Activision Blizzard is facing a new sexual harassment lawsuit from a former Blizzard employee who alleges she was subjected to years of harassment, unwanted touching and retaliation while working at the video game company.

The unidentified woman worked in Blizzard’s sound department for 14 years from 2009 and has filed the case in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Her lawsuit accuses around 10 male employees of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment and inappropriate touching to assault. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Among the most serious claims, the former employee alleges that one colleague took her to his apartment, blocked her from leaving, threatened her with violence and attempted to rape her.

She also claims the same employee repeatedly pressured her to date him, spread sexual rumours about her and used gender-based insults in front of colleagues.

Another employee allegedly harassed her over a five-year period and warned that reporting his behaviour could damage her career.

The lawsuit also names a Blizzard audio director who allegedly touched her leg without consent and later interfered with her work after she rejected his advances.

The woman claims she reported misconduct internally but that management failed to take adequate action.

According to the filing, the alleged workplace environment contributed to depression and resulted in her seeking ongoing psychiatric care. She was ultimately dismissed from the company in April 2024.

Blizzard said it takes the allegations seriously and maintains policies designed to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

“We strive to maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace, and we do that through best-in-class policies and systems designed to prevent and address harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and by holding employees accountable for their behaviour,” a Blizzard spokesperson said.

The former employee is seeking unspecified compensation covering areas including lost wages, benefits and future earning capacity.

The lawsuit follows earlier scrutiny of Activision Blizzard’s workplace culture.

In 2023, the company reached a settlement worth about US$50 million, approximately A$75 million, with California’s Civil Rights Department over claims involving sex-based workplace discrimination. The case included allegations that women were paid less than male colleagues and faced barriers to promotion.

Activision Blizzard denied wrongdoing in that matter.