"Not taking a side" on a matter like widespread harassment is absolutely taking a side.
The Game Awards Won't Take Sides On Activision Fallout To Focus On Reveals [Update]
Geoff Keighley supports people sharing their stories but stopped short of criticizing the Call of Duty publisher
kotaku.com
As Geoff Keighley's annual Game Awards show enters its eighth year, the creator and host told The Washington Post today that he's still thinking about how to "navigate" Activision Blizzard's involvement in the ceremony following the latest reports of sexual misconduct at the publisher.
"We want to support employees and developers," Keighley said in an interview about what to expect at the 2021 Game Awards, which takes place on December 9. "[Keighley] added he supported people coming forward with their stories but also didn't want to diminish developers' opportunities to spotlight their games," The Washington Post reported.
"We have to think very carefully about how to proceed here," he said in the interview. Despite being one of the most prominent figures in the video game industry, Keighley has so far refrained from calling out the reported years of abuse at one of the biggest gaming companies in the world.
Keighley and The Game Awards did not respond to a request for comment.
Just a reminder that he was happy to be critical of Konami blocking Kojima from attending the awards in 2015.
"As you noticed," said Keighley. "Hideo Kojima is not here with us tonight and I want to tell you a little about that. Mr. Kojima had every intention of being with us tonight, but unfortunately he was informed by a lawyer representing Konami just recently that he would not be allowed to travel to tonight's awards ceremony to accept any awards. [crowd boos] He's still under an employment contract. And it's disappointing and it's inconceivable to me that an artist like Hideo would not be allowed to come here and celebrate with his peers and his fellow teammates."
But I mean systemic harassment? Don't wanna be out there saying anything too harsh or anything... /s
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