Rarely do I rely solely on metaphor, so forgive me for speaking directly on a sensitive topic: Trauma isn't purely in the moment, it's in the weeks and months an years that follow, internalizing pain and fear in isolation. This was my own experience, but it is not uniquely mine.
Isolation after trauma drives many to harm themselves or others. Not all abusers are victims, nor do all victims become abusers, but there's a clear link. If you know anyone at risk, you can't force them to open up, but you can't abandon them either. We're all in this together.
Supporting anyone through trauma is not a matter of believing them, nor is it a political position. Working developers to the bone and expecting them all to be in perfect mental health is irresponsible and unsustainable. Harassing people, in public or private, is never justified.
I've held my tongue for 5+ years on this topic, choosing instead to drift towards a different career than challenge the game industry's collective garbage. This post is not so much in response to recent accusations or deaths as to the *stunning lack of progress* over that time.
Anyway this is the first time I've signed my full name to an open letter or a piece of pixel art, so make of that what you will.
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