Chicago, Illinois – The gaming industry mourned the passing of Susan Banks, a well-known advocate for accessibility in video games, announced by her partner Coty Craven on social media in March 2019. Banks was lauded for her efforts to raise awareness for accessibility in games, especially for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Her work with developers like Ubisoft and The Coalition played a pivotal role in pushing for better options and designs in the gaming landscape. In her memory, an award honoring disabled individuals in games was established, recognizing those who uplift their communities and advocate for accessibility.
Banks’ introduction to the gaming industry in 2015 through the persona ‘OneOddGamerGirl’ on Twitter sparked discussions on Deaf and hard-of-hearing accessibility in games, mental health, racism, and queer relationships. However, questions surrounding Banks’ background arose, with doubts emerging about the veracity of her identity and past. Evidence suggesting inconsistencies in her personal history began to surface, casting doubt on the existence of Susan Banks as she was portrayed.
AbleGamers founder Mark Barlet acknowledged Banks’ advocacy and social media presence in championing accessibility initiatives. Despite the lack of direct interactions, Banks’ impact within the accessibility community continued to grow, solidifying her position as a prominent advocate in the space. The accessibility community, already intimate and interconnected, embraced Banks’ contributions and recognized her efforts in fostering inclusivity within the gaming industry.
Conversations swirled around Banks’ alleged background, with claims of her escape from oppression in Turkey and subsequent achievements in various fields before her involvement in the gaming industry. However, further investigation revealed discrepancies in her purported history, raising doubts about the authenticity of her identity. The industry grappled with the implications of potentially fabricated personas and the impact on the community’s trust in prominent figures like Banks.
Years after Banks’ alleged passing, the gaming community continued to honor her legacy and contributions, showcasing her work in various publications and conferences. The unveiling of alleged inconsistencies surrounding Banks’ existence prompted a reevaluation of the narratives surrounding her life and advocacy. Questions about the authenticity of her persona highlighted the complexities of online presence and identity in a digital age.
As the industry navigated the fallout of the revelations surrounding Banks, discussions emerged about the broader implications for accessibility advocacy and representation in gaming. The intersection of marginalized identities and disability advocacy within the industry underscored the importance of authenticity and transparency in amplifying diverse voices. The community grappled with rebuilding trust and addressing potential misinformation that could impact the support for marginalized groups in gaming.
The evolution of Banks’ story intertwined with the emergence of new personas like Tubi Hamid and Deborah Vaughan, each facing scrutiny regarding their identities and backgrounds. Their purported involvement in the gaming industry raised questions about the authenticity of their personas and the influence of online presence on community perceptions. The industry’s response to these revelations reflected a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding identity and representation in the digital age.