Allegations of Abuse by AbleGamers Founder Surface from Former Staff, Community

AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by Mark Barlet, has been a pivotal force in advocating for accessibility in the gaming industry for nearly two decades. The organization has been instrumental in raising awareness and implementing accessibility features, notably through partnerships with major studios like Xbox for the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation for the Access Controller, and collaborations with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. AbleGamers has also served as a consultant to developers, helping them integrate accessibility options into their games. Despite its impactful work, recent allegations have cast a shadow over the organization's reputation.

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Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to foster an inclusive gaming environment for disabled individuals. The organization's website highlights its efforts in providing peer counseling, building a community for disabled gamers, and offering consulting services. However, former employees have come forward with disturbing accounts of Barlet's behavior, describing a workplace environment that starkly contrasted with the charity's mission.

An anonymous former employee recounted experiencing sexist and emotionally abusive comments from Barlet over a decade of employment. This individual was inappropriately assigned HR responsibilities solely because of their gender, and faced ongoing harassment, including racist remarks and mocking of disabled individuals. Barlet's behavior extended beyond the workplace, reportedly belittling other accessibility advocates and attempting to dominate the accessibility space.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet's alleged hostility was not confined to AbleGamers. At industry events like The Game Accessibility Conference, he reportedly disparaged other speakers and advocates, undermining their contributions. Anonymous sources corroborated these accounts, describing Barlet's aggressive interruptions and attempts to claim ownership over others' work, threatening to sabotage projects if his demands were not met.

Financial Mismanagement

Financial concerns have also surfaced, with former employees alleging Barlet's lavish spending did not align with the organization's mission. Reports indicate expenditures on first-class flights, extended hotel stays, and expensive meals, as well as the purchase of a van during the pandemic that was never effectively utilized. A Tesla charger installed at the headquarters for Barlet's personal use further fueled internal discontent. Discrepancies in salaries, allegedly influenced by favoritism, added to the financial strain, with some employees earning more for less work.

Leadership Failures

Despite these issues, the AbleGamers board reportedly failed to act decisively. A hired CFO raised alarms about the organization's finances, but the board did not respond promptly. Barlet allegedly maintained tight control over communications with the board, limiting transparency and accountability. An investigation by ADP recommended Barlet's immediate termination, but the board delayed action. Subsequent EEOC complaints filed by employees highlighted a range of issues, including racism, ableism, and sexual harassment. Barlet's eventual departure in September 2024 followed a lengthy and controversial process, with the board's response criticized for being inadequate and slow.

Barlet's Comments

After leaving AbleGamers, Barlet co-founded AccessForge, an accessibility consulting group serving various industries. In response to the allegations, Barlet denied any wrongdoing, claiming an independent investigation cleared him of all charges. He attributed the allegations to backlash from workforce reduction decisions and maintained that his expenditures, including first-class travel and meals, were justified and aligned with organizational policies. Barlet also denied personal use of the Tesla charger and insisted that board members were accessible via Slack, a claim disputed by sources.

For many, AbleGamers represented a beacon of hope in the gaming world, advocating for better representation and accessibility. However, the recent revelations have left former employees and the accessibility community disillusioned, highlighting a stark disconnect between the organization's public mission and its internal practices.