Workers for video game developer Activision Blizzard staged a mass walkout Thursday to protest the company's handling of alleged sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

The workers along with supporters attended a rally outside of Activision Blizzard's office in Irvine, California Thursday morning. According to organizers, about 500 people were present at the walkout event. It isn't clear how many of the company's in-office and remote employees participated in the walkout.

People gathered outside the office held signs with messages like "Commit to Equality" and "Fight Bad Guys In-Game / Fight Bad Guys IRL." During the day, hashtags such as "ActiBlizzWalkout" became trending online, signaling strong support from players of the company's popular video game titles. Some fans had even pledged to boycott the company's games for the day in support of workers.

"We love our jobs, but our jobs don't love us back. And that hurts. So we're trying to change that," one Activision Blizzard employee said.

The walkout was sparked partly by Activision Blizzard's reaction to a lawsuit filed by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing last week. The department accused the company of permitting "rampant workplace inequality" and sexual harassment. It also accused the company of retaliating against women who had come forward.

In response to the lawsuit, Activision Blizzard said the DFEH lawsuit was "irresponsible." It also denied the allegations, stating that they were "factually incorrect" and "old." Activision Blizzard chief compliance officer Fran Townsend said the accusations were "meritless" and she was "proud" to be working for a company that took a "hardline approach" against inappropriate workplace behavior.

In an open letter to Activision Blizzard's leadership, employees said they have "lost faith" in the management's ability to protect employees. Employees that had personal experiences of sexual harassment said the company's reaction was "unempathetic and dismissive."

 "The lawsuit brought to light sentiments of isolation from individuals who, for the longest time, felt like they were alone or that retaliation might occur," one Activision Blizzard employee said.

Employees officially announced the walkout this week during which the open letter had more than 2,600 signatories. Organizers of the walkout issued several demands, including ensuring fair pay, better diversity and the employment of a third-party task force to vet human resources and executive staff.