According to LGBT-themed video game conference GaymerX founder Matt Conn, publisher NIS America (Danganronpa, Disgaea) backed out of a sponsorship deal for this month’s GaymerX2. Conn shared an email on Twitter reportedly from an NIS America representative, who explained that the company would not be able to make good on its promise for funding.
The representative apologized in his note to Conn, and said he truly believes in what GaymerX is trying to accomplish. Conn went on to claim that NIS America was “bullying” GaymerX, though he later apologized for implying that NIS America’s choice to not pay was based on his sexuality.
“NIS America is a good company that made a small oversight and I responded strongly,” Conn said. “We both are at fault and I look forward to a quick resolution. I have no interest in causing NIS America harm. I just want to be paid for the services that were rendered. I have been assured it was a mixup.”
NIS America reportedly pledged $3,000 to GaymerX. Though the company will not be making good on this agreement, other high-profile developers have come forward with the funds. Publisher Devolver Digital (Broforce, Hotline Miami), Thomas Was Alone creator Mike Bithell, and Goat Simulator developer Coffee Stain Studios, have all pledged $3,000 to GaymerX.
We pledge $3,000 for a 2015 @GaymerX sponsorship and challenge other game companies that have the means to do the same.
— Devolver Digital (@devolverdigital) July 29, 2014
100% serious. I’ll match @devolverdigital‘s offer. It’d be an honour to help an awesome event like @GaymerX
— Mike Bithell (@mikeBithell) July 29, 2014
We’ll gladly follow the good example of @devolverdigital and @mikeBithell by pledging $3k to help support @GaymerX
— Coffee Stain Studios (@Coffee_Stain) July 29, 2014
The second annual LGBT-themed GaymerX convention was held earlier this month in San Francisco, featuring a number of panels and presentations, including one from Borderlands creator Gearbox Software about inclusivity in gaming. Despite growing support from big-name publishers like 2K Games and Electronic Arts, this year’s show might have been the last.
| Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @EddieMakuch |
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