"Ex-Staff, Community Accuse AbleGamers Founder of Hidden Abuse"

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In 2004, AbleGamers was founded as a nonprofit organization with a clear mission: elevate disabled voices and champion accessibility in gaming. Over two decades, the organization became a staple in the industry—presenting at major events, raising millions through annual charity drives, and serving as a go-to resource for both developers and players. AbleGamers and video game accessibility became nearly synonymous, with media, studios, and fans alike recognizing their influence in shaping inclusive gaming experiences.

Founded by Mark Barlet, the organization forged partnerships with industry giants like Xbox to develop the Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation on the Access Controller, and even collaborated with Bungie for exclusive merchandise. Beyond product development, AbleGamers positioned itself as a consultant for developers, offering guidance on implementing accessible features in games. While they once provided adaptive equipment directly to individuals, that initiative has since been discontinued. As the accessibility movement expanded, so too did AbleGamers' reach and reputation.

Yet, two decades after its founding, reports from former employees and members of the accessibility community reveal troubling accounts of workplace abuse, financial mismanagement, and leadership failures within the organization.

Advocating Under Strenuous Conditions

Barlet’s vision for AbleGamers was rooted in promoting inclusion for disabled gamers. According to the AbleGamers website, the organization offered peer counseling, fostered a sense of community, and provided consulting services. However, behind the scenes, sources describe a culture far removed from these ideals.

One former employee (who requested anonymity) shared a detailed account of over a decade working at the charity. They described a toxic environment marked by emotionally abusive behavior, sexist remarks, and inappropriate comments directed at them and others.

“He kept telling me I was HR for the charity because I’m a woman,” the source said. “At this time, I was the only woman in the charity. He then sent me to work on a literal HR case that I now know was really illegal of me because I didn’t have those credentials.”

Barlet allegedly made light of the situation, continuing to assign HR responsibilities informally. The source recalled overhearing racist remarks, witnessing conflicts between staff, and enduring sexually charged comments—many of which were made during meetings or in person.

“During an all-hands internal meeting, I was two months postpartum… he said my jugs had gotten so big that he wouldn’t know how to handle them,” the source recounted. “About a week later, we were walking past each other, and he went up to me with his hands outstretched hovering over my [chest] and said ‘Haha, they’re so big, I wouldn’t know how to handle them because I’m gay.’”

The source explained that Barlet often began relationships with new hires on friendly terms, only to grow increasingly hostile as time passed. Every confrontation was met with deflection, dismissal, and accusations of humor.

Toxicity Outside the Charity

Barlet’s alleged hostility wasn’t confined to AbleGamers alone. The source described repeated attempts to undermine other advocates in the space, suggesting Barlet saw himself as the sole authority on accessibility.

“Especially at [The Game Accessibility Conference], he said something about almost every speaker that came up,” the source said. “Anyone that either spoke or was an advocate, just how they are idiots.”

Another anonymous advocate corroborated this sentiment. During a collaborative business meeting, Barlet reportedly interrupted repeatedly:

“Shut up, shut up, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Others noted Barlet’s aggressive territorialism:

“You are a drop in the pond of accessibility. And I own the pond.”

When one advocate refused to hand over their intellectual property, Barlet allegedly threatened to sabotage their project using his industry connections.

Financial Mismanagement

Beyond interpersonal issues, concerns about AbleGamers’ finances began surfacing among senior staff. Former employees allege that funds were frequently used for non-essential expenses, including first-class travel, luxury accommodations, and unnecessary purchases.

“Revenues were not great, and expenses were out of control,” one source stated.

Among the questionable expenditures:

• A van purchased during the pandemic that "did nothing" due to lockdowns.
• A Tesla charger installed at headquarters, despite no other staff owning Teslas.
• Lavish meals for remote workers based in an area where such spending was unnecessary.

Leadership reportedly raised concerns about budget inconsistencies and unequal pay structures:

“There were people doing next to nothing making almost the highest amount.”

Despite internal alarms, the board failed to act decisively.

Leadership Failures

In 2023, the board hired a Certified Public Accountant as CFO who reportedly flagged serious financial issues. Despite warnings, no corrective action was taken before the CFO eventually left.

Barlet maintained tight control over communication channels, limiting access to the independent board:

“You’re [top leadership], how do you not know who the board are?”

Tensions escalated in early 2024 when ADP conducted an investigation into workplace conditions. It reportedly recommended Barlet’s immediate termination. The board ignored the findings.

By mid-2024, multiple EEOC complaints were filed citing racism, ableism, harassment, and leadership negligence. An internal investigation followed, but transparency remained minimal.

“They finally let staff know, on September 25, 2024, that the board issued communication that Mark was stepping down.”

Employees were excluded from updates, unclear reporting lines emerged, and the legal firm conducting the investigation had ties to Barlet.

Barlet eventually stepped down, citing an independent third-party investigation that cleared him of wrongdoing. However, sources question the integrity of the process.

Barlet’s Comments

Following his departure, Barlet co-founded AccessForge, a broader accessibility consultancy covering industries beyond gaming. When questioned about the allegations, he dismissed them:

“After thoroughly being investigated by an independent third-party, it was determined that none of that was true.”

Regarding travel policies, he claimed upgrades were approved under a formal board policy, though he declined to share documentation. He also defended office meal spending as modest and justified extended hotel stays as strategic networking opportunities.

Barlet denied installing a Tesla charger, claiming it was merely a plug. Independent board members dispute this, recalling a full charging unit.

When asked about board access, he cited Slack availability. However, sources clarify that the independent board was never reachable via company channels.

Throughout our exchanges, Barlet offered no evidence to support his claims, insisting any further discussion be off the record.

For many, AbleGamers represented hope—a rare force advocating for disability representation in gaming. But for some inside the organization, the reality was starkly different.

“It definitely crushed me,” the source said. “I cried a lot to my family, friends, and therapist because that was my dream job. [Barlet] just burned it to the ground.”