Phil Spencer speaks at the E3 conference. (Photo : GettyImages/Kevork Djansezian)
Microsoft has issued an apology regarding the scandal of hiring dancers dressed as sexy schoolgirls for its Game Developer Conference after party last Thursday night. The statement responded to media reports that had pictures from the attendees.
Head of Microsoft Phil Spencer said in a statement that this issue has come to his attention, reported Venture Beat. He explained that Xbox and Microsoft were misrepresented that night, which did not align with their company values. It was wrong and will not be tolerated, according to Spencer.
According to CNet, the dancers wore "tight bra-like tops and fishnet tights" while entertaining the guests. The short plaid skirts the dancers wore suggested that they were schoolgirls dancing for entertainment.
The guests who attended the event were not pleased with the after party entertainment. Even the company officials of Microsoft have noted that it was contrary to the company's policies when it comes to women.
In a tweet, editor of Tin Man Games Kamina Vincent wrote that she liked dancing and talking to developers, but not at the GDC 2016 after party. She was not pleased with what happened during the party. She later added that she will make a formal complaint tomorrow and "she will not stand for this."
In another tweet, co-founder of Giant Spacekat Brianna Wu also wrote that she was disappointed at Microsoft and Xbox for hiring the dancers. Wu is a game developer who has been vocal against these types of issues in the industry.
In another tweet from an Xbox official, Aaron Greenberg, head of Xbox games marketing, expressed his disappointment of what happened during the event and promised to follow up with the team. Apparently, he was not aware of what was going to happen that night.
In an update, Spencer released a longer response to address what happened during the event that they hosted during GDC. He discussed first how the culture of TEAM XBOX is important for him. He then apologized and the company will handle the issue internally.
Earlier that day, Microsoft sponsored an event for females being involved in the gaming industry. The event was called the Women in Games lunch.
Watch Microsoft's announcement video below:
