Nintendo is "actively investigating" after the latest harassment claims

Yesterday, Kotaku published a lengthy report on a new round of harassment accusations, this time at the Nintendo of America workplace. We shared a fragment of the story earlier today, where sadly we learned that a group of female game testers had a “frat house” experience during their time in the company.

Can you believe it? One of the most “wholesome” places to work involved in this kind of allegations? This for sure surprised insiders and outsiders alike. Either way, it was imperative to make these experiences public so we can put a stop to this behaviour, and we are so grateful that more and more people rise their voices to change the situation.

Actually, if you raise your voice there is a little chance to be heard and at least that seems to be the case right now.

Today Doug Bowser President of Nintendo of America send an internal message regarding the "media coverage involving claims made about worker conduct” which said the following:

“We have strict policies designed to protect our employees and associates from inappropriate conduct and expect full compliance with these policies by all who work for or with us. We have and will always investigate any allegations we become aware of, and we are actively investigating these most recent claims.

Please remember that our HR teams are here to support you. If you experience, have experienced, witness, or have witnessed anything concerning such behaviour that is contrary to our Standards of Conduct, employee handbook, or Company Values, please immediately contact your HR Business Partner.”

Is this damage control?

Many people on social media have been wondering if this statement is real or is just a strategy for damage control as this is not the first time Nintendo of America had an issue with their employees; only a couple of months ago an individual worker claimed that Nintendo violated their legally protected right to unionise.

If it's a strategy to calm things down or a genuine attempt to take this seriously and be transparent about doing so we only hope that this helps to fix the actual situation in the video game industry instead of just sweeping it all under the rug.

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