The veteran screenwriter has been accused of predatory behavior on social media by several women in the industry.
Chris Avellone, writer of games like Fallout: New Vegas, Icewind Dale, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is in the eye of the hurricane after a woman revealed on social media that the writer had sexually harassed. After the news was made public, some of the companies Avellone was working with have announced that they have severed ties with him.
This is the case of The Waylanders, the RPG developed by the Spanish studio Gato Studio. Although the original screenwriter is Emily Grace Buck (former Telltale Games), Avellone collaborated on the production script. “Chris Avellone is no longer linked to Gato Salvaje Games or The Waylanders project,” they announced in a statement.
Wild Cat, Techland and Paradox releases
Chris came to The Waylanders as an outside designer. Your contract has ended and the content provided will be evaluated as development progresses. ” The study has emphasized that allegations of abuse and predatory behavior are taken very seriously. “We are against the kinds of behaviors that have allegedly occurred” and that are reflected in the story that was published a few days ago.
Techland, creators of Dying Light 2, have also not been silent: “We take cases of sexual harassment and disrespect very seriously. We have zero tolerance for these behaviors. ” These rules apply to both employees and external consultants, “Chris among them,” they explained to Gamasutra. “That is why we are investigating the situation. We will provide new information on our next steps soon. ” Soon after, they have confirmed that the collaboration has ended. “Both the narrative team, which Chris supported, and the entire development team continue to progress efficiently, according to the revised plan earlier in the year.”
Paradox Interactive, creators of Vampire: The Masquerade —Bloodlines 2 has not neglected the issue: “Chris Avellone briefly worked with the Bloodlines 2 narrative team on game development.” The company has confirmed that none of its contributions will be reflected in the final version of the title.
Several women publicize sexual harassment cases
It all started with a Twitter post from Karissa. IGN has interviewed Chris Avellone and Emily Grace Buck of The Waylanders, and the woman has responded to the tweet with a series of allegations. “Zero interest in something done by a man who spent so much time harassing young women (without checking age), getting drunk and taking them to hotel rooms.” According to his words, the writer appeared late to conferences, mistreated colleagues and fans and has been blacklisted by at least one convention for his behavior.
“His behavior did not improve. If anything, it got worse. Firing him took years to his employers (I honestly do not remember exactly the reason he gave, it was a long time ago and I was not personally, a friend who also worked there told me). On the other hand, Jacki Collins, from Riot Games, has shared an obscene conversation that he sent him: “Come to SD and I will explain my strategy […] eating your pussy ”, you can read. Below is an apology. Collins admits that at the time he forgave him, though he never forgot him.
Source | Gamasutra
