March 2023 update: Even as Nordic Game breaks ticket sales records in the run-up to NG23 Spring, the organiser continues to work to make the upcoming edition of Nordic Game not only the biggest and most rewarding ever for participants, but also their safest and most welcoming event yet. Read more here.
Providing a safe environment for all is essential to us as organisers of the Nordic Game conference. We have zero tolerance for violations of our Code of Conduct, at home or abroad. Having actively promoted the values of inclusivity and mutual respect for many years, we also hold ourselves to high standards with regards to the conduct of our staff and participants.
In the fall of 2021, we learned of disturbing allegations of sexual harassment by Nordic Game staff. We immediately acknowledged this, enforced restrictions on these staff members, started investigating the allegations and reached out to those in contact with the alleged victims. We also consulted closely with industry organisations and associations in the region on the important steps required by us to vigorously address the allegations, as well as to ensure the future well-being and peace of mind of our industry colleagues, partners and participants.
“Each and every one of our participants deserves to feel welcome, appreciated and above all, safe at Nordic Game. This year, we have gone the extra mile to ensure that. Our well-being preparations have been expanded to include not only gender sensitivity issues, but also physical limitations requiring on-site companions or increased accessibility. The goal is nothing less than to organise our most inclusive games industry event ever,” says NG23 Spring producer Sara Lindskog.
Nordic Game has also revised all employment contracts, including agreements with consultants, to include the company’s updated code of conduct, and is continuing to review and expand the safety features of its events. These actions build on policies initiated earlier, such as mandatory acceptance of the Nordic Game code of conduct prior to pass purchase and in-person acknowledgment of the same when event badges are issued on-site.
“Physical safety at our events is of course of the highest importance to us. In addition to regular security staff on-site, we have also recruited a “safety team,” consisting exclusively of women, instructed on how to manage any possible inconvenience perceived by our participants and how to address irregularities, in accordance with our code of conduct,” Sara Lindskog adds.
Anyone witnessing or experiencing behaviour contrary to our Code of Conduct at a Nordic Game event and/or by Nordic Game staff can report misconduct safely and anonymously on our whistle-blower platform, administered by an independent law firm that we have no other business with, at nordicgame.indberet.nu. This platform can also be used by anyone previously hesitant to come forward.
Workplace behaviour and appropriate conduct was also addressed in a special program at NG22 Spring on 17-20 May, led by the Nordic trade associations and several regional NGOs. The intent, following our own experience in confronting allegations of unacceptable behaviour by members of our staff, was to strengthen awareness and provide guidance to other businesses and organisations in our industry.
In terms of the ongoing process to address the allegations of inappropriate conduct by our staff, we have reached out to the alleged victims through their trusted intermediaries, searched for other evidence of wrongdoing and continue to consult with industry colleagues as well as independent legal counsel to determine our best course of action going forward.
We reiterate in the strongest and most definitive of terms, that we as organisers of the Nordic Game conference will not tolerate ANY violations of our Code of Conduct, by staff or participants, at home or abroad, which is reinforced in our staff on-boarding and continuous training.
If you witness something inappropriate or feel yourself threatened, uncomfortable or harassed in any way, report it to our independent whistle-blower channel. Your safety and peace of mind are of paramount importance to us.
Truly yours,
Erik Robertson
Managing Director
Nordic Game Resources AB
February 2023 update: Nordic Game has taken several measures in response to anonymous allegations of sexual harassment brought to light in late 2021, one of which was to commission the Swedish consultancy Gender Balance to conduct an independent investigation of the charges. Their completed report has been submitted to Nordic Game. Read more here.
About the Nordic Game conference
Nordic Game is the leading games conference in Europe, and 2023 will mark its twenty-third and twenty-fourth editions with our return to Malmö, Sweden and online as well as to Helsinki, Finland.
Gathering thousands of industry professionals in the spring and autumn each year, Nordic Game is the one and only “home turf” meeting place for the highly successful game developers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Learn more about and get your passes now for NG23 Spring on 23-26 May, online and at Slagthuset in Malmö, Sweden.
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