Nick Button-Brown

On my way to Dice next week…and apologies to everyone I havent responded to…my lack of structured time is definitely showing #dice25

Huge support for this pretty reasonable request!

Dear Meta, The recent changes to Meta’s content moderation policies put at least 9% of adults around the world at risk. We are Out Making Games (“OMG”), a network of hundreds of LGBTQ+ games professionals, representing millions of LGBTQ+ gamers and individuals around the world. We are writing to express serious concerns about the recent changes to Meta’s content moderation policies and their potential implications for online safety and inclusion for millions around the world. A global survey in 2023 found nearly 1 in 10 adults across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ+. Many will be customers of Meta via Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or the Oculus VR gaming platform and will be put at risk by Meta’s decision to reduce certain automated content filtering mechanisms. Social media platforms serve as crucial spaces for connection, support, and identity expression for many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in areas with limited in-person community resources. While potentially aimed at promoting broader dialogue, the changes risk creating an environment where harmful speech can proliferate more easily, and compromising these vital digital spaces.

Reduced automated filtering will allow subtle forms of harassment to slip through more frequently. While explicit hate speech might still be caught, coded language and implicit bias often require more nuanced detection systems. The LGBTQ+ community has historically been targeted through such subtle messaging tactics and according to numerous studies, increased exposure to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric online correlates with higher rates of mental health challenges and decreased feelings of safety in LGBTQ+ communities.The changes will also likely lead LGBTQ+ users to self-censor or withdraw from platforms entirely due to increased exposure to hostile content. This would effectively silence valuable voices and perspectives in our online discourse - and considerably reduce your user base. We urge Meta to consider: Conducting a thorough impact assessment of these moderation changes, specifically examining effects on marginalized communities. Consulting with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and safety experts before implementing further policy changes. Implementing better transparent reporting mechanisms to track and respond to increases in targeted harassment. Maintaining robust appeals processes for both removed content and missed violations

Your platforms have the power to shape public discourse and influence social attitudes. With this power comes the responsibility to ensure all users can participate safely in online spaces. While content moderation involves complex tradeoffs between freedom of expression and user safety, history shows that undermoderation often disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. We look forward to hearing your response and learning about concrete steps Meta will take to protect LGBTQ+ users while maintaining open dialogue on your platforms. Best regards, Out Making Games

An Open Letter to Meta

www.outmaking.games/meta-open-le...

YouTube video by Bossa Games Bossa Games & CULT Games - "Prototype 299"

24 JANUARY 2025

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNeU...

So at Pocketgamer Connects 25 at the moment. Loads of great chats feeling very upbeat and optimistic.

I have just won the AI notetaker game! now i'm hoping this task gets automatically uploaded to her task list and she will get reminders...

with bass boost, although playing it at 2x speed does make me sound very weird!

Turn the speakers up to 11!

when you phrase it like that, it definitely sounds creepy....trying to make jokes about it but even the jokes sound creepy

So my Audio narration of @kimnordstrom.bsky.social awesome book Up Down Up looking at why games companies succeed and fail is now out. It’s very exciting, but really painful for me to listen to!

www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0DPN9FJZ...

So working on my allyship, but how the hell do you not scream at casual misogyny…not tagging the people on the receiving end, but your patience is amazing!

Julia Check out this great listen on Audible.com. London, chief city of Airstrip One, the third most populous province of Oceania. It's 1984 and Julia Worthing works as a mechanic fixing the novel-writing m...

So I always loved Orwell, and 1984 is a book I read to one of my kids as a bedtime story. But i really enjoyed this, from the point of view of Julia, does allow the story to become more gender nuanced. If you read it, talk to me about the ending (no spoilers)!

www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0CJFNV2M...

Congratulations and much love to you both!

It’s important!

Someone needs to start a blog dedicated to rating food at gaming events. BCD stuff will always have the jump (budgets) but I’ve yet to have a better consumer show lunch than at Paris Games Week, years back. Also Digital Dragons had a good spread.

Dont want to overstate it but the mini lemon meringue pies are very tasty!

So at the Wiggin Games Summit in London. Chance to meet with lots of friends and the mini lemon meringue pies are awesome. Make sure you join next year!

Felt like not a lot of conversation between the groups

Games sector or games industry, which term feels more inclusive? Or any better suggestions?

One thing I got from slush which was a new feeling was the separation between mobile and PC gaming….i mean I know it’s there but I felt it more than I have a while…anybody else noticing it?

My take from Slush 2024 pt 3. The Baltic Sea is really cold even after a Sauna….why did you tell me to do it!

My take from Slush 2024 pt 2….making UGC related content and the professionalisation of that process is already significant and ready to move to later stage fundraising/ investments.

So my take from Slush part 1….browser gaming is a significant opportunity in the next few years… some really interesting pitches.

That makes me feel very special!

Just watched @kimnordstrom.bsky.social on the deconstructor of fun podcast live. The one rule of the Audiobook version of UpDownUp is we don’t talk about the Audiobook version of UpDownUp!

So enjoying my first Roviocon at Slush. How is this not something that has not been in my life before! @kimnordstrom.bsky.social