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Activision Blizzard, the embattled video game company behind Call of Duty and other titles, announced Thursday morning a list of new initiatives aimed at improving diversity and the company’s work environment.

The company has faced intense pressure since July. case An official from a California fair employment agency accused the video game publisher of promoting a society-like culture in which sexual harassment and gender discrimination are rampant. Litigation, response to allegations against the company, and subsequent investigations by federal agencies It sparked outrage among Activision’s game developers and the broader gaming industry, which has long grappled with sexism and toxic behavior.

Activision is spending $250 million to recruit more women from “underrepresented communities” who identify as non-binary. In an email to employees, Bobby Kotick said:. Mr. Kotick said about 23 percent of Activision’s employees are female or non-binary, and the goal is to increase that number by about 50 percent in five years.

The company also said it was waiving mandatory arbitration, a way to resolve disputes outside of the court system for sexual harassment and discrimination claims, a change much requested by Activision employees and protesters in recent months.

Activision said it will adopt a zero-tolerance harassment policy, where those found to be harassing employees or retaliating against those who report discrimination will likely be fired rather than first with a written warning or other disciplinary action. Mr Kotick said the company will also publish an annual report on pay equity.

He also said that to “ensure that every available resource is used in the service of being the industry leader in workplace excellence,” he has asked Activision’s board of directors to reduce its total remuneration to $62,500 until the board decides the company has achieved diversity. targets. Mr. Kotick is one of the country’s highest paid executives and is a $155 million payment package It was approved in June.

“I truly wish that not a single employee had a work experience that resulted in hurt, humiliation, or worse, and I sincerely apologize to those affected,” Mr. Kotick wrote in a letter to his employees.

Unlike past changes announced by the company, for example proposed a $18 million deal with a federal employment agency While this was ridiculed, Thursday’s announcements were met with cautious optimism from Activision employees and activists, who have forced the company to make changes in recent months.

“This is what happens when we work together to create a better future for game developers at our company.” tweeted ABetterABKThe group of workers fighting for improvements at Activision and its subsidiaries Blizzard and King. “Together, we will continue to push other changes that need to be made to make a better ABK.”