The Games Industry's Fear of Transparency

The games industry has a long history of being secretive, from the development process to the handling of game sales and player data. This lack of transparency has led to a culture of mistrust and speculation, with many gamers and industry professionals alike feeling that companies are hiding something. The industry's fear of transparency is evident in its handling of layoffs, with many companies opting to keep the news quiet and pressure employees to do the same. This not only harms the employees who are let go but also damages the company's reputation and erodes trust with its customers. The lack of transparency also extends to the use of contractors, who are often treated as disposable and denied basic respect and dignity. The industry's reliance on contractors has led to a culture of exploitation, with many contractors being paid low wages and denied benefits. The use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other secrecy measures has also contributed to the industry's lack of transparency, making it difficult for outsiders to understand how the industry works and what goes on behind the scenes. The International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) is one example of an industry body that has been criticized for its lack of transparency, with its questionnaire for assigning age ratings to games being kept secret. However, when the questionnaire was obtained, it was found to be relatively straightforward, with questions about the level of violence, nudity, and other mature themes in a game. The industry's fear of transparency is not only harming its reputation but also stifling innovation and progress. By being more open and transparent, companies can build trust with their customers and create a more positive and collaborative work environment. Ultimately, the games industry needs to adopt a more transparent and accountable approach if it is to regain the trust of its customers and become a more sustainable and equitable industry.