IDGA on GDC party controversy: "We regret that the IGDA was involved in this situation"
The International Game Developer Association issued a statement today regarding the GDC party they held this week in conjunction with YetiZen that led to the resignation of Brenda Romero from her co-chair position with the organization. That and comments from the IGDA executive director inside.
The statement, given to Gamasutra: "As many of you know, the IGDA was a co-presenter of the Yetizen party Tuesday evening. We recognize that some of the performers' costumes at the party were inappropriate, and also some of the activities they peformed were not what we expected or approved. We regret that the IGDA was involved in this situation. We do not condone activities that objectify or demean women or any other group of people. One of the core values of the IGDA is encouraging inclusion and diversity. Obviously we need to be more vigilant in our efforts. We intend to be so in the future."
At the IGDA's annual meeting at GDC, executive director Kate Edwards fielded questions, and she had this to say about Romero and others who resigned today:
"We regret [their reactions]. We do hope that they continue to work with the IGDA, we'd hate to lose their participation. It's their decision, but we continue to hope that they'll work with us to do what we need to do to make better decisions in the future.
"We need them more than ever."
Romero tweeted this in response to the news: