Fresh reports of drink spiking and abuse at GDC events are being shared online, as the event is once again at the centre of debates on women's safety in the gaming industry.
As GDC 2023 comes to a close, allegations of drugging, assault, and overall misogyny are circulating on social media. Many are frustrated to see these reports come out of GDC yet again, as the event has faced similar allegations in previous years, particularly concerning drink spiking.
"Women at GDC this year have been belittled and undermined in their roles, been hit on relentlessly, and had their drinks spiked by predatory men," says game dev and GDC attendee Leena van Deventer. "Two women were even lured up to a hotel room by a man in a position of power for a 'pitch', where he then assaulted them."
These claims are echoed by Guy Blomberg, who works with games industry events.
"We've been informed of multiple folks that were roofied last Thursday night in [San Francisco], most probably at the karaoke event we hosted. "I'm so very sorry they had to go through such a horrifying experience, it's absolutely not their fault, and we're already in the process of tracking down the f***ing scumbag who did this."
"I'm furious this not only happened, but that it tends to happen so frequently that it's become almost commonplace. It's NOT f***ing ok or acceptable."
Indeed, such abuse has become prevalent that before GDC every year, many in the gaming industry will warn attendees to be on guard for drink spiking and harassment. Many posts will also share safety advice to women and femme-presenting attendees in particular, as they are unable to simply enjoy the event alongside men in the industry.
This comes a year after an Activision Blizzard-sponsored GDC event was described as a "men's preying ground". Organisers were criticised for failing to prevent "predatory" and "inappropriate" men from attending the event.
GDC did not immediately respond to our request for comment.