Another large video game developer in California has issued a return-to-work order. According to Vice, Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, has declared that it would force staff to return to its Los Angeles headquarters, as well as abolishing immunization and disguising requirements. Employees who have not produced confirmation of immunization will no longer be subjected to COVID-19 testing on a regular basis, according to Riot.
According to the Vice story, some current and former Riot employees expressed their displeasure with the new policy, claiming that it would endanger their health. “It’s a silly and meaningless policy implemented at a bad moment with no genuine assurance of our safety,” one unnamed employee told Vice.
Despite these concerns, Riot is following the COVID-19 rules set forth by the state and federal governments. Other states are following California’s lead and repealing its indoor masking laws (which required evidence of immunization or a negative covid test).
Activision Blizzard came under criticism last week after a leaked email from chief operating officer Brian Bulatao to workers disclosed that the company, too, will be returning to work sans vaccine restrictions. Following a social media outcry that included a virtual walkout, Activision Blizzard changed its mind, allowing individual companies to make their own vaccination and masking decisions.
