GaymerX is a video game convention held in San Francisco that, as the name may suggest, focuses on including the LGBTQ community. It was first held last year after a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised almost $100,000 to bring it into existence. This year, from July 11th-13th, many panels were held that discussed topics such as exploring queer identities through games and the impact of LGBTQ characters on the gaming community. The organizers even managed to get some folks from Bioware to speak at the three-day event.
While the convention was a success in many ways, some drama has arisen that may very well threaten the future of GaymerX. Publisher and developer NIS America (who are responsible for a handful of some of the most anime games out there) originally pledged $3000 to help cover the various costs of the event, which was a more-than-welcome gift considering the organizers “fell into a $50k hole” when it was all said and done, even with thousands of dollars in crowdfunding and sponsorships. However, according to a tweet from convention organizer Matt Conn, NIS America is taking their money back (because apparently it wasn’t money they had to throw around in the first place - oops!). Discussions are happening about improving the situation, but for now, GaymerX will not be seeing any of that $3000.
This has stirred up a bit of of anger and disappointment in the indie gaming community, and publisher Devolver Digital (credited for publishing the immaculate Hotline Miami and Luftrausers) has come out to match NIS America’s pledge. Mike Bithell (creator of Thomas Was Alone) and Coffee Stain Studios (creators of Goat Simulator) have also made similar moves and pledged $3000 themselves. These donations will not necessarily secure GaymerX’s future, but they will, at the very least, greatly assist in covering the massive costs of this year’s event.
Indie developers aren’t the only ones able to donate - those interested in helping out can send their money here.
Jamie Goodin
@falconkick
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