclusion and stand with our Black creators, players, employees, families, and friends. #BlackLivesMatter”

Ubisoft

• “The killing of George Floyd and the systemic racism faced by the Black community is deeply disturbing and painful. We believe in liberty and equality, and stand in solidarity with Black team members. Discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice are things we should all work to change.”

Warner Bros.

• “Somebody has to stand when others are sitting. Somebody has to speak when others are quiet.” – Bryan Stevenson We stand with our Black colleagues, talent, storytellers and fans – and all affected by senseless violence. Your voices matter, your messages matter. #BlackLivesMatter