GAMA's Communications Manager Declares Organization 'Broken'

As reported by ICv2, the Marketing and Communications manager of the Game Manufacturer's Association--a US-based trade organization for the hobby games industry--has resigned her position and described GAMA as "deeply siloed and in many ways, broken."

Formed in 1977, GAMA runs the Origins Game Fair every year, one of the larger tabletop gaming conventions, as well as the industry trade show GAMA EXPO. Additionally, the organization presents the annual Origins Awards for tabletop gaming. The organization provides business support and industry-focused educational programs and includes publishers, retailers, distributors, freelancers, and more in its members.

Amy Lowe joined GAMA in October 2024. In her resignation letter, she made a range of allegations about the organization:

But here's the honest truth: GAMA is deeply siloed and, in many ways, broken.

• Toxic leadership.
• Rampant gatekeeping.
• Insecurity masquerading as control.
• Disrespect toward other staff and members.

I witnessed staff roll their eyes at members, members who literally fund the organization. I saw internal dynamics that were petty, power-hungry, and counterproductive. Then came a restructuring that had me reporting to someone who openly disrespected colleagues and talked s#!% about members.

I've worked in high-stakes environments. I've managed massive campaigns. I've dealt with complex teams. But I refuse to stay in a place that values ego over impact. So, I resigned, two days into the restructure.

When they reached out, ICv2 received a response from John Stacy, Executive Director of GAMA:

Over the past eight months GAMA has nearly doubled its staff to accommodate for our growing association. We now represent almost 1,700 tabletop game companies in three dozen countries. As part of this growth we have taken a hard look at how our staff was organized and made adjustments to better align with our ten year strategic plan for GAMA to be the epicenter of the tabletop industry. While I disagree with her categorization of our staff, we appreciate the brief time she was with us and wish her well in her future adventures.

 

[Morrus]

Y'all are just gossiping and pretending it's important citizen journalism.

But, gossip on...

We get it. You’re better than the rest of us. Dial it back, please.

 

[Bill Zebub]

I'll step out. Happy gaming.

 

[darjr]

GAMA promotes members to consumers and runs a consumer promotional event. It represents thier members as a block to consumers. It 100% concerns consumers.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

I don't think anyone thinks it's as much a "noble whistleblower" as much as they see value in putting this in the public, rather than trying to hide it or calling it "unprofessional". Just find it very weird to frame it as such when one has no stake in the organization or its reputation, because the only reason you'd do it in private would be for the organization's benefit.

Yeah this is the thing. It's not about "nobility", that's a cheap deflection, it's noteworthy that someone said this (which is taking a risk in some ways), and frankly, in the context of GAMA, nothing she's said is remotely implausible or even really surprising.

The way people characterize stuff like this often betrays, imho, that they've encountered very troubling situations and decided to say nothing about them (I certainly have), and are really talking about their own internal reasons/excuses for not publicly putting a company on blast - i.e. projecting, I believe is the old psychological term (unless I'm out of date).

On top of that, the whole "Oh they will definitely regret this!!!" attitude sometimes borders on the unrealistic/fetishistic. The reality is, that's not always the case. It depends very much on what the person involved is doing next, what the industry is, and how high-profile the statement was. Most companies do not, in fact, do in-depth checks on everything an employee has ever said (if they check at all - hell many companies fail to even check criminal records!), and if an employee has a strong history/CV, may well not even care even if they do find out. Especially if the criticisms seem potentially plausible or merited.

 

[Four Color]

Professionals with a track record of success understand that their future reputation may be at stake when they exit an organization suddenly. Some may feel a responsibility to protect not only their own reputation at the point of exit, because of possible future consequences, but also other professionals and stakeholders who are or may in the future be affected by the dysfunction that inspired their sudden departure. It's also satisfying to tell the truth, even when you see a problem that you cannot fix by words alone.

 

[Queer Venger]

this is shocking.

 

[TrainedMunkee]

Who cares if a bunch of gamers debate whether it's real or hear-say? The organizations who would have received a private message...that is, the only people who actually matter...would know.

This wasn't public-service whistleblowing. It was an unprofessional rant. Even if it's all true.

I will predict that she is going to regret posting that.

When I spoke with her, she indicated that she already has a new position within the industry, so I would guess that you are incorrect in your assumption. A company within the industry gave her a paying gig and she has several consulting gigs within the industry. At least a few folks in gaming feel that it wasn't an unprofessional rant. Considering GAMA's past history and Amy's resume, please put me firmly in the Amy column. The culture GAMA appears to promote and bad decision making, is going to ruin them. They appear to represent their members however? It's going to be rough sailing ahead for this industry anyhow.

 

[anteros_gold]

"Someday, someone's gonna have to explain to me the virtue of a professional response."
- Pres. Andrew Shepherd, sort of

Proportionate response. As in 'eye-for-an-eye'.

 

[Kromanjon]

Good for her getting away from a bad situation. Being able to tell others of poor working conditions in a company without having to fear reprisals is a integral part of a democratic society so all in all I think it's good she came forward with this information. It also helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing what companies to support.

 

[Retreater]

Origins is our go-to "large" con now that GenCon has ballooned to a size and cost I can't handle. Additionally, the tradeshow is held in my state now and generates valuable income in my region. I hope GAMA improves what it needs.