Female Game Developers Speak Out Against Sexual Misconduct at GDC

By | Niranjan Bhargav 27 Mar, 2023

Several female game developers experienced sexual misconduct during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023 in San Francisco. Reports include being lured into uncomfortable situations and being secretly drugged for presumably sexual purposes. Stride PR Vice President Guy “Yug” Blomberg confirmed some of these reports on Twitter, stating that multiple people were “roofied” during the karaoke event hosted by his company. Blomberg vowed to uncover the culprit(s) and emphasized that none of the women involved were at fault.

Female Developer Threatens to Expose Perpetrators

Leena van DeVenter, an award-winning developer, is using social media to call out the perpetrators of sexual misconduct at GDC 2023. She threatens to expose them if they do not “get the hell out of our industry.” DeVenter and others have expressed that they are fed up with sexual harassment at events such as GDC.

I'm so very sorry they had to go through such a horrifying experience, it's absolutely not their fault, and we're already in the process of tracking down the fucking scumbag who did this.

[ 2/4 ]
— Guy 'Yug' Blomberg (@YugSTAR) March 25, 2023

Sexual Misconduct at Gaming Conferences is not Uncommon

The sexual misconduct experienced by female game developers at GDC 2023 is unfortunately not uncommon at gaming conferences. Developer and associate art director Leisha Riddel spoke out in 2020 about being “roofied” twice at GDC and no longer attending the event.

women in games 2014: we’re just asking for a seat at the table

women in games 2023: pic.twitter.com/ILjLVcA7qD
— context exister (@LeenaVanD) March 25, 2023

LRT both of them

Ive been roofied twice, both times at GDC. And i was with friends or i felt odd and i found a way into the womens washroom.

They were both near misses. But i do not attend GDC now.
— leisha (they/them) (@LeishaRiddel) June 20, 2020

Hotline Available for Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Anyone with information regarding sexual misconduct incidents can contact Guy “Yug” Blomberg or text “SUPPORT” to 23368 to reach the Games & Online Harassment Hotline. It is essential that everyone works together to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals in the gaming industry.

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