A new report published by Swedish daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet (paywall) has detailed a “culture of silence” at Paradox Interactive, the developer behind strategy game hits such as Crusader Kings, Hearts of Iron and Europa Universalis.
Content warning: this article includes descriptions of assault.
One particular incident involved the hiring of a senior manager previously known for “unwelcome approaches and harassment” at another games company. Svenska Dagbladet sources said the man’s reputation was ignored – allowing him to be employed at Paradox regardless.
“He had too much physical contact with us female employees. A hand on the lower back or very close hugs, where he drilled his face into one’s throat. We were several girls who talked about it,” said one woman who was harassed by the man before he was hired at Paradox.