With the Game Developers Conference (GDC) underway in San Francisco, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has issued a statement saying that it is "deeply concerned" over "increased harassment of historically marginalized developers and those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives," or DEI.
"We are deeply concerned about the increased harassment of historically marginalized developers and those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. These concerns stem from similar harassment campaigns experienced during the GamerGate period in the mid-2010s," the group wrote. "Harassment has no place in games or the games industry, and we must create a safe, welcoming, and equitable environment for everyone."
While the IGDA didn't cite it by name, its statement comes amid the ongoing campaign directed at Sweet Baby Inc., a narrative development and consultation studio based in Montreal whose stated goal is to "tell better, more empathetic stories while diverisfying and enriching the video games industry." Sweet Baby has been the focus of harassment on X/Twitter, Steam, and elsewhere as users have posted lists of games the company has worked on in an attempt to discourage inclusion initiatives in games.
Various developers that have worked with Sweet Baby have also gone on the record to defend the company. They include those who have worked on high-profile games such as Alan Wake 2, which has been among the Game of the Year finalists in numerous end-of-year awards ceremonies.
In its statement, the IGDA cited Gamergate — a well-known harassment campaign that began in 2014 — and said that they have "no place in games or the games industry."
"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," the IGDA said.
"It is imperative we take decisive action to eradicate harassment in all its manifestations. 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 IGDA is an association that describes itself as "the world's largest non-profit membership organization serving all individuals who create games." Its stated goal is to "support and empower game developers around the world in achieving fulfiling and sustainable careers." Members of the IGDA nominate games for the Game Developers Choice Awards, which will be held on Wednesday. The IGDA also organizes the Global Game Jam among other events.
The IGDA's statement called on developers to "be vocal" and to "provide comprehensive training programs on diversity, inclusion, and conflict resolution to your teams and communities." It also encouraged members to support victims of harassment while linking to the group's harassment resources.
GDC will be taking place throughout the week, with expected talking points including AI, harassment and toxicity, layoffs, and the next generation of consoles. We'll be at the show, so keep an eye on IGN for more updates as the week continues.
