Rocksteady Studios released a statement regarding the sexual allegations against them. In it, they promise more action and “inclusive culture” within the company.
A formal statement is now out in public from Rocksteady Studios. It tries to address the letter that complained about sexual harassment and misogyny in the company in 2018.
Copy of the complaints became public this past week, signed by 10 out of 16 women employed at the time. Subsequently, this prompted action from the game studio.
Rocksteady “dealt with the issues raised”
In a leak, the letter detailed the alleged inaction from the part of Rocksteady. The person who wrote the letter eventually identified herself on YouTube as Kim MacAskill. She was a former senior writer in Rocksteady, allegedly booted in 2019 for the complaint.
Here is our statement: pic.twitter.com/ssyzNWfyhB
— Rocksteady Studios (@RocksteadyGames) August 21, 2020
She notes the response to the widespread abuse was a “one-hour seminar.” MacAskill further details that “it was a just way for them to cover their a**es.”
Not long after, Rocksteady released an “unsolicited” letter from other signatories. It expressed support for the studio, saying the company took “immediate action.” As the entire event became a “he said, she said” moment, Rocksteady broke the silence.
The statement regards the 2018 letter as their “call to action.” It subsequently notes the work they did to resolve the issues raised. The statement also talks about the work they put in to help the people affected by the controversy.
“In response to the initial communication, we met with all our female staff, we listened, and we dealt with the issues raised,” said the statement published on Twitter. “All formal complaints were thoroughly investigated, addressed appropriately, and a number of serious measures were taken in response to the issues that were surfaced, including discipline or termination of staff.”
Rocksteady is trying their best in their commitment
Rocksteady Studios notes that it’s trying its best to reach out and improve their situation. Furthermore, they note that they talked to an independent third-party to help their employees. This will give their employees a way to speak with confidentiality.
“Since then, we have introduced new ways of ensuring we are making good on our commitment to inclusion, such as asking all female staff to provide feedback about the portrayal and behavior of characters in the games we make,” the statement further says.
Everyone deserves a second chance. I wasn't happy when I left in 2019. I was gutted to be told things hadn't changed. However, I had many happy days at RS. Please don't hate on their attempts to improve. Mistakes were made on both sides. My job is done.
— Kim MacAskill (@kimmacaskill1) August 21, 2020
MacAskill expressed further gratitude that there is now action for the women she tried to help. Furthermore, she asked the public to give Rocksteady Studios a second chance. She details how she had her happy days with the company.
Featured image courtesy of Batman Arkham/YouTube Screenshot
