LogInActivision Blizzard and Riot Games' representatives shared that employee safety and well-being matter the most.
According to a recent Los Angeles Times report dated January 10, five people have died because of major wildfires that overwhelmed the region of California, but officials say the death toll is likely to be higher. More than 9,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed and at least 130,000 residents are under evacuation orders. Experts say L.A. is not out of danger yet and these fires have the potential to be the costliest wildfire disaster in American history.
The fire has spread to several areas, including Palisades located near Santa Monica, where some game development studios, for instance, Activision Blizzard and Riot Games, have their offices.
Activision Blizzard's headquarters is in Santa Monica, which declared a local state of emergency because of the Palisades fire. The company representative said (via PC Gamer), "Employee safety and well-being is our top priority." The spokesperson added, "We're actively monitoring the situation as it is quickly evolving. We've been in contact with the employees closest to the impacted areas to confirm their safety and provide resources."
Riot Games' main base is in West Los Angeles, and according to a recent report, it has closed its offices to all but "critical functions" through at least the end of the week.
In a LinkedIn post (spotted by PC Gamer), Dylan Jadeja, CEO at Riot Games, expressed gratitude to everyone who had reached out to them to check in on how they were doing and people who battled the disaster. "Nothing can be said to truly acknowledge the pain and suffering that we are witnessing unfold in the communities so many of us call home," Jadeja wrote.
"For Rioters reading this, please remember, the mission and the work will always be there," he continued. "Right now, what matters most is taking care of yourselves and each other. It takes a village to do what we do and we are all in this moment together. For those in our offices around the world who have been reaching out, your support has been incredible – we're reminded once again how strong a team Riot truly is."
Greg Street, Studio Head and Game Director of Fantastic Pixel Castle, who previously worked at Riot and Blizzard, shared his feelings in an X/Twitter post (spotted by Massively Overpowered):
Insomniac Games has its main office in Burbank, California, which is located to the east of one of the Eaton fire. Nick Folkman, Insomniac Games' Senior Writer, shared on Bluesky (spotted by PC Gamer): "Sitting at my office desk in Burbank, which is right next to a balcony, and the wind outside sounds like when you’re near the ocean and hear waves crashing against the beach."
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