GDC 2025 Session Viewer
A Code of Ethics for the Game Industry
Celia Hodent (Game UX Strategist, Independent)
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Track: Advocacy
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
There have been discussions about developing a code of ethics in the game industry in the past years, such as the Ethical Games initiative (ethicalgames.org). Yet it seemed a daunting task for many. However, in the light of the recent lawsuits against major game studios (especially regarding so-called video game "addiction") and the historic FTC fine against Epic Games ($520 million over child privacy and trickery charges), facing those ethical challenges, driving nuanced discussions, and developing a code of ethics is becoming more of a priority. In the fall 2024, workshops bringing together academic researchers, game developers, and policy makers took place, in the hope of defining a realistic and applicable code of ethics (that takes into account the challenges of game development). This talk presents the outcome of the Ethical Games workshops and invites attendees to participate in this effort to develop and respect a code of ethics.
Takeaway
Attendees will learn the history of the Ethical Games initiative, the results of the Ethical Games Conference held in January 2024 sorting the warranted concerns (as highlighted by academic research) from moral panics, the outcome of the fall 2024 workshops, and where the code of ethics currently stands.
Intended Audience
All game developers are encouraged to participate in this ongoing initiative.