Allen has been a core part of the wave of unionization across the video game industry - he helped lead a walk out at Activision in 2022 and was a key worker/organizer that helped win union recognition for the Activision Quality Assurance group in 2024 by a vote of 390-8, creating one of the biggest video game unions in the world.

The company is claiming that Allen violated policies for a November post on the company-community Slack for employees. The post came in the wake of the US Presidential election when many workers at Activision were loosely discussing arming themselves for protection. Allen responded by posting recommendations for safe and responsible firearms ownership and training - especially for those from marginalized identities. His post did not threaten, encourage, or endorse violence or illegal conduct - quite the opposite he advised that workers should always seek de-escalation and escape first - but if they did own firearms they should understand the dangers and risks and so get solid training on safe use.

If you think ANY discussion of firearms on the company slack is grounds for firing - remember that this is the company department that tests the Call of Duty video war games and that hosts such non-work-related Slack channels as Wrestling, Personal Finance, Weightlifting, and Star Trek. Controversial political takes and edgy memes are typical posts across the company Slack.

We believe that Allen's termination is not about safety but about retaliation for his key role in standing up for co-workers and unionizing Activision.