VGC is committed to supporting diversity and inclusivity at VGC events, and more broadly in the field of game studies and beyond. In consequence, VGC has adopted the Britsh DiGRA safer space policy in the ongoing effort to improve the diversity and inclusivity of events and online activities.

Safer Space Policy

A safer space policy aims to foster an environment of respect which makes ALL participants, particularly those who are typically marginalized or excluded, feel welcome. Differing opinions and perspectives are crucial to effective discussion, but all attendees ultimately take responsibility for their own speech and behaviour – in person, and on social media – throughout official events and associated social gatherings.

Attendees at VGC events are encouraged to:

  • Ask respectful questions and avoid dominating a presenter’s question time to further any particular agenda. Question time after a talk is intended to give presenters the opportunity to expand on their talk in response to audience questions, and is not a platform for the audience to present their own work.
  • Be mindful of and understand that intersectionality shapes our lived experience.
  • Actively include all attendees in social gatherings (such as post-conference dinners and social events), particularly those for whom English is not a first-language, junior students, or those with access requirements.

VGC is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone. We do not tolerate abusive behaviour of any kind. Attendees violating our Code of Conduct may be expelled from the event without a refund at the organisers’ discretion.

Our understanding of harassment and abusive behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

  • Verbal communication (public or private) that demeans, devalues or is derogatory towards one’s gender, sexuality, physical appearance, body size, class, appearance, race, religion, language, age, ability, and/or socio-economic status.
  • Not using content warnings when discussing content that may be harmful or offensive, such as graphic discussions or depictions of hate speech or sexual violence.
  • Display of sexually demeaning imagery in public spaces. Sexual imagery can be acceptable, provided it is clearly contextualized as critical work and explicit forewarning is provided, but such imagery should not be offensive or demeaning to any of the identificatory attributes listed above.
  • Bullying, stalking and other such intimidating behaviour.
  • Photography or recording without consent.
  • Explicit mentioning of individuals on open social media using the official event hashtag without their consent.
  • Disrupting or hijacking conversations during talks, question times, or in general discussion.
  • Inappropriate non-consensual physical or social contact.
  • Unwelcome attention of any kind.
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviours.

Enforcement

Participants asked to stop any harassing or harmful behaviour are expected to comply immediately or they will be required to leave the space (physical or online).

In case of repeated offending behaviour, the board will take any action deemed appropriate to quickly resolve the situation and make the space welcoming. Examples of such action include, but are not limited to: verbal warnings, written warnings, temporary or even permanent barring from VGC events and online spaces.

Reporting

If you feel that someone is making you feel uncomfortable, if you see that someone else is being made to feel unsafe, or if you have any other concerns, please contact the organisers of the event. Alternatively, concerns may be raised via email by contacting the official VGC e-mail account of a given event.

If an attendee engages in harassing or abusive behaviour, organisers retain the right to take any actions to keep the event a welcoming environment for all attendees. This includes warning the offender and expulsion from the event with no refund. Organisers may take action to redress anything designed to make, or with the clear impact of making, the environment hostile for any attendees. We expect attendees to follow these rules at all event venues and event-related social activities.

Inclusivity Policy

Events organised by VGC are gender-inclusive spaces. We encourage attendees not to presume people’s pronouns and all attendees to add their pronouns to their name-badge if they wish.

Panel chairs will identify each speaker’s social media preferences (e.g. concerning the use of photos and tags). We request all attendees to comply with these preferences, to remove non-compliant material, and to refrain from the use of problematic hashtags and terms on official event hashtags.

Venues for events organised or endorsed by VGC should be fully wheelchair accessible, and where possible should also have all-gender bathrooms.