By Jamaal Ryan
GDC in some ways is a more valuable conference than say your E3es and PAXes. While there might not be much in the light of new game announcements (though this year, we got a chance to see games like Framed, Double Fine’s Hack n’ Slash, Monument Valley, and Among the Sleep), GDC gives developers a platform to address all things game design, game development culture, along with tools and platforms that will become integral parts of the industry’s future.
WOMEN
Gender issues was highly recognized at this year’s GDC as
well. In referencing the very public shameful incident involving IndieStatik’s Josh Mattingly, developer Brenda Romero
discussed her very own run-in with
sexual harassment, “He moved his
coat from his lap and there it was," she spoke, describing meeting
with a developer that she admired who revealed an erection under his pants.
In another talk,
Storm8’s senior game designer Elizabeth Sampat gave an impassionate speech on
the male culture in development studios. It was a rare focus, looking at the
attitudes of male colleagues outside of sexual discomfort, “…if somebody didn't laugh at your stupid
Magic the Gathering joke or didn't seem excited enough when you mentioned the
company fantasy football league, get over it."
It was indeed a
point of view that needed to be heard. Many women in the industry have trouble
communicating their grievances if their mistreatment isn’t blatant sexism or
sexual harassment. The simple look, change
in subject, or social exclusion that put women in uncomfortable positions to
force an identity, remain withdrawn, or find work somewhere else are issues
that aren’t easy to address.
Both women point out the double edged sword that is women
discrimination in game development, highlighting both the sexual
objectification alongside the “not one of us” sort of mentality.
Equally a winner at GDC was Anita Sarkeesian as she earned
an Ambassador Award for her work on Feminist Frequency with the Tropes vs.
Women series which offer excellent sociological dissection of women’s
mis/non-representation in video games.
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