The 2023 GDC survey reveals a concerning trend: 78% of respondents believe harassment and toxicity towards developers is a serious issue. Mark Darrah, a veteran Dragon Age developer, emphasizes that while you're entitled to be angry about a game, expressing cruelty towards others is unacceptable. He advises directing anger towards the actual target (e.g., game dev or publisher) rather than individuals. This highlights the need for a healthier online discourse and encourages developers to speak out against harassment without fear of retribution. The gaming industry must address this issue to create a safer environment for creators and players alike.
Key Points
The impact of online harassment on developers and the gaming industry as a whole.
The difference between expressing dissatisfaction with a game and crossing the line into cruelty.
The importance of directing anger towards the intended target (e.g., game developer, publisher) rather than targeting individuals.
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Original Article
Answering GDC's 2023 survey, 78% of respondents said they considered the harassment and toxicity developers receive from the public to be a serious issue. A simple sentiment is often the most effective, and the title of Dragon Age veteran Mark Darrah's latest video cuts right to the heart of it: "Your $70 doesn't buy you cruelty."
You don't have to like a game, and you don't have stay quiet if you have complaints, says Darrah. You're entitled to be angry, and you're entitled to express that anger. "If you are mad at that Ubisoft game, be mad at Ubisoft," he says. "Express your anger to Ubisoft or the studio that made the game. But you cross a line when you start being cruel about it." (Thanks, PC Gamer and GamesRadar)
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