Editor’s note: this is an opinion piece by the author indicated and does not represent the views of the publication or its staff.
I‘ve been following the GamerGate saga with great interest over the last few months but not for the reasons that most have been; divorcing Gamergate from all that harassment and looking instead at what many of those entrenched in the headless movement believe it to be about: Ethics in Games journalism. That itself is a noble pursuit, even if its current trajectory is off the mark. For me it’s been a great example of the power of media and the folly of fanatic liberalism.
When GamerGate first hit the mainstream it had, and I believe, still has, some extremely relevant points. People, the sort who identify as gamers, were upset by their perception that certain journalists were attacking their hobby, community and culture – by essentially labelling everyone who labels themselves as gamers as racist, woman abusing assholes.
GamerGaters had hard facts that high-profile gaming journalists had colluded together to push their liberal views and personal preferences onto the world in a determined and co-ordinated effort. That goes totally against everything that a journalist should be standing for and really is both saddening, and sickening. I found the entire saga interesting because we in South Africa struggle with this sort of soft journalism and collusion; from big brands inviting the soft influencers to cover their brands when they can’t even spell the brand properly, to journalists who are buying followers, to those websites that are lying about traffic stats to brands – mostly so they can keep getting free stuff.
Can you believe that there are websites in this country which point blankly refuse to release traffic stats to advertisers or marketing companies and yet are still given advertising money and perks because they are ever only supportive of the products they cover? It’s a disgusting mess that isn’t confined to our country; it’s a global problem. People enjoy taking digs at the IGNs and Polygons of the world but at least those sites are incredibly influential, with the requisite traffic. They aren’t being looked after purely because they’re part of the PR machine at the marketing departments of big brands.
So when top-tiered gaming journalists were called out and the facts presented, I was intrigued to see if they could weather the storm.
They did more than that; they managed to turn the entire situation against their attackers – to the point where “GamerGater” is the new insulting go-to response to anyone who dares share any sort of differing opinion. I myself got called a Gamergater the other day because I questioned someone about their stances on diversity within an already established fictional universe. I was accused of participating in “chan” culture and rallying against the “gamers are dead” narrative, when it’s just not true. It’s become the instant, pseudo-intellectual, knee-jerk reaction – to any sort of contrary view – by those so vociferously against the movement that they’ve become mirrors of the harassers they’re trying to fight.
The way that the journalists, and media outlets, not only survived the gamergate scandal but also prospered is a testament to the power of the media, especially a co-ordinated media that isn’t afraid to use all the dirty tricks in the playbook to ensure a victory. They managed to dominate this discussion so well that you now cannot question the ethics of a gaming journalist without instantly – and incorrectly – being labelled a misogynist who has no other desire than to spew bile at women, non-whites, homosexuals and anyone who isn’t cis-gendered. They’ve done it so well that it’s now close on being an insult if you’re even attracted to the opposite sex.
From an academic standpoint it has been an incredible case study: insinuate your attacker is the very worst type of person and then use that denial to shore up your attack on people’s basic civil rights of freedom of discussion, freedom of media and freedom of choice. It echoes the way politicians use the idea of protecting our children from child pornography to push for internet censorship. From a human stand point it’s been a depressing case study on how a powerful few really do control the media and the way society functions.
In the end the GamerGate movement has completely lost. Its questioning of ethics in games journalism – if that was its original intent – has become muddied to the point where it no longer exists, and it will be years before the problem of abusive fantastical liberalism can be touched on again in gaming without being instantly labelled.
Gamergaters may still believe there’s good news, though: while many developers have pledged to be more inclusive and there’s a great big drive for diversity, for the most part, games in the AAA retail space are made to satisfy typical target markets – and this isn’t likely to change. The gaming industry is based on market demands and there will always be a demand for good-looking characters in video games for the same reason that the vast majority of Hollywood celebrities are the beautiful people.
[Disclosure]
By all accounts I’m probably a liberal. I don’t label myself, but I vehemently believe that people should never be discriminated against because of their colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or religious beliefs. I dislike all religions equally. That said, I don’t believe that the less than 1% of people who don’t align with a specific identity should force the rest of the planet to change to accommodate them. Life is tough. Yes, it may be tougher if you’re marginalised, but that doesn’t mean the world needs to bend to your will.
Feel free to rationally (or irrationally) object in the comments below. Don’t panic, we do not remove any comments unless they are overly abusive or bordering on hate speech; sometimes your words cause our spam filter to kick into action. Just breathe, we will release them shortly.
Last Updated: February 12, 2015
Matthew Holliday
February 12, 2015 at 12:11
developers doesnt need afraid about meeting expectations.
maek gaem, gief DLC and microtransactions
holla holla get dollah
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:11
Don’t*
You illiterate misogynistic gamergate pig !
#SarcasmFont
#Trollol
Matthew Holliday
February 13, 2015 at 09:59
watch your back.
the comic sans knows where you live.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 13, 2015 at 10:13
*GASP*
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
February 12, 2015 at 12:12
GamerGate very quickly turned into nothing more than a movement to get women out of the gaming industry altogether, because they were ruining gaming with their womeness and stuff. It acheived nothing apart from reminding the world that a lot of gamers fit the stereotype of not knowing, and completely misunderstanding women, as if they’re a lesser sub-species or something.
Maybe they can try again one day with an #ReviewEthicsGate or something, and focus on the issue at hand in stead.
Her Highness the Hipster
February 12, 2015 at 12:21
mmmmmm, womeness. 🙂
Tom Krager
February 12, 2015 at 12:30
“GamerGate very quickly turned into nothing more than a movement to get women out of the gaming industry altogether”
can you provide me with a citation that establishes this as a mainstream opinion in the movement? Because I have literally seen ZERO ppl come out against the idea of women in gaming . . . The movement has never had anythingto do with keeping women out of videogames .. . way to strawman a movement.
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
February 12, 2015 at 12:35
“The movement has never had anything to do with keeping women out of videogames”
Um, except the ones that are publically involved in the industry, and were told horrific things and threatened so severely that they had to move?
Tom Krager
February 12, 2015 at 12:39
Oh so that means feminism is a hate movement and is all about forcibly castrating men … Because there are a few feminists that say extreme things on twitter so . . . you know the entire movement must mean what those few say right?
I mean seriously .. . sense when does a vocal minority on &*%^ twitter determine the views of millions of other people?
btw, I asked you for a citation for a reason . . . if you cant actually give me an example of mainstream opinions on gamergate supporting what you say, then you really are just using a few assholes as a generalization for EVERYONE!
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
February 12, 2015 at 13:10
Yoh.
Kikmi
February 12, 2015 at 15:30
^ This guy ladies and gentleman, has what we call in the industry an “AGENDA”. Move along swiftly.
Gavin Mannion
February 12, 2015 at 12:41
Just a side note.. There are plenty women in the industry who aren’t attacked permanently.. Just because someone make a business out of being attacked doesn’t mean all are attacked
Shogun1x
February 12, 2015 at 18:33
Yeah, no. There’s no one that I’ve seen who’s actual goal is forcing women out of the industry. That’s just a strawman argument the media built up to demonize hardcore gamers.
David
February 12, 2015 at 12:15
We seem to feel the exact same way except for one point – I don’t think GamerGate has lost. The vast majority are more savvy than we give them credit for – GamerGate may be perceived to be a small fraction of vocal gamers, but just because most gamers aren’t involved, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t agree with agenda pushing and bias having no place in gaming.
I actually believe GamerGate has won – it doesn’t have ‘public’ support and it has been painted in an incredibly negative light, but discussions are happening and rationale will win out in the end because emotions subside. Many sites now disclose financial ties (if any) to the games they review. It’s not perfect, but it’s not lost.
It’s not won yet either. There is no win. I just wish people were more tolerant. Don’t like a game? Don’t play it, let it exist. Don’t like social justice, so what – let them speak.
Oh, and GamerGhazi is full of literally crazy people.
Tom Krager
February 12, 2015 at 12:31
I will let anyone speak . . . until they actually start effecting my life. Which is what social justice warriors are trying to do .. .
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:32
*affecting.
Ok I’m going to get some coffee now. >_<
Tom Krager
February 12, 2015 at 12:34
personally the two words should be merged into one word . . . I always found it really moronic to change one letter based on usage.
Livnthedream
February 12, 2015 at 12:58
Especially since some auto correct software changes it to “effecting” even if you type it with an a.
Vulcha
February 12, 2015 at 13:16
The problem is that “effecting” is actually a word and means “executing” or “completing”… in the sense of making a particular event happen.
Gideon Venter
February 12, 2015 at 17:32
Really? But what if you intended the other meaning in a place where both meanings could be relevant?
Should cow and cop be the same word too?
Folly and fully?
Tearful and fearful?
Perhaps the solution is just to learn the language properly.
Gideon Venter
February 12, 2015 at 17:36
“Could I have another bear over here please?”
“Oh good lord it’s mauling me! I meant beer! Help I’m lying! I mean dying! There’s blond everywhere. Blood! I meant blood!”
Tom Krager
February 13, 2015 at 03:10
obviously not because they have vastly different meanings and they sound so much different already. Plus, I don’t know too many ppl that confuse cow and cop . . . at the same time almost everyone I know confuses affect with effect.
Gideon Venter
February 13, 2015 at 10:21
So only words that confuse people? Knew a girl that continually confused wary and weary… it was worrisome. Shall we change that too then?
Nah mate, you don’t cater to the lowest denominator. That way Madness lies.
Tom Krager
February 13, 2015 at 12:04
I don’t know man . . . I think we can streamline a lot of our language and it would be all for the better. Take the word “You” for instance. A lot of people have taken to simply writing “u”. Personally I kind of dig it. Makes more sense that way to me.
Gideon Venter
February 13, 2015 at 12:23
… Seeing that makes me cry. See, ‘U’ already has a meaning, it is an alphabet character. It shouldn’t be usurped for laziness’ sake.
Why do people insist on being worse? What a disturbing trend.
Tom Krager
February 13, 2015 at 12:25
I think it’s more efficient personally. You may see it as a degradation of language, I see it as an evolution.
Gideon Venter
February 13, 2015 at 12:36
You’re not involved with any sort of field that requires clear communication, are you?
Tom Krager
February 13, 2015 at 13:29
nope, but I do use the internet and I never have a hard time.
Gideon Venter
February 13, 2015 at 15:30
People have been giving you a hard time now XD
That’s what this entire conversation is about. All in good jest, of course ;P
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:37
Good cause I feel my dyslexia coming on. 😛
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:37
*because.
“Cause” is something completely different. ARGH!
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:38
dog dammit
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 12:57
Horses for causes?
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:57
Mayhaps, but what if we use ’cause?
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:02
When writing “because”, you have to write it in full. There is no written abbreviation, even though when we speak we often say ’cause.
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:03
It would make a better addition then what has been accepted recently.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:04
*than
I agree though.
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:07
I also wanted to make it “edition” but that would have been too much, even for me.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:20
he could have at least included a ‘ to indicate a shortening… ’cause that’s what it’s for.
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:21
…bad move…
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:30
Lol I see so
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:23
Read below.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:31
ahahahahahahahaha cool. I laugh ’cause it’s funny
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:32
I thought you refrain from saying BECAUSE, because of the fact that BECAUSE contains your lovely number of letters, mos because mos mos
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:40
MOS MOS!!!
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:40
Don’t make me pull out my secret weapon Tosh!
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:40
[wonders what this weapon is]
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:42
Not what you think lol… Dont make me do it
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:43
DO IT!
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:44
CANNNOT RESIST, MUST NOT HIT POST… Willpower not workingggg……. Shit it’s done…
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:47
I find the use of 4 “g”s in “working” worse than an obvious troll. 🙂
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:48
I could have made it 7 gs, but I’m a sensitive Troll 😉
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:48
XD
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:49
I’m not Llew, you know that right? O_o
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:50
Yeah I know, just Trolling him as well… He hasn’t gotten a lot of love lately….
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 12:49
Wait until he notices the lack of an apostrophe in your name. Oh… oops.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:49
Oh for fuck sakes.
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 12:50
bwhahahahahahaha
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:50
XDXDXDXDXDXD
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:50
Hahahaha Well played
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:52
I laughed waaaay to hard at that, and I’m supposed to be paying attention in class
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 12:52
Isn’t it for Fuck’s Sake?
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:53
Well, can be interpreted both ways
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:53
Who is Fuck? And why is his/her surname Sake?
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:53
Mmmm SAKE!
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 12:53
Well, fuck is anyone and everyone. The expression comes from using someone’s name, doesn’t it?
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
(Distraction Tactics Engage)
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
LOL
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
Maybe it’s an unfortunately named Japanese person & they’re talking about his alcoholic beverage. O_o
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
LACIST
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:53
NOOOO SPATHI, too late
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 12:54
Two late…
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:54
There their they’re, it will be allraaaight mos
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
BOOOOOOOM!
RinceThis
February 12, 2015 at 12:56
BWAHAHAHAH!
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:57
I think we should do a community challenge again. The challenge is to make a deliberate spelling/grammar mistake, and try to get away with it!
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:58
Seconded
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 13:02
…
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:13
Eyes bleeding… Need triage
TARGA7W
February 12, 2015 at 20:17
No objection to them talking, except when they’re talking and lets be candid succeeding in having stuff banned, maligning indiscriminately, pushing hard for changes in the law, theres a UK general election coming some of the “promises” on show are literally insane. Egalitarianism yes thank you and please, totalitarian censorial fanatics, off fuck I’d rather die.
Im a long time gamer, Ive played with 100s of “minorities” and since #GamerGate started that’s a false distinction these asshats are forcing into the dialogue because like the vast majority of gamers I don’t care about you the person, I care if you can if your a healer, tank if your a tank or basically fulfil the role of your character in game. Most ppl Ive played with I have no idea at all of there rl identity and I likewise don’t care, those Ive know have been a wide mix of genders, religions and localities. Gaming is by far the most inclusive hobby going, we’ll raid with anyone regardless, lets see mixed gender teams in football for example, I know that’s heresay, but if GG goes down these vultures will sweep through anything they want and what is everyone gonna do then. The idea that this is about games is absurd, the mainstream media are up to there eyes in it as is the political system. Some may nay say that as tinfoil hat territory, they have that luxury, but the woodpile is rotten, its not a game. Id # it up but it seems kinda redundant.
Good article, overall fair Id say, I hope your conclusion is wrong, but I don’t dispute it looks bad, but Gamers grind its what we do, we can wait out the lies, keep telling the truth and pointing there will come a time when we win or we be suppressed and we wont go quietly, but I hope non violently. If that is allowed to happen any sympathy I have left for humanity will have been spent.
Anyway, right or wrong I thank you for your presentation, you appear to be acting ethically, certainly your up front concerning your bias and your writing show you have made allowances for it. GamerGate wants nothing more or less. I personally want more, but its not my call as leader of gamergate to demand anything of my fellow leaders.
Good Show
David
February 13, 2015 at 08:42
I hear you: the whole ‘we don’t want to take your games’ coupled with exerting public pressure to have games banned and/or removed from Steam is pure bullshit. My point about letting them speak is that if we have reactionaries, then the narrative of “hardcore” or “oldschool gamers” trying to keep women and/or minorities from speaking on gaming is so much easier to spin.
However, if we just ignore them, the possibility of their points falling on their own merits for being, frankly, idealistic not realistic is more real. Instead fighting it allows them to create a strawman of ‘oppression’ – when you’re oppressed, what you say isn’t as important as being allowed to say it.
PS: As the real leader of GamerGate, I will continue to praise vidya as my deity. Meow.
TARGA7W
February 17, 2015 at 21:16
They can spin anything, they don’t believe I objectivity or truth. As the real leader of GamerGate also, I’ll praise vidya and continue sealioning in public, so there lies and refutations become more public. The more they lie in common view, the more people will look at what is being lied about. In that investigation is there defeat, the truth will out.
RinceThis
February 12, 2015 at 12:16
Nice one Gavin. Sadly the few rotten tomatoes out there that ARE misogynistic pricks ruined a perfectly good argument. Welcome to the internet. Which pill do you want? I’ll have BOTH…
Thales Oak Carvalho
February 12, 2015 at 12:17
In sum:
>Gamergate has lost
>Because everybody now answers gamergate-like complaints with an “argumentum ad hominem”.
Please… It is not that gamergate has lost, it is anti-gamergaters are still (sorry for the word) dumb enough to answer the complaints against ideological articles. It only shows that they don’t have arguments and that they are the spin doctors of the story.
Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)
February 12, 2015 at 12:19
Fun fact: A gamergate is actually an Ant
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamergate
oVg
February 12, 2015 at 12:34
A feminist ant 😉
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 13:07
…
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:20
“inviting the soft influencers to cover their brands when they can’t even spell the brand properly” ROFL
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
February 12, 2015 at 12:20
How do I upvote the article!?
FFS get your act together LG.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:21
HEY! YOU’RE A GAMERGATER! SHUT UP!!! *&^*(UNDFLSIVJ#)R(*#&)RY#
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:21
Gamergater sounds like a crocodile playing games
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:22
Only if you’re American…
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
February 12, 2015 at 12:22
You mean alligator. 😛
Gavin Mannion
February 12, 2015 at 12:31
It’s called a Facebook share or twiter share 🙂
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:32
*Twitter.
I’m sorry. I can’t stop it.
Gavin Mannion
February 12, 2015 at 12:33
I prefer twiter, it’s more European
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:37
twatter, British 😛
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:38
THIS IS SOUF EFRIKA DEMMIT
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:38
*Twitrrrr
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 13:09
The E is for Eskom
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
February 12, 2015 at 12:39
;D
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 14:08
and when you do both you have done a Fatter share?
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:24
Screw it, gonna find me a small island, plant crops and only play offline games.
Backlog should keep me busy for around 50 years.
CAE9872
February 12, 2015 at 14:01
Got space for one more?
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 14:06
No ‘oomans allowed.
Was thinking Adams island would work. Small population.
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 12:25
I am just going to put this here. YOU (Lazygamer) is part of the problem. Where were your articles in support and try to clear the water from the mud when this all started? Where was your research in exposing the media and the extreme censorship agenda by the SJW? Now you wave the white flag.
Its sickening. I have tried to stay away from LG this year after Zoe flippant remarks on who are misogynists and Alexandros disinterest in research. And more uncritical posts of Anita that could be copy paste from her PR firm.
Clean your own house.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:26
*were
*RUNS
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 12:26
fixed
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:28
My Nazi has been calmed, thank you 🙂
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
February 12, 2015 at 12:29
Nope, still there.
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:26
Poking the lion? 😛
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:29
You know me, I have to correct spelling and grammar. Regardless. I will brave anything to do so. 😛
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:46
I think “your” just compensating for some childhood thing.
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:49
I think as punishment he had to correct spelling mistakes from the ANC speeches
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 12:50
That would do it.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:51
First I’d need to lose about 100 IQ points in order to understand it.
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:52
So your IQ is 101?
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:54
Thereabouts.
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:55
XD
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:00
They don’t rate IQ in the negative though….
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 13:20
For some reason I read that as “Porking the lion?”
Maybe I should go get some coffee
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:20
Dude… I did too 0_o
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:21
I know 7 very good head doctors, mayhaps you should see them.
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 13:23
Just for you
*refresh
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
February 12, 2015 at 12:41
So much more than just a *were wrong with that comment o_O
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:41
Well, it’s his opinion. I don’t have the right to correct it. Spelling and grammar on the other hand?
RinceThis
February 12, 2015 at 12:42
You need to get this OCD spelling/grammar thing under control before it’s too late!
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:42
INTERVENTION!
(and by that, I mean ritualistic beating with a knuppel)
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:43
I’m actually totally OCD about a few things. I don’t want to change it though, I’m ok with being OCD.
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 12:47
I have CDO, it is like OCD, but just in alphabetical order, like it’s supposed to be!
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 12:48
That might just be one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:48
Love it!
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:49
BWAHAHAHAHA
Hammersteyn
February 12, 2015 at 12:56
rofl
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 12:43
You do have the right to challenge it. 🙂
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 12:43
Yes, but not to correct it. 🙂
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 13:51
That’s what you get if you read minute one comments. Wait for the minute five patch.
Don’t support DRM.
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 13:49
Aded moar fixz. H0p3 you am happie.
CAE9872
February 12, 2015 at 14:03
*chases Tosh down and beats him with his own words*
Grammar police!
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 14:11
Read the whole comments section yet? 😛
CAE9872
February 12, 2015 at 15:07
Pretty much – and a lot of Tosh corrections comments.
Gavin Mannion
February 12, 2015 at 12:32
I’m not waving the white flag, I was never part of this as you said so yourself..
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 13:37
Sorry Gavin, the big media are acting as constrictors. So we turn elsewhere to find things like this:
http://www.lazygamer.net/general-news/dragon-age-gender-stats-skewed/
There are so many things wrong with the above article, but at least don’t call us misogynists for not playing female characters.
I know I have an unpopular opinion if Hammer does not upvote me, but I don’t care 😉 . I love you guys and wish you the best. But I am not a misogynist nor a masochist. You should be our protectors, defend our interests as gamers, and not perpetuate stereotypes we have had to deal with as a community for decades.
Brady miaau
February 12, 2015 at 14:22
Yes, yes and yes. On all points.
BUT, is it important? I agree with you Zoe did not present her article in a clever way. I think it was meant to be tongue in cheek and the boat was missed. So what?
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 15:51
No problem I welcome people challenging my point of view, its a discussion and I am willing to change my view.
On the use of misogyny I can never know what was going on in Zoe’s head as to her intentions. I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt as she used other terms in a way that made no sense too. It was so poor in all other areas I would not even know where to start to address all that was wrong in that small piece. So I just shake my head. And I don’t have to subject myself to such nonsense so its arguably not important.
It could have been a real interesting article though if she were to compare it to say the actual gamer demographics and the Mass Effect 3 stats which showed 82% played as male shep. I have a suspicion that the stats show exactly the opposite of what she is trying to tell us.
But anyway…
Tom Krager
February 12, 2015 at 12:36
I honestly don’t give a damn . . . as long as feminists and sjw’s just leave my god damn hobbies alone! I don’t %$^ with your stupid romance novels don’t &%$ with my video games.
oVg
February 12, 2015 at 12:38
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/jgff.gif
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 12:38
Personally don’t care. I play games and I am happy with that.
Although I do find one particular SJW on Twitter rather annoying…..moo. Wish people would stop retweeting his crap and making it appear in my time line.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:16
who? Just in case I am doing it? I doubt it though …..
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:24
Sometimes you, sometimes Rince, sometimes Gavin although Gavin’s been blocked recently by him 😛 He has a particular brand of stupidity, two-faced comments and agenda’s.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:27
AHA! I know who you are referring to.
Sometimes the guy has legit stuff to say. Those things I will RT. Positive reinforcement 😛
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:28
Come on, this is BS! I have no idea who you are speaking about and I want to see who this special kind of stupid is!!
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:30
Wouldn’t say stupid at all. Just opinionated. As we all are really
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:31
Ah okay…
Well, I’m still intrigued. Does the guy comment at LG as well?
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:31
Rarely. Dude… Do I have you on Tweeeeeeeter?
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:35
Nope, I don’t have an account. I’m kinda allergic to social media! I get worked up easily from ignorant statements and general stupidity, so I try to stay away from it all 🙂
I’ve considered using Twitter and just choosing who I follow extremely carefully though…
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:38
lol. Careful of Twitter if you get worked up quickly
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:39
Yeah, I’m more scared of what I’ll reply as to what other people are saying. At least Disqus has an edit option and people can’t immediately share my moment of idiocy.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:41
Lol. You’d be surprised. I’m sure @hammersteyn:disqus, who upvotes within seconds on ANY comment has screenshots of them all too at the moment of release
Spathi
February 12, 2015 at 13:52
I found the culprit, and it was the guy I was actually thinking about. He has some great writing skills, but he is extremely pretensions and populist, even when populist means not saying the “popular” thing. If you understand what I mean.
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:55
I consider some of his statements as more ridiculous than anything. And yes, extremely pretentious.
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:53
I see ignorant statements too regularly and I have to often try not reply. I try keep my twitter as neutral as possible.
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:56
JUST DON’T BREAK IT!
#BlatantCommentHijack
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:58
Lol, Wish I could some days
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:51
We are all opinionated which I am fine with but when you tweet something, get called out and then next tweet you do a 360 or try back track…..then I shack my head and say idiot. His done it a few times now and yes I disagree a lot with the crap he peddles.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:55
I personally don’t follow either. Makes my Twitter feed FAAAAAR to busy so to speak
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:48
Sometimes on the very rare blue moon occasion……I prefer to not see any of it and that’s why I don’t follow him. His too self righteous and the carrot is almost sticking out his nose by now
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 12:42
*sigh*
*goes back to shooting Terrans and Vanu on Auraxis
Goal9
February 12, 2015 at 12:42
As a “gaymer” I found how the whole gamergate episode played out very disappointing. There are some serious ethical follies when it comes to videogame journalism which will now never be addressed. I didnt care about diversity or being the “target market”. I sure as hell didnt like being the shield for these people who deserved criticism from gamers.
What bugs me now is that you cant argue with these people without being called a gamergater. Even worse all these social justice workers are going on an outright witch hunt for anybody who doesnt support their special snowflake agenda.
Diversity is cool. Journalistic integrity is cool. However more importantly let’s all just enjoy videogames.
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 12:43
Fuck it & its assault on my brain cells.
HvR
February 12, 2015 at 12:52
One thing GamerGate taught me be glad you do not have a Twitter account.
Ghost In The Rift
February 12, 2015 at 13:03
I second that!!!
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:17
I have that same reaction every time there is a massive soccer game of some sort. Just pages and pages of who the latest acquisition was that is now so bad…. Ugh
Jonah Cash
February 12, 2015 at 13:31
You on twitter? I would love to give you updates on Liverpool when they play 🙂
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:36
Why yes he is! I’d be so happy if you can keep Llew updated!
Jonah Cash
February 12, 2015 at 15:23
Oh I do, him and Nick just loves the score updates!! Oh and Umar is also a huge fan of sport updates!!
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:36
Yes and you are one of the culprits.
I’m @Raptor2022
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:38
No you are not, you are Bravo7!
Jonah Cash
February 12, 2015 at 15:22
I know you are on… Just trolling you a bit!! I will give you and Nick a shout out next time the Cheetahs or Liverpool play!! They both me scream and shout in twitter!!
L337J1MB0B
February 12, 2015 at 13:01
Is gamergate still a thing?
L337J1MB0B
February 12, 2015 at 13:03
The only gate in gaming that has any relevance is Baldur’s Gate.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:10
You want to know why gamergate failed? They had no real direction and they allowed people to spew hate in the name of gamergate. People went and alligned themselves with it and then proceeded to harass and intimidate.
That is where it failed. Because of vile attitudes from others who wanted the world to bend to their will (as you pointed out in the disclosure)
If there had been a singular means of portraying the view against dity journalists etc this would have gone very, very differently. But instead GamerGate became too many things at once and had no leading figurehead/weebsite etc.
Imagine there was an official gamergate website that had set standards of no harrassment etc and to report on things that they believed where wrong but did it in a civil manner? How would the media have then labled them as poisonous? They wouldn’t have been able to. But alas, no one took that bull by the horns so to speak and it turned in to a cesspool of hate and death threats that ultimately has made it what it is seen as now.
Thanks to them, the moment I say that representation in a game shouldn’t matter as long as it’s all valid to the story I get labeled as a male pig who thinks woman should be in the kitchen making me sammiches.
*sigh*
Maybe it’s not too late? Maybe someone will create a website with forum rules and specific standards on reporting unethical behaviour with facts etc. It could be called GamerSaga. Or GamerDLC. Or whatever.
Ok, now I’m just blabbing. I should stop… I’m hungry… Who’s up for a sammich?
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:11
*Sigh* excluded, that’s 7 content paragraphs.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:11
#glares
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 13:13
bwahahaha
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:14
‘snot funny
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 13:27
Sorry bud. Just had to
*refresh
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 14:09
yoooooooh
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 14:39
I did apologise in advance
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 15:17
#glares
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 15:57
Ok fine here you go then
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 18:02
oh come on!
Sgt. M
February 12, 2015 at 18:37
Okay that was so uncalled for. I really really really really really really really apologise 😀
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 13, 2015 at 08:59
Lol. All good 🙂
Sgt. M
February 13, 2015 at 09:31
it was the fact that I used 7 really’s right?
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 13, 2015 at 09:38
#glares
Sgt. M
February 13, 2015 at 09:47
LOOOOOOOL
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:15
If it were earlier I’d read this.
Also, just had Dominoe’s so I’m good
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:16
Did they cut it in 7 slices?
Lord Chaos
February 12, 2015 at 13:17
No, but my boss took one, so technically I only had 7 slices.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:18
I missed out on Pizza too? *Cries*
Thats_how_I_Troll
February 12, 2015 at 16:27
You even missed The mumbo #7
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 18:02
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Tosh "Did he just say that?"
February 12, 2015 at 13:22
Works for me.
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:16
tl;dr
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:19
Ah. Was starting to worry you’d never show
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:30
I’m taking time out of my busy schedule just to troll you 😛
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:31
aaaw. Thanks man!
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:36
My pleasure dude
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 13:49
That’s right. They could still do it too, if they wanted to – but not with that name. It’s tainted.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 12, 2015 at 13:54
Ok fine! You’ve convinced me. TrevorGate it is
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 12, 2015 at 13:57
…
Lardus-Resident Perve
February 12, 2015 at 13:32
“Yes, it may be tougher if you’re marginalised, but that doesn’t mean the world needs to bend to your will” – this is one of the things wrong with this world. People trying to force others to believe/behave as they do…this was a good read, thanks.
Nikola
February 12, 2015 at 13:42
In all honestly this is the first time I heard of “gamer gate” aaaand literally have no idea what everyone is talking about you all seem very angry though:( Main reason probably I have no clue what it is, because I do not get into politics and arguing on the internet over gaming I just LOVE playing games:)
Admiral Chief
February 12, 2015 at 13:50
Same here man, people always have some sort of hate against other people. I just want to shoot things 😛
Nikola
February 12, 2015 at 14:33
Hahaha exactly just want to enjoy my games:) No need to hate
Guild
February 12, 2015 at 13:57
Budd, where you been? You not on Whatsapp anymore?
Nikola
February 12, 2015 at 14:32
Sooo busy with work and stuff having been gaming lately but back into the mix of things finally work has calm down finally. My phone broke waiting for insurance to get me a new one I have a temporary number I am using I will drop you a message on PSN with the number to re add me to the group:)
deeerpie
February 12, 2015 at 13:59
I don’t get how you think We lost, the fight is still going and if anything we’re winning, more and more people join the cause each day and most gamers don’t even know this is happening, every time mainstream media tries to misportray us, gamers try to figure it out and find out what actually is happening and they don’t like it.
Gawker is running on adsense only now, intel has no more commercials on gamasutra, we’re on a roll and we’re not stopping.
Gavin Mannion
February 12, 2015 at 15:23
intel went back to Gamasutra actually..
The mainstream is now staying away from Gamergate and tv shows are mocking it…
While the original point may have been valid, you lost
deeerpie
February 12, 2015 at 15:37
they went back in 2014, they are nowhere to be seen in february.
That tv show usually gets it’s inspiration from headlines, this was no different, everytime mainstream media portrays us negatively it serves as a recruitment process for other gamers to figure out what the hell is going on, increasing our numbers.
Your points as to why “we lost” is vague, speculation and has no actual data to back up your point, while I may understand your point it’s not true, wanna talk mainstream? Look at abcs (s)hitpiece on yt
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 16:07
You make a good point. Which is why Take 2 laughed at the SJW censorship movement. They know where the money is and its not with the bleeding heart special snowflakes.
deeerpie
February 12, 2015 at 16:18
OOOHHHH time to get all their games then, any company that supports it’s users has my money!
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 16:31
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10900079_835697536497087_7635781498671331833_o.png
deeerpie
February 12, 2015 at 15:37
they went back in 2014, they are nowhere to be seen in february.
That tv show usually gets it’s inspiration from headlines, this was no different, everytime mainstream media portrays us negatively it serves as a recruitment process for other gamers to figure out what the hell is going on, increasing our numbers.
Your points as to why “we lost” is vague, speculation and has no actual data to back up your point, while I may understand your point it’s not true, wanna talk mainstream? Look at abcs (s)hitpiece on yt
Brady miaau
February 12, 2015 at 15:25
Just interested, can you please define “we”?
Again,not trolling, I want to understand
deeerpie
February 12, 2015 at 15:37
GamerGate :), still going strong, our numbers increase all the time
Jon Snow
February 12, 2015 at 14:13
They managed to dominate this discussion so well that you now cannot question the ethics of a gaming journalist without instantly – and incorrectly – being labelled a misogynist who has no other desire than to spew bile at women, non-whites, homosexuals and anyone who isn’t cis-gendered. They’ve done it so well that it’s now close on being an insult if you’re even attracted to the opposite sex.
He doesn’t seem to realize that’s why we’re getting stronger and still growing to this day. Those accusations hold no water when used with any amount of critical thinking.
In the end the GamerGate movement has completely lost. Its questioning of ethics in games journalism – if that was its original intent – has become muddied to the point where it no longer exists, and it will be years before the problem of abusive fantastical liberalism can be touched on again in gaming without being instantly labelled.
I don’t care about labels, if they want to write accusations off by claiming that’s somehow misogynistic let them. It dulls the knife edge of those claims, and it certainly will wear on people. Just look at when Wu claimed that people mocking her hilarious attempts at code were somehow bullying and sexist. You can only use that accusation so many times before people become impervious to it.
Gamergaters may still believe there’s good news, though: while many developers have pledged to be more inclusive and there’s a great big drive for diversity, for the most part, games in the AAA retail space are made to satisfy typical target markets – and this isn’t likely to change.
While true it won’t stop those people with an agenda to petition companies to include something that’s completely unnecessary to kiss the ring of diversity. There’s a reason they don’t create their own games and support the developers they want more, because they want to cash in on the built in audiences a lot of AAA games have. If gta6 was completely diverse and politically correct and ended up selling a lot it will be touted as a ‘victory’ of some sort for how many copies it sold, completely regardless of it is sold as many or less than the previous iteration. It will have sold well because grand theft auto. The agenda is so blatant and obvious it’s hilarious people fall for that shit. Least it’s better than being accused of a thought crime, no?
Rags
February 12, 2015 at 15:56
Agree that we should not be scared of labels. Heck as if we are not being labeled as some degenerate you are probably not a real gamer 😛
https://twitter.com/AncientReality/status/552249217461534720
Brady miaau
February 12, 2015 at 14:27
What about LG promoting love? Is this some sort of hippy fest?
And what is EVLOVE anyway? Sort of new fangled love? EV, Extra Vocal Love? Extra Voracious Love? Extra Viscous Love (My kind?)? Virtual Love. That is the ticket, right?
Who knows?
My point is we can, if we choose to, argue and stand behind a point that does not make universal sense and then we start labelling and name calling based on OUR perspective of reality.
A little more view of the other persons perspective would do a lot of internet peoples good. I see the whole GamerGate as an extreme version of “my perspective only” thought.
Dutch Matrix
February 12, 2015 at 14:54
Wasn’t Gamergate started by a dev that porked a journalist to “Score” a great review?
Instead of just saying “Hell that aint cool people” and moving on, it has now de-generated into something where I am now told by certain “Journalists/Opinion Piece Writers” that I, being a straight white male, is now also a part of the problem, if not THE problem?
Or do I have it backwards?
Nah. Fuckit-all.
Is there someone on these forums that can help a clueless Dutchman with some info regarding PC upgrades?
Brady miaau
February 12, 2015 at 15:23
Are adverts allowed? I know many people rely on online service evetech.
J_Joestar
February 12, 2015 at 19:10
I recall is started like that but i also recall hearing it turned out to be a bad break up’s revenge ploy (have no idea if it was true or not).
It just seems like a lot of the problems stemmed from the fact that for every 9 gamers who could calmly go “that ain’t right”, there is 1 exceedingly vocal one that went “OMG *insert sexist insults and rape/death threats*” that pretty much drowned out almost all of the other 9 and drew in more SJWs to the scene and it just escalated from there.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
February 12, 2015 at 19:18
No. DEpression Quest’s Zoe Quinn and Kotaku’s Nathan Grayson were in a relationship – but he never actually reviewed or rated her game. He did, off-handedly write about it once, well before their relationship had started though.
The whole thing spiraled out of control.
Dutch Matrix
February 13, 2015 at 08:36
So… what you are saying is: If we lived in a world where people had a certain level of maturity, none of this would have happened?
Kikmi
February 12, 2015 at 15:37
There were merits on both ends of the stick. Unfortunately at the end of that stick was a rock, that rock was prod and pressed and hit against the opposing force until all the trauma dilapidated the entire debacle into an incomprehensible mess of emotions and pain. Vulnerabilities were exposed and a lot of people realised just how big a disparity of equality there actually is. No not everybody, but for the most part, the level headed compassionate ones did.
The issue we sit with now is where to move on. I vote just sit back and play goddamn games. Dont be an antagonistic brat on the other end of the mic. Just because you see a gamer tag that doesnt appeal to you, don’t bother assuming, sit the fuck back and play the game. If you keen to fight go join a debate club or biker gang. Its been a real shitty time as of late, for example having almost 0% of AAA games release with out day one bugs and crashes. These are the things we should be upset about. Not because a girl or a gay dude or pink fucking elephant kicked your ass.
We’re better than this.
Bianca
February 12, 2015 at 15:56
I stopped caring about the whole GamerGate situation the moment it became a bunch of people yelling about different things. If it stayed at one problem, then it would’ve had a much bigger impact, but because it later became a screaming match between not only gamers and journalists but gamers vs gamers, it lost it’s seriousness to me.
I don’t know if you’ve watched The Newsroom, but in one of the seasons there was an organisation protesting for one goal (I believe it was called Occupy Wall Street). After a while, this leaderless group started protesting against everything else wrong with the country. The moment they became bleating sheep, no one took them seriously.
That’s what happened.
Jivesh Hanoomaun
February 12, 2015 at 17:45
If Dev wants to make games a certain way then it’s their Kami-sama damn right to do so. Nobody can or should stop people from making the games they want and it certainly shouldn’t be censored in any way. If you play GTA or MGS games and all you take out of it is that women are sex objects then you clearly aren’t mature enough for them.
miza
February 12, 2015 at 18:05
I have no idea what the point of this article is. It seems as disjointed as the entire idea of “Gamergate”. Are you mad about liberalism in games or game media? Does your statement towards the end there mean that the entire argument was about sexy game characters? “Can you believe that there are websites in this country which point blankly refuse to release traffic stats to advertisers or marketing companies and yet are still given advertising money and perks because they are ever only supportive of the products they cover?” – Is that a criticism of the websites or advertising agencies? What do you mean by traffic stats? What does this have to do with liberalism? Maybe your argument makes sense, but it needs some sort of context.
Maybe one of the problems with Gamergate – the major problem – is that it has never had a clear statement. Even for those wanting ethics in journalism, you can’t just go around shouting “There should be more ethics!” You’ve got to decide on what, exactly, you mean by that. Take one thing at a time or you’ll never get anything accomplished.
And for the record, I think we should first focus on having decent writers in journalism.
Darren Peach
February 13, 2015 at 07:26
I think the point of the article is ethics or lack thereof . The reason Gamergate became a thing is the apparent complicit nature of people who find themselves giving something, In this case a video game, a favorable endorsement for less than noble or ethical reasons. Hence, Websites get financial rewards under a assuption by the relevant agencies that a minimum amount of people will be exposed to their message or product. Not ethical but it is done. Then there is the corporate agenda which advocates values of their owners, Fox news for example. There is no objectivety in these sorts of organisations as they clearly represent a specific ideoligy and therefore are not much more than a vehicle for propoganda. As a free thinking society, are we given a true objective look at the world ? This problem creeping into game culture has serious financial ramifications for the consumer who is issentially being lied to so others can reap financial rewards at our expense . I can’t even begin to comprehend how foul it is for a Journalist to use these methods for self enrichment. It undermines the moral fabric of the human condition. I also need to make the observation that the youth of today are somewhat oblivious to morality and that is a reflection of the state of modern media in general.
Shogun1x
February 12, 2015 at 18:31
I’m not so sure that #GamerGate lost. Yes the entire media portrays them as misogynist sociopaths, but they are affecting change in the industry. All those updated ethics policies didn’t come from nowhere. These disclosures popping up on old articles, they didn’t just randomly decide it was worth mentioning. #GamerGate caused that.
Chicago_Gamer
February 12, 2015 at 19:50
#GamerGate is dead article #156548948918348
Travi the Batman
February 13, 2015 at 00:37
I transferred from escapistmagazine.com to here because all of that biased bullshit. I wanted to read news and editorial pieces WHEN I knew they were editorial pieces not disguised as news.
What I really do want to say is that that tombstone should say “Here lies freedom of thought and speech.”
Travi the Batman
February 13, 2015 at 00:43
Also, as a dev, I am utterly shocked to actually find out some indie devs whom I will not mention sold out their ideals on the first sign of attention towards their company. The plan was to get attention, then get a fanbase for a game, then ditch that thing they said about Sarkeesian being “da best” or something so they can be a “real” gaming company when they’re successful.
But as I live and breathe and work in this company (AAA dev in North America) will Anita Sarkeesian or any other dumbass motherfucker tell me to how to make my games. I want tits and dicks in my games, I don’t have to justify fucking anything. Especially con artists.
Man, I hope one day, I can witness one of her panels and ask “Thank you. My name is (insert name here) and I’m an aspiring con artist looking to cheat off about 300 000 dollars off of Kickstarter. Any ideas on how to make that happen?”
Darren Peach
February 13, 2015 at 05:42
@ Gavin. Nice article. I would argue or add to your point in saying that this is a far greater problem than what appears at face value. Conform or die sounds relevant. I take my own life experience into the thought process and through my own mistakes, I can see why folks with a valid gripe or issue with the original problem are so easily discredited. People feel passionate about their views and are bound to get upset and have a rant which opens the door for their points to be ridiculed and ignored because the focus becomes reactionary and loses all intellectual merrit. I can assure you that people who have a opposing view to you will find any way to undermine your credibility if it serves their agenda. This might sound pessimistic but I have experienced it and seen it many times. I also consider myself a liberal but I also freely admit that when folks have their own view which does not conform to mainstream values, They lose their voice and become marginalised . In my view, that is the ultimate contradiction to the idea of freedom we all hold so dearly.
eXpZA
February 13, 2015 at 09:41
This may be the best thing I’ve ever read from you Gavin. The outfall from GamerGate (and specifically the Anti-GamerGate crowd) is an incredibly toxic, abusive atmosphere. If you dare question anything, you’re labelled a sexist, racist, whatever – and you run the risk of being out-of-context quoted with stupidly biased rhetoric questions like “Do I offend you that much when I try stand up for the rights of women” or something along those lines.
A recent … blogger (journalist would be too nice) … tweeted the other day that Call of Duty was racist, and it should really be Call of Shoot Brown People or something, and that the industry needs to change this racist outlook. I started typing my reply, going through each call of duty and noting that, by vast majority, the enemies tended to be white males – but honestly just bailed on my reply because I could already see the “#NotAllBrownPeople” type dodge to being called out on sensationalist rather than factual comments scenario. With some of these SJWs, it’s frightening to see them blindly attack someone for disputing their statements with a straight play of the “sexist!” card.
I’ve been off Twitter for a month now due to all this, and it’s been amazing. I loaded up Wolfenstein : The New Order, played it, and loved it – it was fantastic to not have to deal with “Another White Male goes around being all macho and not in touch with his emotions” type stroppy comments. I’m all for telling stories from all walks of life, but SJWs are trying to shoehorn “justice” into everything.
Watch them demand that Halo 5 not have the Chief, but a Black Lesbian Woman in a Wheelchair be the star of the show.
SJWs are to Gaming as to what Jessie Jackson is to Human Rights. Fantastic message, outlooks on life and brilliant demands for social progression – but the worst possible ways to execute their agendas to the point where no one, other than themselves, could possibly take them seriously.
I love the idea of different stories being told through the gaming medium, I just wish it was a different group of people driving it. I’d love to get behind the message, but I wouldn’t be seen dead with the people currently trying to push it.
kokoriko
March 3, 2015 at 07:38
im tired of everyone being afraid to be labeled “misogynist”,is women the new jews or something? we must tell them sorry that we men loved them protected them and gave them their rigths? if Western girls dont make up their minds soon im leaving for Asia like every man that respects himself and does not want to behave like a slave to a baby queen that cries about everything being sexist.i want to see what women would tell if men created campaighs like “violence against men in movies”,”men are better at science”,”videogames are for men”, “stop slapping men we have feelings too” and last but not least “kill all women”(search “kill all men”).All the previous are much more true than all feminist campaighs together but lets face it:women are sexist they want to be treated like something Special. its not men’s fault that we behave to them, like to our male counterparts (i mean “harrassing” lololol).