The recent GDC didn’t end very well, with reports of multiple women reporting assault and drink spiking at an off-site party. However, this is not the first time GDC has faced such charges, as rumors of drink spiking have happened.
In response to these allegations, the CEO of Women In Games, Marie-Claire Isaaman, issued a public statement calling out the gender discrimination, sexism, and toxicity women face in the industry.
She mentioned toxicity is an issue across the gaming industry but is exceptionally high among female gamers. She further said:
“Toxicity within gaming is on the rise and is prevalent in female gamers’ experience.”
The CEO also backed her claims through a survey showing that female gaming industry experiences are often much darker and more threatening. She also mentioned that this abuse could sometimes be escalated into stalking that is not limited to just on social media but in real life as well.
“We are going backwards as an industry! None of this is okay.”
GDC 2023 organizers also issued a public statement in response to the recent reports of these allegations, where they expressed empathy for the victims. A GDC representative said:
“Very upset to hear that some people, especially women, reported concerning experiences during the GDC week.”
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Every year, there are stories about groping, drugging, harassment, and even more stories of countless attempts to create opportunities for assault at games industry events like #GDC23. It's heartbreaking and infuriating that this feels so normalized…
Text SUPPORT to 23368. pic.twitter.com/XGpwcO8nvt
— Games and Online Harassment Hotline (@GamesHotline) March 25, 2023
Games and Online Harassment Hotline also condemned this predatory attack on women at the GDC, calling the attack “Heartbreaking and Infuriating.”
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