Game industry women on Twitter are stepping forward with stories of sexual harassment and abuse from fellow content creators.
When Twitch streamers JewelsVerne, SheSnaps, and SchviftyFive outed Destiny 2 streamer SayNoToRage AKA Lono on Friday for repeatedly sexually harassing them, they likely didn't expect that dozens more women would come forward with their own stories of sexual abuse from within the industry.
Each new horrific account gives another victim the courage to share her story. Over the weekend, Twitch streamers, Youtubers, game developers, talent managers, and other men working in the industry have one-by-one had their predatory behavior exposed and, in many cases, are already suffering the consequences of their deeds finally being made public.
While it's essential that all of these stories are heard, some of the more prominent men accused of sexual abuse include AAA game writer Chris Avellone, Twitch streamer Syndicate AKA Tom Cassell, OPG CEO Omeed Dariani, and Youtube "AngryJoe" Vargas.
Some of the accused, like Syndicate, have denied the claims made against them, calling the victim's stories "false allegations." Others, like Magic: The Gathering artist Noah Bradley, issued public apologies after being accused of groping women at industry parties.
CEO of the content creator talent agency OP Group Omeed Dariani, who was accused of propositioning a college student at PAX to have a 3-some with his wife in their hotel room, has stepped down from his position at the company in light of the allegations. Meanwhile, OPG clients like GrandPooBear, CohhCarnage, and many more have already fired their representation in solidarity with the victims.
Even as I write this the list of women victimized by men in the game industry continues to grow. Twitch has made a statement, promising to look into the accounts of the accused and involve law enforcement if necessary.
Considering the number of Destiny streamers in particular that have been accused, Bungie community managers and leaders have spoken out to express support for all the victims that are now telling their stories. Bungie also shared their Code of Conduct to reinforce the behaviors that will not be tolerated in the community, including sexual harassment of any kind.