Grand Changes at Rockstar Games: How the Frat-Boy Culture was Cleaned Up

Grand Changes at Rockstar Games: How the Frat-Boy Culture was Cleaned Up

Rockstar Games, the New York-based video game company, has been widely known for its controversial games that often involve violence, sex, and drugs. However, while the games may have been a hit among the public, the company’s internal culture had been undergoing a dramatic makeover to address complaints about sexism and harassment.

Background

Rockstar Games first shot to worldwide fame in 2001 with the release of the critically acclaimed game, Grand Theft Auto III. The company’s games were praised for their creativity and cutting-edge graphics, but they also became infamous for their violent and sexually explicit content.

However, in recent years, the company’s internal culture came under scrutiny when former employees spoke out about the rampant sexism and harassment that existed within Rockstar Games. In 2018, Kotaku, a popular gaming website, published an article detailing the alleged “frat-boy” culture that existed within Rockstar’s offices.

The Frat-Boy Culture

According to the article, women at Rockstar Games were often belittled and objectified by their male colleagues. One female employee reported that she was once asked whether she had been “hired for her looks or her skills.” Another employee claimed that during a company event, male colleagues would compete to see who could take pictures of themselves grabbing the most female employees.

In response to the allegations, Rockstar Games conducted an internal investigation that led to the firing of several employees and the implementation of new policies to address workplace harassment.

Changes at Rockstar Games

Since the Kotaku article was published, Rockstar Games has undergone significant changes to promote a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. In a statement released to Kotaku, Rockstar Games emphasized its commitment to creating an environment “that supports the well-being of all employees” and stated that it had implemented new programs to address “bad behavior.”

One of the most significant changes was the appointment of Jennifer Kolbe as the company’s new head of human resources. Kolbe was responsible for implementing a number of new policies, including unconscious bias training for all employees and clearer guidelines for reporting harassment.

Additionally, the company has also launched an Employee Research Group, which gives employees a chance to voice their concerns and suggestions in a safe environment.

Conclusion

Rockstar Games’ response to the allegations of a sexist and toxic workplace has been commendable. By implementing new policies and programs, the company has shown its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all its employees. However, this is only the beginning, and the company will need to continue to work towards a culture that promotes equality and respect.

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