For the first time in four years, physical attendance at the Games Developers Conference (GDC) has again been allowed. However, this year’s edition sparked a debate about the safety of women at events in the video game industry, following numerous complaints of harassment and abuse.
The GDC has faced similar allegations in previous years, and it’s disappointing to see the same results at an event that many have been looking forward to. Guy Blombergwho works in video game industry events, said: “We received reports that several people were drugged last Thursday night in San Francisco, probably at the karaoke we hosted. Luckily they had some friends who were looking after them and they’re so sorry you had to have such a horrible experience, it’s absolutely not your fault, and we’re already tracking down the fucking scum who did.
The video game developer Leena VanDenver He said on Twitter that “this year’s GDC women have been belittled and undermined in their roles, relentlessly flirted and spiked in their drinks by predatory men”.
At a time when companies like Activision Blizzard and Bungie are working internally to improve their work environment following allegations of harassment, it’s a shame to see such backward and horrific attitudes from men in the industry.