Former Employees, Community Members Allege AbleGamers Founder Fostered Abuse Behind Closed Doors

In 2004, AbleGamers was established as a nonprofit organization with a mission to elevate disabled voices and enhance accessibility within the gaming industry. For nearly two decades, AbleGamers has been a prominent figure at industry events, raising millions through annual charity events, and serving as a vital resource for both developers and players. The organization became synonymous with video game accessibility, earning recognition as a key player in advancing inclusive gaming experiences.

Founded by Mark Barlet, AbleGamers has collaborated with major gaming studios such as Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation to create the Access Controller, and partnered with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Beyond these partnerships, AbleGamers has positioned itself as a consultant, guiding developers in implementing accessibility options within their games. While the organization once provided adaptive gaming equipment to disabled individuals, it has since shifted away from this initiative. As the accessibility movement has grown, so too has AbleGamers' influence and presence within the industry.

However, approximately 20 years after its inception, new reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community have surfaced, alleging abuse, financial mismanagement by leadership, and a board that failed to safeguard its employees.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet's vision for AbleGamers was to foster a charity that celebrated disabled inclusion in gaming. According to the AbleGamers website, the organization aimed to provide peer counseling, foster a sense of community among disabled individuals, and offer consulting services. However, internal accounts suggest that the environment did not always align with these mission goals.

A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that Barlet's behavior became concerning a few years into their tenure, which lasted approximately 10 years. They recounted instances of sexist and emotionally abusive comments, including being told they were HR because they were a woman, despite lacking the necessary credentials. The employee also reported overhearing racist remarks, witnessing aggressive behavior, and hearing inappropriate comments from Barlet, such as mocking individuals with disabilities.

The source also described sexually explicit remarks made by Barlet about them in front of others, particularly during staff meetings. These incidents included comments about their physical appearance shortly after returning from maternity leave. The employee noted that Barlet's behavior would shift from supportive to harassing as new employees grew within the organization, and he would deflect criticism by claiming his comments were jokes.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet's allegedly hostile behavior extended beyond AbleGamers. The source reported that Barlet would belittle or insult other accessibility advocates, seemingly aiming to maintain AbleGamers as the sole authority on accessibility in the industry. At events like The Game Accessibility Conference, Barlet reportedly criticized other speakers and advocates, questioning their credibility and even making personal attacks.

Multiple anonymous accessibility advocates corroborated these accounts, describing Barlet's disruptive behavior during industry meetings and his attempts to dominate discussions. One advocate recounted Barlet's claim of "owning the pond" of accessibility, while another described Barlet's demands to take ownership of their work, threatening to use his industry connections to sabotage projects if they refused.

Financial Mismanagement

Barlet's influence also extended to the charity's finances. As the founder and former Executive Director, he helped launch new initiatives, but questions have arisen about the use of donated funds. A former employee alleged that Barlet's spending was wasteful, with funds being used for first-class travel, extended hotel stays, and lavish meals for a primarily remote workforce.

One notable instance was the purchase of a van for mobile services during the pandemic, which reportedly did not serve its intended purpose due to quarantine restrictions. Additionally, the installation of a Tesla charger at the headquarters, used solely by Barlet, drew criticism from staff and board members. Concerns also arose about salary discrepancies, with allegations of favoritism in pay scales and Barlet's high salary drawing contention among senior leaders.

Leadership Failures

Alongside financial issues, the board's response to these concerns was criticized. A Certified Public Accountant, hired as CFO, reportedly raised alarms about the organization's finances, but the board allegedly failed to act. The original source noted that Barlet kept the board at arm's length, limiting communication and preventing employees from addressing issues directly with them.

In April 2024, an investigation by ADP, a payroll and HR service, recommended Barlet's immediate termination due to the severity of the allegations. Despite this, the board allegedly ignored the findings. Subsequent EEOC complaints filed in May and June 2024 detailed issues of racism, ableism, sexual harassment, and misogyny, as well as leadership's failure to protect employees.

The board's internal investigation, conducted by a law firm with ties to AbleGamers, was criticized for potential bias. Barlet's eventual removal in September 2024 was met with controversy, as he was given severance, and several employees who spoke out against him were later fired. Even after his departure, former leadership allegedly continued to interfere, with former COO Steven Spohn reportedly using manipulative language to discourage former employees from speaking out.

Barlet's Comments

Following his departure from AbleGamers, Barlet co-founded AccessForge, a consulting group focused on accessibility across various industries. When confronted with allegations of workplace abuse and harassment, Barlet denied the claims, stating they were investigated by an independent third party and found to be untrue. He attributed the timing of the investigation to his decision to cut back on the workforce.

Barlet also addressed allegations of inappropriate spending, explaining that meals were a perk for office attendees and that extended hotel stays were used for productive meetings with donors and companies. He justified first-class travel as part of a board-approved policy, citing his disability as a reason for needing such accommodations. However, sources disputed these claims, pointing to discrepancies in the employee handbook and Barlet's refusal to provide evidence.

Regarding salary issues, Barlet claimed compensation was based on education, experience, and position, but sources argued that pay was inconsistent and unfair. Barlet denied the purchase of a Tesla charger, describing it as a plug, but sources and board members confirmed it was a full charging unit.

Barlet maintained that board members were accessible via Slack, but sources clarified that the independent board, crucial for the investigation, was not available through this platform.

For many disabled players, AbleGamers represented a beacon of hope and inclusion. However, the alleged behind-the-scenes issues and leadership failures have tarnished its reputation. The first source expressed deep disappointment, stating that Barlet's actions destroyed what was once their dream career.