Activision Judge’s Ruling in Turf War Draws California Appeal

California’s civil rights agency said Friday it would appeal the decision blocking it from intervening in an $18 million settlement between Activision Blizzard Inc. and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The state’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued the gaming giant in July, alleging systemic harassment and a toxic workplace culture.

The EEOC, which conducted its own investigation into Activision’s workplace issues, announced it had reached a settlement resolving harassment claims in September.

California sought to join the federal case in order to oppose the settlement, which it said resolves claims the federal agency lacks standing to prosecute, ...