Hundreds of female game devs speak out on sexism
27th Nov 2012 | 14:05
A growing volume of accusations of workplace sexism and harassment within the games industry is being chronicled on Twitter for the first time.
Overnight, US games writer Filumena Young explained why she was resistant to working in the games industry, adding the tag #1ReasonWhy to her messages. Within an hour, her messages triggered a growing body of responses from women all across the games sector, explaining their difficulties in a male dominated workplace.
As more women caught wind of the #1ReasonWhy messages, more added their views, rapidly accelerating the number of revelations attached to the hastag though the early hours of Tuesday morning. Female Britons picked up the baton, and at the time of going to press, #1ReasonWhy has become the number one trending topic on Twitter.
Female developers and industry professionals have chronicled an extraordinary number of claims, opinions and accusations relating to workplace sexism.
According to research by Tiga, the trade body representing the UK games industry, women make up just 12 per cent of the development workforce in Britain - a pattern consistent with many countries across the west.
Below is a tiny selection of messages from women in the games industry.
Because press? 1st question I was asked on my 1st podcast interview was about whether I was dating a different male designer. #1reasonwhy
— Elizabeth (@twoscooters) November 26, 2012
Array
Because when we have the nerve to talk about issues with sexism in games, men lambaste us for "scaring all the women away." #1reasonwhy
— ｓｔｒａｎｇｅ ｌａｎｇｕａｇｅ (@neuralwiles) November 27, 2012
Array
When it comes time to hire for new industry positions, guys hire their friends. And guys usually drink with other guys. #1reasonwhy
— Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot) November 27, 2012
Array
Because my first year attending industry shows I was sexually harassed, repeatedly. #1reasonwhy
— Lillian Cohen-Moore (@lilyorit) November 27, 2012
Array
Because you shouldn't have to be this brave to just go to work when your job doesn't involve violence, weapons or risk. #1ReasonWhy
— Leena (@grassisleena) November 27, 2012
Array
Because an art lead shouted insults & profanity at designers & when I said it was uncalled for, company owners sent me flowers. #1reasonwhy
— Laralyn McWilliams (@Laralyn) November 27, 2012
Array
Because the community is worse than the industry, and it makes us afraid of what we COULD find. #1reasonwhy
— Melnetta (@Melneta) November 27, 2012
Array
Because I got blank states when I asked why a female soldier in a game I worked on looked like a porn star. #1reasonwhy
— Caryn Vainio (@Hellchick) November 27, 2012
Array
Because guys think I'm "oversensitive" when I complain about 'rape' jokes in the community. #1reasonwhy
— Melnetta (@Melneta) November 27, 2012
Array
#1reasonwhy - Having been groped by strangers at least once at nearly every major conference.
— Tara J. Brannigan (@kindofstrange) November 27, 2012
Array
Because there are calendars hanging in the classrooms of my game design students with naked chicks promoting games. #1reasonwhy
— Anjin Anhut (@anjinanhut) November 27, 2012
Array
I've had guys turn to the men I hired to help at the booth for information on the game I wrote. That has my name on the cover. #1reasonwhy
— Meguey Baker (@NightSkyGames) November 27, 2012
Array
Because men with a tenth of my experience and expertise feel they can condescend to me. #1reasonwhy
— Jess H. (@kleenestar) November 26, 2012
Array
My own #1reasonwhy - I busted my ass to get a promotion. First response to it happening was that I only got it because I 'have nice tits'
— Tara J. Brannigan (@kindofstrange) November 26, 2012
Array
I've had prominent designers compliment my games, while complimenting my wife's appearance, when we develop together. #1reasonwhy
— David A Hill Jr (@davidahilljr) November 26, 2012
Array
When I get freelancing work, I'm told 'don't do the mechanics, we'll handle that.' I'm lazy for not resisting that. #1reasonwhy
— filamena (@filamena) November 26, 2012
Array