MidBoss: Allegations of Exploitative and Harassment

On March 21st, 2018, MidBoss and their CEO (Matt Conn) was accused of engaging in exploitive workplace practices and sexual harassment in a series of twitter posts. These allegations included taking advantage of queer employees, undervaluing women and people of colour, and underpaying workers. While these allegations were originally brought forward by a musician external to the company (Jess ‘LiquidCrystal’), individuals claiming to be former MidBoss employees corroborated the story claiming that they were underpaid and sexually harassed by Matt Conn.

In the wake of this controversy, Matt Conn stepped down from the board of GaymerX (a non-profit dedicated to support LGBTQ+ people in gaming) and MidBoss. Cade Peterson became the interim CEO, and as of August 30th 2019, remains in the CEO position.

Media Coverage/Original Tweets:

• Jess ‘LiquidCrystal’ on Twitter: Mar 21st, 2018: Matt conn and midboss (makers of 2064: Read Only Memories) severely mistreat their workers and have a streak of taking advantage of young queer people

• ‘Cake Witch’ (Claims to be former employee) on Twitter: Mar 24th, 2018: Former MidBoss employee here. Everything in this thread is true and unfortunately my reality

• ‘Uglymachine’ (claims to be former employee) on Curious Cat: Mar 25th, 2018: I can verify that the accusations are true

• Brendan Sinclair on Games Industry: Mar 26th, 2018: MidBoss CEO accused of exploitative practices, sexual harassment

• Katherine Cross on Gamasutra: Mar 28th, 2018: Analysis: A closer look at MidBoss' chaotic, hostile work environment

• Brendan Sinclair on Games Industry: April 6th, 2018: MidBoss names Cade Peterson interim CEO

• Brendan Sinclair on Games Industry: July 24th, 2018: MidBoss picks up the pieces after employee abuse scandal