Games industry still a hostile environment for many women

Although women accounted for around half of gamers worldwide in 2023, according to gaming data specialists Newzoo, they made up only around one-quarter of studio staff according to the Women in Games collective. — AFP Relaxnews

PARIS: Five years on from a first wave of harassment scandals that rocked the world of gaming, multiple women working in the industry tell AFP they have seen or experienced sexism in the workplace, fearing economic hardship in the sector will lead to backsliding.

"I have experienced circumstances of harassment, circumstances of disrespect, belittling, and even to the point of... getting shut down," said Elaine Gomez, 34, a freelance developer from New Jersey.