Over the last month, numerous indivudals involved in game development have come forward to share their experiences of sexual abuse. With so many cases exposed in such a short space of time, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has released a statement in response to the cases, and the growing concerns about the lack of safety and inclusivity in the industry.
Allegations have been made against individuals from Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, a writer involved withFallout: New Vegas, as well as a large number of Twitch gaming streamers. All of the companies involved have made statements that emphasize the need to take action within their organisations, but IGDA represents the whole industry, and is making sure that everyone has access to support and resources if they need them.
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The latest IGDA Developer Satisfaction Survey, showed that 65% of survey respondents believe there isnot equal opportunity for all within the game industry. While only 59% of respondents believed that companies discrimination and sexual harassment policies were being adequately enforced. To combat this, IGDA provides a resources page for those experiencing harassment, and is working on a set of resources for game studio leaders, to help them improve the cultures within their organisations.
The statement is a clear signal for game developers,as well as others involved in gaming, that the IGDA sees the recent spate of allegations as a turning point. Encouraging individual developers to condemn the mistakes that the industry has made, but more importantly, to come together and take steps to change and improve it for the future. Specifically, asking people to stand up for their colleagues against any injusticies they observe, and help to create more positive company cultures.
“It is imperative that we recognize the failures that led to these situations and come together to create solutions that ensure the game industry is inclusive, supportive, and safe for all developers.”
The IGDA statement shows that the organisation is taking allegations of discrimination and sexual harrassment seriously. Offering support across the board to those who have experienced abuse, to those who witness it, and for those leaders who want to create better cultures. The hope will be that improving the equality and acceptance of game developers will also havea positive impact on the gaming community, where a small but vocal minority can still make life uncomfortable for some gamers.
However, with so many allegations coming to light, it is clear thatchanging the culture of games development, and of gaming in general, is not going to be a quick or easy task. Making it all the more important that supportive players show developers that ignoring abuse and discrimination will not be accepted.
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