Jennifer Scheurle has stepped down from her position as chair of the Women in Games Special Interest Group at IGDA, following allegations of abuse and manipulation.
The IGDA, is “the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization serving all individuals who create games” according to their website.
As reported in gamesindustry.biz, Scheurle has been accused of manipulation and emotional abuse. IGDA conducted an investigation into the allegations, which recently resurfaced on social media.
Investigations into Allegations against Scheurle
IGDA initially claimed that there was no “compelling evidence of wrongdoing.” Since the social media comments however, Scheurle resigned from her position and the IGDA put out another statement. This one stated that:
“It has come to our attention that there has been public concern about the IGDA’s internal investigation process”
It also linked to an explainer on the organisation’s harassment policy and investigation process. If you have anything relevant to report, it also includes information on how to get in touch with them.
Scheurle has also issued a statement, apologising in response to the allegations. She adds that she will be cancelling any upcoming speaking or writing engagements:
Following this, Scheurle’s employer, Blackbird Interactive has responded. They have begun an investigation to see if abuse also occurred at the Canadian studios. They wrote in their statement:
“Blackbird takes harassment very seriously, and we will take action to protect members of our team from inappropriate behaviour in all forms”
An overdue reckoning
The games industry is in the middle of a reckoning about working conditions. While the various investigations and legal proceedings at Activision Blizzard have been most reported on, they aren’t an isolated case. We wrote about the lawsuit at Riot Games. Last year allegations resurfaced about Rocksteady Studios and Ubisoft. The allegations against the developers share similarities: sexism; harassment; unresponsive HR departments; and toxicity.
This is not the first time we’ve seen women embroiled in this type of scandal. Activision Blizzard’s executive Fran Townsend resigned from her position following a backlash to her response to the allegations at the company.
Let’s hope that some sunlight provides a good antiseptic to the industry. We may one day see a better and more inclusive games sector.
If you have allegations you’d like to share, please get in touch with us, or contact the IGDA to assist with their allegations.
If any of the topics discussed in this article have negatively impacted you, there are people out there who can help.
Safe in our World
The Calm Zone
MIND
Samaritans
Rethink
Mental Health America
Featured Image: IGDA / Jennifer Scheurle