In 2004, AbleGamers was established as a nonprofit dedicated to elevating disabled voices and improving accessibility in the gaming industry. For nearly two decades, the organization has delivered talks at industry events, raised significant funds through charitable initiatives, and served as a key resource for developers and players alike. Over time, video game accessibility and AbleGamers became synonymous, with reporters, developers, and the public viewing them as a vital force driving progress in this field.

Founded by Mark Barlet, the organization collaborated with major studios like Xbox to create the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation to design the Access Controller, and even partnered with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Beyond these partnerships, AbleGamers acted as consultants to developers, educating them on integrating accessibility features into games. Initially, the charity provided adaptive gaming equipment to disabled individuals, but this initiative was recently discontinued as the accessibility movement expanded.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Mark Barlet’s mission was to create a charity celebrating disabled inclusion in gaming. However, behind the scenes, sources describe an environment failing to align with its stated goals. A former employee, who wished to remain anonymous, recounts several instances of sexist and emotionally abusive behavior from Barlet during their approximately 10-year tenure.

“He kept telling me I was HR for the charity because I’m a woman,” the source said. “At the time, I was the only woman in the organization. He then sent me to work on a real HR case, which I later learned was illegal because I lacked the necessary qualifications.” The source claims Barlet frequently joked about this case for weeks, creating discomfort among employees.

The source also experienced aggressive behaviors, both directed at them and others within the company. They describe overhearing racist remarks, intervening in conflicts between Barlet and colleagues, and witnessing inappropriate comments such as, “We need to get the most f\*\*\*ed-up disabled person for our marketing—the one with real multiple disabilities.” Barlet reportedly mocked physical disabilities with obscene gestures during this incident.

Sexually explicit remarks about the source were also common, particularly during staff meetings or when working in person. During an all-hands meeting, the source recalled being two months postpartum when Barlet remarked on their physical changes. Later, while walking past the source, Barlet approached with his hands outstretched, mocking their appearance.

Though Barlet initially befriended new employees, the source notes his behavior turned hostile whenever they confronted him about misconduct. Barlet consistently deflected accusations by claiming his actions were jokes, escalating hostility each time the source challenged him.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet’s allegedly toxic behavior extended beyond AbleGamers. The source recalls Barlet speaking dismissively or insultingly of other accessibility advocates in the space. It seemed Barlet desired AbleGamers to dominate the accessibility landscape, reacting negatively to competitors. At industry events like the Game Accessibility Conference, the source notes Barlet criticized nearly every speaker, dismissing their efforts as futile.

An anonymous accessibility advocate corroborates this behavior, recalling a business meeting where Barlet interrupted discussions about accessibility initiatives, shouting, “Shut up, shut up, you don’t know what you’re talking about,” and dominating the conversation for 30 minutes.

Another advocate notes Barlet declared during a call, “You are a drop in the pond of accessibility. And I own the pond.” When discussing potential collaborations, Barlet allegedly demanded ownership of the project and threatened to sabotage it through his “deep industry contacts” if refused.

Financial Mismanagement

Barlet’s impact reached beyond interpersonal dynamics, affecting AbleGamers financially. Under his leadership, the charity received millions in donations from studios and players. However, questions arose about how funds were used. Senior leaders acknowledged financial strain, with expenses exceeding revenue and budgets spiraling out of control.

Non-essential expenditures included first-class travel for certain leaders, lavish hotel stays, and expensive meals for mostly remote employees. The source mentions a van purchased during the pandemic, which remained unused due to quarantine restrictions. Another example includes the installation of a Tesla charger at headquarters, despite only Barlet owning a Tesla.

Internal tensions also arose regarding salaries. Leadership questioned discrepancies in pay, with some employees earning more than those in higher positions. Allegations suggest favoritism, with some employees receiving disproportionate compensation relative to their workload.

Leadership Failures

Financial mismanagement coincided with leadership failures. A Certified Public Accountant hired as CFO reportedly raised alarms about financial irregularities but was ignored by the board. When the CFO left, the board allegedly failed to address the concerns adequately.

Barlet allegedly manipulated leadership structures to isolate employees from the board, preventing them from seeking redress. When an employee requested access to the board, leadership responded evasively, claiming ignorance of board members’ identities.

In April 2024, an employee initiated an investigation through ADP, which reportedly advised immediate termination of Barlet due to the severity of allegations. Despite this, the independent board delayed action. By June 2024, multiple EEOC complaints were filed, prompting an internal investigation. However, the board’s response was tardy and ineffective, leaving unresolved issues.

Barlet’s Removal and Retaliation

Barlet’s removal sparked controversy. Though he stepped down, employees allege retaliation against those who participated in the investigation. Several employees were terminated in late 2024, allegedly targeting whistleblowers. Remaining staff consisted of individuals who did not engage in the investigation.

Former employees report manipulative outreach from Steven Spohn, who encouraged silence regarding the allegations. Despite repeated attempts to contact Spohn for comment, no response was received.

Barlet’s Response

Regarding allegations of workplace abuse and harassment, Barlet claimed an independent investigation exonerated him. He attributes the investigation to pressure from the board to reduce the workforce and notes it was conducted internally. Sources dispute the integrity of the investigation, highlighting affiliations between the legal team and Barlet/AbleGamers.

Barlet denies installing a Tesla charger, describing it as merely a plug. Regarding travel policies, he asserts compliance with AbleGamers’ guidelines, though sources refute this, alleging excessive use of first-class flights. Discrepancies in employee salaries are similarly disputed, with sources indicating preferential treatment and underpayment of qualified individuals.

Throughout exchanges with IGN, Barlet provided no substantiating evidence, declining to share documents or corroborating sources unless discussions were strictly off the record.