Activision Blizzard forces managers to periodically rate subordinates, and 5% of ratings must necessarily be low. This was stated by Brian Birmingham, a former lead developer of World of Warcraft Classic. He left the company after he refused to give an employee an undeservedly low rating.
According to Birmingham, employees with poor grades may lose their bonuses, and it is also more difficult for them to get a promotion. Activision Blizzard’s top managers allegedly believe that such a system motivates people to work better, but Birmingham does not agree. He believes that the system increases rivalry, undermines employees’ trust in each other and harms their creative potential.
Birmingham said he would not mind returning to the company, but only after the cancellation of the evaluation system. He stressed that he does not call for a boycott of Activision Blizzard games, and noted that he plans to continue playing them.