GDC 2023 attendees were reportedly subjected to abuse, assault, and drink spiking
eurogamer.netGame developers and others from within the industry are speaking out about «multiple folks» who were assaulted or spiked at this year's GDC event.
The conference — self-described as «the game industry's premiere professional event, championing game developers and the advancement of their craft» – ran between 20th and 24th March in San Francisco, California. As the event drew to a close, however, attendees began sharing concerning stories about their experiences at the event.
«Women at GDC this year have been belittled and undermined in their roles, been hit on relentlessly, and had their drinks spiked by predatory men,» tweeted developer Leena van Deventer (thanks, TheGamer).
«Two women were even lured up to a hotel room by a man in a position of power for a 'pitch', where he then assaulted them.»
Women at GDC this year have been belittled and undermined in their roles, been hit on relentlessly, and had their drinks spiked by predatory men. Two women were even lured up to a hotel room by a man in a position of power for a “pitch”, where he then assaulted them.
«It’s gutting to thud back to earth when hearing these things. They shouldn’t happen. This year we shared their photos in group chats, though. And we strategised redress. And we reached out to the women to provide care. We’re better at being kind than you are at being a deadshit,» they added in a subsequent tweet.
«We've always had each other’s backs, but now you predators better be mindful of our fronts. We know who you are and who you (currently) work with. We have more info than ever, and more ideas what to do with it; hell hath no fury like a woman informed
»Get the hell out of our industry."
I'm furious this not only happened, but that it tends to happen so
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