The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) released a statement condemning targeted harassment against game developers, as well as several steps and initiatives to foster a more tolerant, comfortable industry.
Harassment has no place in games or the games industry, and we must create a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment for everyone. For too long, misogyny, bigotry, and intolerance of diversity have inflicted irreparable harm on individuals and communities within the gaming world. The IGDA condemns the harassment campaigns that emerged from GamerGate and will not tolerate any further hateful rhetoric within our industry.
We call upon all leaders at game studios and companies, especially those with greater access to resources and influential platforms, to unite in a firm stance against harassment and in our commitment to building a better future for the games community.
The statement includes a call to action for the game industry, including training programs, zero-tolerance policies, and counseling services. Development teams should swiftly and vocally support their employees, cultivate their communities, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The IGDA has a helpful Harassment Resource to help those experiencing harassment and what resources and support systems are available.
Harassment is not regular disagreement or even bouts of rudeness or profanity. It’s targeted, relentless, thorough, and often features doxing, which is when the victim’s personal or private information is being used and shared without their consent.
“GamerGate” refers to the ignoble movement that began in 2014. It masqueraded as promoting ethics and standards in game journalism, but was an excuse to harass feminist media critics, game journalists, and women and minority game developers. Many cite GamerGate as the start of the current political culture war that persists to this day across every industry.
The IGDA is the world’s largest nonprofit organization for game developers.
