EA exec denounces toxicity in the games industry, stating "Leaders who fall short of basic standards must go" Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. EA exec denounces toxicity in the games industry, stating "Leaders who fall short of basic standards must go" "We have to have fair and safe work environments" News by Victoria Kennedy News reporter Updated on 24 Feb 2022 16 comments EA exec Laura Miele has delivered a powerful speech in which she called for more action to remove toxicity in the gaming industry, including the dismissal of leaders who "fall short of basic standards". During her keynote speech at DICE 2022, Miele lamented the state the industry is currently in. "Let's face it, there have been some rough headlines," Miele said (via IGN). "Stories about negligence and lawsuits, all stemming from leaders who failed to uphold standards we've come to expect... Women have been harassed, bullied, marginalised, held back in their careers, paid less, and much, much less". "These are real stories, real human beings, and this is going on in companies in our industry... We have to have fair and safe work environments, at the very least. This is just basic table stakes", Miele said. While never naming any names, Miele called for industry leaders to be held accountable for their actions and stated that those who "fall short of basic standards must go". Many have interpreted this as aimed towards the likes of Activision and its controversial boss Bobby Kotick. Kotick and Activision have been at the centre of many reports surrounding toxicity in the gaming industry recently, with numerous allegations of sexual harassment and workplace abuse currently being investigated. "If companies can't figure this out and fix this burning issue, we don't get to move forward. We don't get to pass go," Miele said. Miele clearly wants to change this narrative, and to bring equality and positivity into the industry. Elsewhere Miele has previously stated: "Games are a powerful way to bring people together. They teach us how to problem solve, collaborate with others, and inspire creative thinking. "And they are fun! From family game night as a child to gaming in the college computer lab, the power of play has always been a positive force in my life". Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store