Everyone can agree that 2016 has been a turbulent year. One of its most notable legacies will certainly be the divided world that it leaves behind. From Brexiters and anti-Brexiters, to the ANC versus the people of South Africa, to Trump against the world.
The year of 2016 has left people angry, frustrated and tired. Gaming is not exempt from this either. In terms of games themselves, it’s arguably been a good year. From Overwatch to Last Guardian to Watch Dogs 2, the year has been kind to gamers.
But once you look a little deeper, you see simmering beneath the great games, the same frustrations that the rest of the world is facing. The same divide that has left people disillusioned and disheartened.
The Great Divide
When you look past the games and at the actual conversations happening in gaming, it’s not hard to see the widening gap in the community. You sense an undercurrent of anger, resentment and misunderstanding. This widening gap leads to extreme rhetoric on both sides of an issue that serves to only widen the gap further, leading to a vicious cycle. Conversations become more polarised and it becomes a “them” versus “us” issue.
It’s reached a point where no one is really listening to one another anymore. This issue is by no means exclusive to gaming. You only need to look online, to comment threads on a friend’s Facebook post or on the latest trending hashtag on Twitter and see how little people listen to each other.
With technology and the internet, we have access to an almost unlimited forms of communication and yet it feels like we listen less today than we ever have. How did we get to this point, specifically in gaming.
How We Got Here
Well first, a lack of trust in media has played a large role. This goes all the way back to the birth of the Gamergate movement but it has persisted. While at times, this mistrust has been deserved, often times it hasn’t.
It’s okay not to agree with a writer. It’s not okay to drag them through the dirt for it. The battle that waged between media & GG was a brutal one that left everyone on the losing side. Writers were attacked over opinions, beliefs and perceived threats.
Unfortunately, some decided to fight back with vitriol thinly veiled as opinion pieces and that create a divide between media and its audience. Readers were ridiculed, insulted and smeared. It served to reinforce this culture that has always been present in gaming; That it’s okay to drag people over their words.
This led to another reason that explains why things are the way they are. An unwillingness to listen. People are too precious with their viewpoints, too stubborn with their beliefs, that they don’t take the time to truly listen. Everyone seems to wait until an opponent is done talking before digging into them and explaining why they’re wrong, without taking a second to take in what was said. In a culture where “on-demand” is everything, we seem to have lost the art of patience.
Being right has become more important than being understood. The force with which any side of an argument tries bring home their point leads to messages being lost in translation. People walk away with this sense of achievement because “we sure showed them” and they feel that they’ve done their job.
I find gaming media are particularly guilty of this point. You create content that brings across a message and you are patted on the back for it. You’re dismissive of the backlash because those commenters just didn’t get it. And you move on to the next piece.
If you have a message and you truly believe in it, surely you can’t be okay with people not getting it? Surely you should try harder next time to make people understand? Most of the time, negative comments comes from a misplaced sense of outrage but why is being right more important than being understood?
The growth of gaming has also exacerbated the situation. With more growth means more voices, more opinions and more cultures. This is not at all a bad thing, but growth comes with growing pains. Growth also brings with it change and for some, change is scary. That leads to resistance.
Resistance to change has played a large role in the great divide. It is a common theme when gender issues and racial issues are brought into gaming discussions. It always seems to cause a stir and create conflict.
Sentiments that games should be about games and that social issues have no place here are evidence that many are resistant to anychange. People want the “good ol’ days” but forget that the demographic of the community is changing. Change is necessary and perfectly natural – and how the medium willmove forward.
Another major factor that has led to the great divide is fatigue. People are tired of saying the same things over and over again. It leads to frustration and lashing out. It leads to heavy-handed comments. It leads to anger and resentment and people doubling down on their viewpoints.
People, are tired of explaining why diversity is an important issue in gaming. People are tired of explaining why depiction of women in gaming is a serious issue. People are tired of fighting for their right to be heard. And many people are tired of hearing it. It’s led to many walking away from the scene because it’s all just too much. Fighting to exist is exhausting.
Bridging The Gap
2017 has to be a better year. Despite everyone hoping that surviving 2016 will magically make 2017 a better year, that’s just not the case. It’s going to take work and it’s going to take learning from our past mistakes. We need more compassion in our conversations. We all need to listen more, whether you agree with what someone is saying or not. Just listen. The world is a loud enough place as is, it doesn’t need more shouting.
We also need to accept the hard truths. Sexism is real in gaming and men have to play a large role in changing that. Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that. Extreme rhetoric is a problem in media and we’ve played a role in that. Media have often chosen being right over being understood and that can’t continue.
Gaming has come a long way. So much has changed and largely for the better. But we still have a long way to go. 2016 has been a trash year, but let’s learn from it and do better. Let’s make 2017 a year of understanding, growth and just maybe the year I finally hit Diamond in Overwatch.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
Last Updated: January 4, 2017
Pariah ???
December 12, 2016 at 14:13
No.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/46fde176945422c97ec52042e795df35f9c5c595bddd33aeb6337ffca4e8da50.jpg
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:16
Well that was just plain dismissive.
Elilla Shadowheart
December 13, 2016 at 12:41
Perhaps just saying “when the media decides to turn around and go from non-partisan to attacking the audience which employs them” and the people say no. The author of the article has the Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect projecting so hard that an Imax theater would be impressed.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 14:58
Aye! Blood for the Blood god! Bones for the Bone Throne!
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
Milk for the Khorne Flakes!
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:06
Soy for the Vegan Emperor!
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:07
As long as its organic. Processed soy clogs the Golden Throne…..
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:12
Gosh yes, and it comes certified…. as GMO-free!
Organic, GMO-Free Soy for the Vegan Emperor!
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 15:15
But did they use sustainable farming methods & ethical labour sourcing?
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:19
The fiends…. :O That’s it we must all go on a hunger strike!!
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 15:59
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/80877b45ce83e03c7ca3450c2acdcf056e919dc95da184f9f62578d478aa9285.jpg
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:59
Muahahaha!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:16
2016 was NOT a shit year, ffs, ppl need to stop jumping on that wagon
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:18
Oh but all those celebs died, you know?
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:19
Celebs die each year. So far we have not lost a Kardashian. When that happens it will be a great year. 😛
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:19
^THIS^
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:20
I dunno man. Kim is not bad looking…
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:22
Maybe to aliens.
To any aliens who are reading these comments we are more than happy for you to abduct Kim and take her to your planet.
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:24
I must be an alien then. Facehugger.
MosesZD
December 12, 2016 at 20:59
If you like wax dummies…
Craig "CrAiGiSh" Dodd
December 12, 2016 at 14:25
I fear the Kanye speech the most when this happens …
“My wife .. was a beautiful hobbit …”
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:26
Hahahah South Park references always crack me up.
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 19:58
Yay for cheering the death of another human being. So. Much. Fun.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 21:23
Okay my bad for not using an emoji. That. Was. Sarcasm.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:19
Did that seriously impact you?
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:20
No no no! Sorry, should have put a smiley face.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:20
LOL ok, gotcha
😉
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:21
It’s been quite a crap year for me for very good reasons, but I’ll hop off the wagon because you asked so nicely.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:32
Yes, you had reasons. But people jump on the wagon since the wagon is there.
I know of quite a few people who had a really tough here, and it is because of those people that I get angry at the band-wagoners.
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 14:35
He didn’t say please.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:37
Please read below comment before you assume things, was actually responding in your favour
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 14:35
Not everyone had the exact same experiences in the last 12 months. Just remember that.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:36
Read my bottom comment to Trev
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 14:40
I replied to your statement. My statement stands.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:46
I’m pissed off about ppl jumping on the wagon while people like you had real issues.
Actually standing up for you, yet I’m getting this reaction?
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 14:49
I was just expressing disagreement with your initial statement, which last I checked is okay to do. Doesn’t mean I think you’re an ass. It just means that I had a different experience. Nothing personal.
Gavin Mannion
December 12, 2016 at 14:40
Brexit and Trump and Hlaudi and Zuma beg to disagree
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:42
Brexit and Trump had very little impact to us due to our own issues. As for our own issues last year and the year before that was just as bad.It just took different events.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:43
^This
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:44
Yep. This year was corruption and fees must fall.
Last year was corruption and pay back the money.
The year before was corruption and mining massacres.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:45
And then rape cases and arms deals and showering and and and…
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:46
Then again this year we had the DA gaining territory due to all the previous years of abuse by our current administration so maybe it will start to get better.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
Indeed
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:00
If you think Trump & Brexit won’t impact us, you don’t understand how globalisation works nor do you understand the importance of foreign policy in arguably the most influential country in the world.
There’s a saying that goes, when America sneezes, the world catches a cold.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 21:41
No I believe you don’t understand how unimportant America is to third world countries. Market values did not plummet nor rise nearly as much as you think when both those events happened due to our own financial issues.Brexit as an event was more impact full to EU region than us even though we did feel it a bit since we are relatively closely tied to the UK. Unless America invades us for “freedom” or unless they do something major like invade Russia we will not feel a major impact. Accusing the minister of Finance or corruption does waaayyyyyy more to South Africa than trump or Brexit ever did. Economy 101: Local events always show a greater impact Locally than globally. It is a game of distance and only news affecting our ability to successfully import/export to the US/UK during both Brexit (UK import laws are almost nearly identical to EU laws) and Trump Election (no change) would have severely impacted us. Don’t believe me? During apartheid there was a trade embargo on South Africa and it simultaneously boosted the local economy (import quality good sold locally) and crippled our global economy (literally only diamonds/gold/military vehicles were unaffected). I wrote a paper on the subject many moons ago and if I recall I did do fairly well in it.
TL;DR
You severely overestimate the effects of those events.
Oh and your Quote? It was plagiarized from “When France sneezes Europe catches a cold” and has already been disproven during the 2008 market crises.It did not impact China UK nor Russia at the time.America is not nearly as powerful as they believe
*drops mike
*walks out
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:45
Hlaudi is fucked as of today, so that is good news. As for Zuma, he stuffs up every year, last year was worse, yes Brexit, but like Kromas said, not our impact (yet)
Also, Zuma got hit harder this year than any other year, JHB and Pta elections swayed over.
So please tell me again how bad 2016 was?
Gavin Mannion
December 13, 2016 at 08:19
I’m English.. Brexit hits home very hard for me.
2016 was my dads year to get sued, end up in hospital with heart issues, friend of the family has a high chance of dying when she gives birth this week, family members unemployed and losing their homes… grandparents died.. for me personally 2016 has been a shit year
Added to that our economy nosediving thanks to Zuma getting away with everything, our families overseas money plummeting thanks to Brexit and the nationalism in America likely to remove a lot of our companies income it really hasn’t been good.
Screw the celebs who died, I couldn’t care less about them
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 13, 2016 at 11:09
See, now that I can understand, but I’ve seen a LOT of people saying 2016 was shit just because everyone is saying it
I know quite a few people who had lots of kak this year, and my heart goes out to them. But not to the other guys who are just saying it for the sake of saying it
Sageville
December 13, 2016 at 09:47
You think Hlaudi is out?
Maybe in a year or so, a few appeals and other legal stalling kak will see him still around for a while I imagine….
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 13, 2016 at 11:09
…watch this space!
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
And the normalisation of facism.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 16:03
If you want a party that embodies fascism to the core, it is the EFF.
The policy similarities between them and the Nazis is uncanny.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_Program
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:54
Hlaudi going to jail is good news for me
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:02
Brexit and Trump were awesome though. Cloudy and Jacob… not so much! Hopefully, Putin will annex Finland before year’s end.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
Cloudy with a chance of jailtime since today
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
Unless Cloudy has a get-out-of-jail free card, which at this time, I think comes standard for anyone associated with Big Jakes.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:05
I’m not so sure, I think those cards are no longer being accepted
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:07
I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
HairyEwok
December 12, 2016 at 15:53
Apparently Fidel death is also a huge deal.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:55
Poor Fidel… he will never get to see the invasion of starbucks, burger king and McDonalds into Havanna.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:01
2016 was a stellar year in gaming. Honestly, I think it topped 2011 in terms of game releases and awesomeness.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:17
I read everything carefully and the article is really good and for the most part I agree but your whole article is undercut severly to me by including a picture of the one single person in gaming I can not and will not take seriously because of her history with creating the devide with the unresearched bile she spews.
Maybe change that pic.
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:22
And the rhetoric that racism is a white man’s thing ONLY. I would love to know Glenn’s reasoning behind that thought.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:23
huh?
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:30
“Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that…” Why is that? Can a black man/woman (or man/woman from any colour that is not white) not call out an asshole when said asshole presents himself to the world? It’s called standing up for yourself.
Do that, other people might follow.
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:31
You’re mentaly inserting “only” where you see fit.
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:50
You stand in front of a locked door. What opens a locked door? One key and one key only. Why is it that whites are key to resolving the racism in this country?
I am currently watching the only white team leader hugging her entire team of black workers.
What more do the world want? She go down and give them all blowjobs? (Apologies for the crass reference. But I have to wonder if people that are so convinced that white people are the key to resolving racism are people that live/work down in the trenches of the offices, warehouses etc and see the real South Africa happening.)
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:55
Key
adjective
1.
of crucial importance.
“she became a key figure in the suffragette movement”
synonyms: crucial, central, essential, indispensable, basic, fundamental, pivotal, critical, decisive, dominant, vital, principal, salient, prime, chief, major, leading, main, important, significant
“he was a key figure in formulating policy”
Not the key. Not the only solution. Just very important.
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 15:07
Ag Geoff, you know what I mean. Singeling out a single person/race group is saying that the problem is this particular race group, or that the bulk of the problem is due to this race group.
It is how I read it and how I interpret it.
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 15:16
No, singling out specific people to help fix things means that they’re in the best position to do so.
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 15:41
Hah! We should talk. Around a table and discuss that point, my friend. I think a few surpises might hit you in the face like a hot pie on a summers day.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:35
“White people are key to fixing it” … You may have misread that sentence.
Zoe Hawkins
December 12, 2016 at 14:25
” Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that. ”
not a white thing only, but white people need to be involved in the solution… not sure where you got your angry response
Bruce Bielie
December 12, 2016 at 14:37
White people need to be involved in the solution… And white people are not? My response is not one of anger, but more one of being ‘gatvol’
Zoe Hawkins
December 12, 2016 at 14:43
As Glenn said, “People are tired of fighting for their right to be heard. And many people are tired of hearing it”
I think everyone is gatvol. under represented people are tired of fighting for representation while others are tired of hearing about the problems. I do get that, but when you lash out when someone is trying to be inclusive in the solution, it appears to be anger towards the solution.
realistically speaking, things are improving in many ways – at least there’s an awareness of the issues now more than ever. but it will still take support from people of all walks of life to heal the wounds in gaming (and politics, and and and)
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 14:55
Why are white people key in fixing it though? Are only white people racist, I think it’s a very dumb statement to make I am sorry.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
Could be read as “Black people are too wary of trying to stop rasicm due to their jhistory in this country and could be too scared to make the first move.Therefore White people may have to make the first key move towards solving the issue. I refer to you to all the failed black land ownership projects and then a guy in the cape instead of handing over his farm decided to turn his employees into part owners and thus created the first successfull land ownership projects.”
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:09
I honestly can’t comment about the countries history when it comes to that I have read about it but not experienced it or seen it as I only moved to SA in 2004! I just don’t like that people might imply or assume just because I am white I am racist and statements like these do not help.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:11
So when are you changing that damn WHITE EA logo?
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:12
Actually it is aBlack EA logo with a predominantly white background. Works perfectly well in our country.
Only thing that could make it better was if it was Ubisoft instead of EA. 😛
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:03
“just because I am white I am racist” – this thinking needs to go away. It completely misses the point. What people are saying is that because you are white, you benefit from racism due to the fact that it is structural/systemic oppression.
That is why white people have to come to the party in dealing with racism, because it’s about fighting a system, a system created by white people for white people.
Read the history of this country, it’s important you understand how we got to where we did.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
There is a perception that most racists are white, do you disagree with this statement?
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:05
I don’t disagree at all, I think that is the general perception.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 15:15
So then it’s fair comment to say white people are key to do stuff about racism *(Note: it doesn’t say Only white people)
Personally, I hate the generalization, I do think we could be happy to just hear reference to the actual racists, instead of the unfocused “White People”, but as Glenn will know, poking, however softly at “White People” as a group, gets you hits….
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:25
Look fair enough I don’t disagree with his statement or that he is 100% in the wrong saying what he said, however I really think statements like this do not help grouping people like that. Personally I find it offensive and unhelpful in resolving the situation and I think it was added just to get a reaction out of people.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:31
Show me where the word “ONLY” was used, show me!
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:05
I don’t think an image takes away from an article but regardless, thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it!
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 22:09
It made the article almost clickbaity and I almost did not bother reading it. And it is a well written article with just a few small niggles.
Dreyer Smit
December 12, 2016 at 14:22
Great article.
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:05
Preach! Thanks for the feedback!
hurin
December 12, 2016 at 22:07
Work together with a goony beardman? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
Bret Hart
December 13, 2016 at 04:48
The only people who are biased and getting angry at video games are hipsters who cannot stand someone else enjoying something they disapprove of. Its not gamers who are forcing developers hands with accusations of misogyny or sexism who have media backing them to spread this negative image of them.
Solution? Hipsters go away, gamers can continue to enjoy video games without professionally offended whiners around.
Zoe Hawkins
December 12, 2016 at 14:24
seriously agree. just wish i had more concrete ideas for HOW to bridge the divide – it seems more than ever that people are convinced that the other side isn’t just wrong, but poses a danger and will ruin everything.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:25
I have a concrete idea. Same one I have had for ages. Teach the younger generations to love and tolerate.
The saying is true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Zoe Hawkins
December 12, 2016 at 14:29
definitely true. i set a hard and fast rule that no one is allowed to use slurs or racial stereotypes around my kid – don’t care if you’re friend or family, it’s simply not allowed. same goes for sexism or religion intolerance. but it is out in the world, and she will learn about it somewhere… just hoping that by modeling good behavior, socializing with diverse friends and cutting out toxic people it helps. It’s what my parents did, and I think it went a long way…
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:31
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:37
Did you know that gender inequility in gaming was invented by toy stores?
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:29
The solution is shockingly simple, yet extremely difficult to achieve. As with our sport, it comes down to interest and numbers more than anything. As I’ve said in previous articles, the fact that the minority demographic is the majority group in gaming comes down to the majority not being bothered to participate, and then whining about not being included. That being said there are disgusting individuals that make life online hard for ladies and people of other race, but what’s better than destroying those children in PVP. Giving in to them and avoiding the scene lets them win.
TLDR. Ignore trolls. More girl gamers. More gamers of colour. Less whining about exclusion when the only thing keeping people out is their own sensitivity.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:32
I don’t need to do anything more than “Not be an asshole”, that is all.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:36
Wheaton’s Law.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:54
But isn’t Wheaton an asshole?
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 22:10
Only on Big Bang Theory
HairyEwok
December 12, 2016 at 15:54
We can gap the divide with cross platform play 😛
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:06
So true. Yeah, coming up with concrete ideas to bridge it is difficult. Hopefully with enough discussion though & people actively trying to do so, we might be able to start going in the right direction.
Frik van der Hewerskink
December 12, 2016 at 14:25
What a stupid article wow
Gavin Mannion
December 12, 2016 at 14:29
Being the first response, I do wonder if you even read the entire article or just got upset early on and raced to comment?
[Edit] wait I lied.. had my filter set incorrectly… I stand by my assumption
Frik van der Hewerskink
December 14, 2016 at 08:43
wow someone sure is salty :/
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:43
…this comment didn’t even pass woodwork….
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:46
Yoh, somebody call the intensive care burn unit…
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:03
Hahaha:)
Frik van der Hewerskink
December 14, 2016 at 08:41
Yes because sorry as a white male, i am sorry for all the racism and sexism ?
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:07
Care to elaborate?
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:29
Cool piece, Glenn. Think that while the internet has progressively made talking quicker & easier, it’s made communicating worse.
Communication works two ways – you have to talk and you have to listen – and you have to try understanding – not only what the other person is saying, but also what you’re saying and how the person hearing you will interpret it. It’s very easy to only pay attention to what you like & dismiss anything that doesn’t agree.
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:30
“Think that while the internet has progressively made talking quicker & easier, it’s made communicating worse.” So much of this.
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:08
Thanks for the feedback yo! Your line about making communication worse is so damn true. Such a powerful way of putting it.
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 14:37
I game because I enjoy it. That’s pretty much where it ends. Don’t care what the outside world thinks of it.
I openly tell people I’m a gamer and I’ve had different reactions to it and none of it bothers me.
As far as online gaming goes, I’ve never experienced anything bad, but I make a point of choosing the servers and (when I can) the people I play with.
These problems are always going to be there. Gaming is no different than anything else. It’ll change when the world does. If it does.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:38
This.
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 15:01
Granted these are all my own experiences. Sure, my wife hasn’t had any issues herself either, but that’s because we’re the same type of gamers. Call it more private gamers if you will.
So I can understand that those who spend a lot of time watching all kinds of people on YouTube or play all kinds of online games may have a very different experience.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:39
IF being the crux here
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:02
Yeah I agree with you I am sorry I just don’t pay attention to any of this bullshit. Gamergate bla bla I play my games and move on don’t insult people on the internet an get into stupid arguments!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:03
Same here man, the only time I care is when I see a filthy Imperial and I FUS RO DA them all!
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:07
Those damn filthy Imperials…
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:09
Death to them all!
Glory to the Stormcloaks!
SKYRIM BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:10
Stormcloaks? Those racist bastards? Oh hell no… Imperial all the way! At least they have brown, black, feline and reptile people in management positions.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:11
FORCE LABOUR!
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 15:23
The Imperials are just Romans lost in Skyrim. Stormcloaks!
ps. that’s excellent about the management positions btw XD
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:50
Rome uber alles!!
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/althistory/images/b/b4/Roman_empire_flag.jpg
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 15:04
I still don’t know exactly everything around Gamergate.
Those kinds of things feed off attention, so I just steer clear.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:38
This divide is fueled by extreme asshats and the media…. so much “Person X must do this, must be this way”, why?
There is no acknowledged middle ground, everyone is supposed to pick a side…. binary thinking, life doesn’t work like that.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:08
Uncle Sage hits the nail on the head.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 15:22
Comes across as quite cult-y sometimes.
“You only agree with 99 points out of our 100? AWAY WITH YOU, FOUL ONE!”
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:27
Yeah there’s the red ending, green ending or blue ending.
Original Heretic
December 12, 2016 at 14:41
I honestly don’t see any kind of divide. But then again, that is just mostly me that is not really all that interested in all the stupid fights that people seem to pick for no apparent reason other than to have their little voices heard across the masses of people who are ignoring them.
That being said, though, people are dividing in all walks of life, for various reasons. Just because they enjoy the same hobby or passion does not mean that they will get along. I’ve known lots of guys who, while they enjoyed many of the same things, just irritated the crap out of me (and not just me, others, too). And I’m certain that somewhere along the way, something I did that was innocuous to me ended up irritating someone else.
That’s life. That’s people. We can’t all get along. And why should we? Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone DID get along.
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:11
There’s quite a bit wrong with your statement.
1. You’re using anecdotal evidence to make a point
2. The fact that you’re calling issues of racism & sexism “stupid fights” kind of leaves me speechless
3. This isn’t about getting along. This is about engaging in important issues in a civil, engaging & constructive manner.
4. Did I mention the fact that you labelled racism & sexism as “stupid fights”?
Original Heretic
December 13, 2016 at 08:15
1. Anecdotal, yes, of course, because I do have the time to source every single bit of material or convey every tale that has molded my opinion over the years.
2. Racism and sexism – those two very concepts are utterly stupid. Being prejudiced against someone because of the colour of their skin or the type of genitalia they possess? Very stupid. Engaging with people that think and act like that about these issues, yes, I consider that stupid. Because at the end of the day, people like that aren’t going to just change their minds just because someone disagrees with them or decides to fight with them about it.
3. These issues you speak of, they are given power when people keep raising them, when people continue to make them into larger issues. No,t hey won’t just go away, and yes, I know, “evil triumphs when good men do nothing”, so that is not what I am saying. We must not “do nothing”, we should rather be examples in a world where too many prejudice against other because of stupid things.
Guild
December 12, 2016 at 14:43
Glenn, I’ve enjoyed your previous articles. I’m all for 2017 being a better year and hopefully I beat you to Diamond rank in OverWatch. But this article I seemed to miss something, it didn’t leave as greater impression as the previous ones did.
These 2 sentences: “Being right has become more important than being understood.” and “Media have often chosen being right over being understood and that can’t continue.”
What’s the issue with being right?
Geoffrey Tim
December 12, 2016 at 14:45
I don’t think it’s about being factually correct. It’s about stubborness in trying to prove your point of view is the “correct” one. It’s become more important to assert your position than it is to even try understand the opposing one.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:46
“If I can’t win, I’ll make you lose”
Spathi
December 12, 2016 at 14:46
That happens in all aspects of life though. Still, very true.
Dresden
December 12, 2016 at 15:29
It does. But seeing as this is a gaming site, I think it’s acceptable that they only focus on the gaming aspect.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
This is Pie vs Trifle all over again….
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
PIE ALWAYS WNS!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
^This man knows
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
Trifle is very nice…….in lining dustbins
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
Not really as everyone knows Trifle is king.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:47
…of the trash heap
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:48
Pie is not even good enough for teh trash heap.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:48
Not all pies are equal, steak and kidney pie, is trash, for example
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:49
Agreed. Though we must respect it as a member of the pie community.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:50
It is like the black sheep of the pie-family
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:50
Trifle has layers of whatever you like on top of layers of anything you like on top of layers of anything you like on top of custard on top of jelly on top of sponge cake. Topped of with creme. If it is all fresh and home made it is awesome.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
And infused with brandy.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
Yeah can’t forget the brandy.!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:52
I’d rather have it in a glass
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:52
So is my uncle. Doesn’t make him a good person….
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:52
Bwahaha
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:53
He also has kidneys, doesn’t make him a pie!
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 14:54
Also just because he is crusty does not make him a good person. 😛
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:54
Not yet. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/82977098f766264bdad34a123f8d8f8ae3e93ce2c81aa840311778c62fb52b8e.jpg
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
Sounds like something the Reapers would come up with.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:51
I’ve just had terrible triflings with trifle in the past, I have yet to trifle with a superior trifle
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 14:48
See, this is the correct answer….
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:48
I’d rather have marmite than have trifle
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 14:54
“I’m right because I say so.” Not me obviously, but you people. 😉
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:14
Thanks for the honest feedback, it’s appreciated.
I think Geoff pretty much hits the nail on the head below. Being right isn’t a problem, but the way we sometimes get there is. It’s just highlighting the fact that, the end does not justify the means. Being right alone doesn’t get the job done of improving the scene and solving issues around gender, race etc.
Hence the message that empathy & understanding is just as important as being right.
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 14:53
So after reading this whole article and reading all the comments pretty much the same thing is happening in the comments know hahaha!
I don’t understand the point of this article there will always be divide and people arguing over opinions and thinking they are in the right!! That will never change!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:54
My Albanian friend is correct!
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:09
Nikola is grossly underrated as a great and wise philosopher. I will gladly go into battle with him.
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 15:10
I know right, totally hahaha!
Captain JJ
December 12, 2016 at 15:25
I will, as long as he doesn’t have an EA banner flying. Then I’m out.
HairyEwok
December 12, 2016 at 15:58
Pretty much sums up how we are a race.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/82/7f/f6/827ff6c91bd07f9fc046d3b585e51c0b.jpg
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:16
I have no issue with people arguing over issues or having different opinions. That’s of course encouraged. It’s just how people go about making their points & reacting to differing views.
It doesn’t need to be so ugly & aggressive. We can argue in a constructive, engaging way.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 14:55
“We also need to accept the hard truths. Sexism is real in gaming and men have to play a large role in changing that. Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that. ”
Telling any group that it is their responsibility to “fix things” is by definition racist or sexist as you are presuming they are somehow responsible for the actions of some a$$hole who shares their skin colour or genitals.
Would you ever hold all woman accountable for the few who commit infanticide?
Nikola
December 12, 2016 at 14:56
AGREED!!
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 14:57
Very good point
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 15:00
Can I say “Women are key to preventing infanticide”?
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:00
Okay I think we are overanalizing that paragraph too much. The basic idea here to help change current trends and men to help out with that. One sided fights are not going to get us anywhere. What we get when the only party who is major stakeholder in change is people like Anita Sacastion. Men need to get involved and not just say they are fine with the system as is.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:03
Well I’m pretty sure guys want more female gamers, and I have yet to see a non white person kicked from a server, or even being verbally abused. So the more participate, the more diluted the urine of bigots is in the pool of gamers.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:08
Okay how about this.
Game gets half the money it needs for full production due to female protagonist. (can’t remember name but same studio who did Life is Strange)
Game gets tons of hate because of Black female FBI agent (can’t remember name … I actually avoid those articles the most … so basically yeah I need to get more involved)
We should all focus on eradicating stupid things rather like Facbook VR exclusivity or Intel I7 (gen 6,7,8 only) timed exclusive content.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:12
The problem there again lies with demographics. More female gamers = more female protagonists, as more ladies will want to buy the game, so they’ll be better funded. Unfortunately it’s an industry, thus conforms to marketing principles.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:13
Uhm. More female gamers?
49% of gamers are female and I am not even talking mobile gaming.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:15
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:18
Yes but the fact that they aren’t “out there” makes it difficult to cater to them. Like I would love to see some all girl teams in the Dota International. There are a few in the DGL, but they’re the minority. But yeah if they’re not getting catered to even at 49% then the industry itself needs to change.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:21
Yeah but E-sports is a rather small part of the gaming scene.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:21
True. But it is the “Face” of gaming, and how it’s publicly perceived.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:22
To the non gaming public … but we honestly don;t care about the non gaming public as they are almost as bad as console gamers! 😛
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:23
Hahaha though I do think it reinforces the stereotypes that marketers base their target audiences on
hurin
December 13, 2016 at 15:53
The 49% figure includes mobile. Obviously half of Gamers will be female if you count smartphones as game consoles.
PC gaming is almost exclusively a male domain, they simply aren’t something many girls have an interest in. Lets say you entered a PC hardware store, how long do you think you would need to wait before a girl came in and bought an Nvidia 1070? A day? A week? A year perhaps?
Lu
December 13, 2016 at 16:02
You make a great point. But that highlight’s my other argument. Crying about inclusion when your demographic group isn’t interested in the scene in the first place is pointless.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:22
Doesn’t that put white male gamers in the minority then?
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:23
Actually no. I am trying to find that demographic but the racial graphs were totally different in the female gamer section. Like more even whereas male gamers are like 70% white.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:26
I was focusing more on the fact that if 10 % WM of gamers are the bigoty douchebags, they’re outnumbered. So if people just stand up for themselves, the trolls can be crushed.
hurin
December 12, 2016 at 22:01
Yes you are. Steam accounts are less than 10% female.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 22:06
You win.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 15:29
People don’t need to be an intrepid explorer to enjoy Nathan Drake in Uncharted.
They also don’t need to be a Zombie-proof lesbian to enjoy playing Ellie in Last of Us.
Why can’t we judge characters by the contents of their characters as opposed to the colour of their skins or shape of their genitals.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:31
I agree with you. Problem lies with the guys in charge of the game companies. Though a few stupid cases don’t make the industry. Considering the diversity in games nowadays.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 15:48
They are not the problem either.
How many woman refused to buy Uncharted 4 because it had a male protagonist?
How many white men refused to buy Portal 2 because it had a coloured, female protagonist?
The problem is that people are not as racist and sexist as the media wants them to be.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:52
True story that.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 12, 2016 at 15:13
Remember Me? The game name that is, I’m unforgettable.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 15:13
That one yeah!
hurin
December 12, 2016 at 21:59
‘Game gets tons of hate because of Black female FBI agent (can’t remember name … I actually avoid those articles the most … so basically yeah I need to get more involved)’
Game was named Virginia, and the hate never happened. It was just some BS Jim Sterling made up. These interactive experiences will never become a big success again, because they appeal to a small niche market. Gone Home only succeeded because back then Gamers were still gullible enought to believe all those 10/10 reviews and awards actually meant something.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 22:08
I beg to differ based exclusively on Telltale games. They make bank. Not everyone enjoys Call of Boring Modern Grindfest 23.
hurin
December 12, 2016 at 21:52
Why? Women in gaming aren’t real, they are pixels on a screen. Why does it matter if they are beautiful and have D cups?
I don’t wan’t to look at ugly women in games, and why should I? Because some goony beardmen and blue haired landwhales think that makes me a bad person? So what.
Kromas Ryder
December 12, 2016 at 22:05
Wow …. no … okay.
Currently games with female protagonists and not part of an established series get their funding cut or don’t even get publishers to take them seriously. As an example look at Remember Me. I never mentioned ugly women and I do enjoy the female form myself but you clearly want to start a fight by putting words in my mouth so no.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:01
Here’s a loophole. I identify as a neon green Little Hawk attack helicopter. Thus I accept no responsibilities given to white males. Come get me now SWJs!
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:09
Sir, I identify as a 1996 Honda Civic.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:10
No wonder you like bananas
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 15:18
Vtec….
Glenn Kisela
December 12, 2016 at 20:17
The difference between infanticide & racism/sexism is that no mother benefits from infanticide in any way. On the other hand, white people benefit from racism as do men from sexism. That’s why each party is accountable for their specific issue.
Sam
December 12, 2016 at 21:34
“white people benefit from racism”
This is a fallacy, because what you are saying is ONLY white people can be racist. So, let’s ask some questions on how Caucasians benefit from racism around the world, shall we?
How do Caucasians benefit from the racism in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in places like Zimbabwe, where the black government has made it illegal for whites to even own property?
How do whites benefit from the racism in China against anyone not ethnically Han Chinese?
How do whites benefit from the racism and religious persecution of minority groups like the Kurds in mostly Islamic areas?
How do whites benefit from the racism in Japan towards anyone not ethnically Japanese?
There’s more, obviously. But, unfortunately, you can’t seem to understand that racism is not a Caucasian-only thing, and every area and race/ethnicity in the world has it. Yes, including blacks– despite the rhetoric that “you can’t be racist if you’re black!” that’s out there. And that racism is seen all over the world, perpetrated by every single race on the planet.
Also, I guess this would be a good time to say that worldwide Caucasians are a minority, only accounting for around 15% of the world’s population. So, you’re saying that a global minority is some of the worst people out there. Kind of goes against the progressive viewpoint, doesn’t it?
Gavin Mannion
December 13, 2016 at 08:14
You’ve made a massive leap in logic here…
Glenn stating that white people benefit from racism is something that can be argued, all races benefit and suffer from racism in varying degrees depending on location and situation.
However you taking “white people benefit from racism” to mean that only white people can be racist is illogical. That’s not said or implied?
Sam
December 16, 2016 at 17:06
Look around you. The “progressives” of the Western world do heavily imply that only whites can be racist. It’s why they try to use terms like “reverse racism isn’t real”, which it isn’t– because it’s just racism– but they use the term “reverse racism” to imply that whites are racist, and anything done to whites based off their skin color can’t be racism, because it can’t be reversed.
Look at all the hit pieces about how racist the country is because of Donald Trump winning the election, because he was able to get votes from Middle America. Look back to Hillary’s “basket of deplorables” comment, that ended up helping to bite her in the ass come election day. Look at how if you don’t agree with everything Black Lives Matter says, or even criticize them when they fail to mention the children caught in the crossfire of gun fights between blacks in the cities (because black lives only matter when cops shoot a black person, I guess, those kids’ lives don’t matter because black on black violence doesn’t count), you’re a racist scum who needs to shut up and let black voices be heard– when its politically convenient for those black voices to be heard.
As someone who is only white when it is convenient– because I’m also Jewish– it’s funny to see how things go between the authoritarian regressive Left and the racial regressive Right. To the left, I’m just some cis-het white male who should have no opinion because I don’t rank on the progressive stack– IE I’m a white shitlord and need to check my privilege all the time; or I might even be a Zionist, as well– somehow oppressing the Palestinians while I’m here in America– which makes me even more of a target (and look around, Antisemitism is on the rise in liberal colleges all over the US and UK). To the racist Right, I’m a subhuman that needs to be exterminated to make way for some racially pure Aryan race– IE I’m not white and need to be put in a gas chamber, despite my blonde hair and blue eyes.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 14:57
I’m just glad that the FBI has concluded that Gamergate isn’t the boogey-man that Brianna Wu and others were trying to portray it to be.
#GamerGate4Life
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:08
How to get most comments for the week. Glenn posts an article. GG
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:12
Glenn wants to be Batman of the Week. I think they should just give it to him.
Sageville
December 12, 2016 at 15:19
Glenn cannot channel his inner Pokemon yet, until then….
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:27
Honestly, the divide will widen, as long as false narratives are spread (in the media) and as long as individual voices are ignored because (a) they’re a specific racial or gender group (and therefore should know better than argue against progressive viewpoints) or (b) fail to virtue signal progressive talking points at every opportunity or (c) try to defend themselves against accusations of racism (because saying you have a black or brown friend is admission of guilt that you are a racist).
I don’t envy white folks -BUT SERIOUSLY, you guys need to give our land back!
http://buzzsouthafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/Malema-Vows-To-Expropriate-Land-In-Municipalities-EFF-Will-Govern.jpg
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:29
Will the land then all be given back to the Khoi-san who it belonged to before they were chased off it by the northern tribes?
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:30
No! They lost their land in the grand art of tribal warfare.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:35
Hehehe.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 15:34
I would love to see the EFF play farming simulator…
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:35
It would be awesome! Actually, when I was still on twitter, I spoke to Julius a few times, and apparently he’s a keen gamer.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 15:53
There is an interesting story for the intrepid reporters of Lazygamer:
Find out the gaming habits of local politicians.
Does Fikile Mbula set diversity quotas in his sports games?
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 16:02
I agree!
Ottokie
December 12, 2016 at 15:36
They would go apeshit if they saw they did not immediately have access to the rest of the farmable lands.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:37
If you think about it, Stardew Valley could be seen as the tale of a young revolutionary political lion deciding to escape his life in parliament for the calm and rewarding back-breaking work of farming.
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:39
Wow that’s a faaar stretch.
Admiral Chief Argonian
December 12, 2016 at 15:38
Apeshit you say. Geez Otto
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:41
Tomorrow on News24. Racism allegation as Broney insults the EFF.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:39
I have an extra Democracy 3 key, I was going to forward it to Floyd…
Lu
December 12, 2016 at 15:53
I should have one for tropico somewhere. May be more suited to their tastes.
HairyEwok
December 12, 2016 at 15:51
Why is it when I see anitas face my blood starts to boil and i want to flip a table…..
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:56
It’s because we all know she’s a fraud, and yet the game’s media treats her like the second coming.;
Gavin Mannion
December 13, 2016 at 08:15
#NotAllGamesMedia
That lady drives me mad, total fraud who took the gaming media and audience on a ride to make herself money
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 15:59
“The battle that waged between media & GG was a brutal one that left everyone on the losing side. Writers were attacked over opinions, beliefs and perceived threats.”
It’s easy to say this in hindsight, but the events leading up to the great war was brutal, with all those “Gamers are Dead” articles, I’m surprised gamers were so forgiving with the gaming press.
There was no universal scorched Earth policy from gamers, but Gawker definitely got their teeth knocked in.
40 Insane Frogs
December 12, 2016 at 16:06
The best solution to deal with bigotry and prejudice was set out in the Kingsman movie….
Menzi
December 12, 2016 at 16:06
Good article bro
GooseZA
December 12, 2016 at 16:11
So TL;DR = Be excellent to each other.
It’s really not that difficult. And if you have little ones, teach them to be excellent to each other.
http://i.imgur.com/8R7aaNm.png
chimera_85
December 12, 2016 at 16:22
The problem is society in general, people who aren’t even gamers got all pissy and annoyed by shit that they don’t even use.
Guava_Eater
December 12, 2016 at 17:09
I just play games. I don’t really care what race or gender the protagonist is. If it’s a good game then it’s a good game. Most of the time on games that allow you to customize I either use the default or smash the “Randomizer”.
As for multiplayer games I can get angry at lots of things: Lag, campers, laggy campers, n00bs, squeekers, Leeeeee-ROOOOOOYYYY JENKINS and many more but there is no valid basis though for any anger that is gender or racially based.
Playing games is purely psychological. It’s my mind against theirs. Last time I checked, my mind was gender-less and made of purpleish/grey goop just like any other despite it’s outer coating.
konfab
December 12, 2016 at 17:21
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0xIErFzDq1o/maxresdefault.jpg
Ugly Shepard thanks you…
Guava_Eater
December 13, 2016 at 14:11
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Hedger
December 12, 2016 at 19:15
Just a comment on the “fatigue” idea.
A major reason it has become so tiring is that one side levied accusations without showing how their issues actually created the problems claim.
The question was and has always been how does imagery of a problem cause said problem, and the connection that it even does is still to be proven.
Showing sexism does not make the media or its consumers sexist.
Showing racism does not make the media or its consumers racist.
Showing violence does not make the media or its consumers violent.
It is completely unfair to equate the fatigue of identity politicians making I’ll informed accusations to the fatigue of gamers who have literally faced those accusations since the creation of the medium.
There has never been a time where gamers did not have to fend off accusations of violence and/or sexism. Racism is a more recent charge but simply looking at gaming communities shows that racism is all but dead within them, vocabulary and vernacular being the last vestiges and considered complete idiocy when used. Even when used unironicly, racial slurs in gaming communities are less about race and more about basic offense as the racial identity is rarely known.
Identity politicians on the other hand have placed themselves in a position where they demand to be seen as the victims even when reality makes them the aggressors. If they want their “fatigue” to be relieved maybe they should stop invading arenas that don’t need or want their interference. They have don’t more harm to their ideology in the last two years by trying to force gamers, possibly the closest population to egalitarianism that humanity will ever get, to kneel to their doctrine then any actual bigotry could have done or did in decades.
Gamers have only ever wanted to play their games. It was everyone else who had the problem.
MosesZD
December 12, 2016 at 20:58
Wrong, it goes back WAY PAST GAMERGATE. Y’all are kind of Johnny-come-latelies to this issue… This corruption has been going on for over a decade now.
Probably the easiest example has to do with Jeff Gerstmann being fired from Gamespot because of a bad-review and publisher push-back. But it was corrupt before then. It’s just that’s the easiest first-case as earlier stuff had to do with spiffs and swag and back-scratching/access where they would get things like XBoxs, vacations, etc. from publishers. Which is not a blatantly obvious or easy to document as the Gerstmann firing, though some games journalist who left the industry back then did talk about it.
But we had it in ME3. We had it with Dorito-gate. We’ve had it with a Eurogamer editor fired for a bad review. And so it goes.
grgspunk
December 13, 2016 at 05:05
“We also need to accept the hard truths. Sexism is real in gaming and men have to play a large role in changing that. Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that. Extreme rhetoric is a problem in media and we’ve played a role in that. Media have often chosen being right over being understood and that can’t continue.”
You guys also need to accept some hard truths as well. Sex-negative, PC-pushing outsiders have contributed to the rampant shaming of developers for making “offensive” titles, along with the consumers that play them. With their “toxic” articles, they’ve incentivised and cheerleaded the continued censorship of games.
No more. We’re gonna use the same authoritarian “righteousness-over-understanding” mindset against you. You disagree with us gamers and what we like? You’re of no use to us. There’s no more room for compassion, especially since you’ve put us on par with political outcasts–At that point, what do we have to lose by becoming the same monsters you’ve accused us to be?
At this point in time, the videogames industry needs LESS people, not more. The desire to indiscriminately attract a “wider” audience has led to outsiders (we call them “casuals” or “normies”) barging in, who think they can just try to tell us what games we should or shouldn’t enjoy. They think they have every right to change the industry all out of this notion that they have the right to call themselves “gamers” because they spent five minutes playing Candy Crush Saga and got hooked on paying real money for extra lives.
The “audience” needs to ramp up their “extreme rhetoric” and put the gaming media outlets out of business if they’re even so much as perceived to be writing against their interests. No point in having a media industry that has repeatedly screwed over their readerbase, be it through writing politically-charged shaming articles or writing paid reviews. If anything, the “audience also needs to check totheir left and right to see if their buddies think the same about their beloved videogames, and drive them out if they don’t.
Gamergate is a consumer movement intended to protect our videogames industry from people like you. If doing so means less women, PoCs, or genderqueers would be incentivized to join the game development industry, then so be it. We don’t discriminate on who we go after. If less authors are inclined to write for the videogames industry, then so be it–At least my games are safe.
You might claim that your ability to write dissenting opinions against your “audience” is your right to “free speech”, but we couldn’t care less. You fucked with my videogames, so you guys are going down.
Bret Hart
December 13, 2016 at 05:09
“How did we get to this point, specifically in gaming.”
Look in the mirror Glenn and at you’re writing.
“We also need to accept the hard truths. Sexism is real in gaming and men have to play a large role in changing that. Racism is still rife in the scene and white people are key in helping fix that. Extreme rhetoric is a problem in media and we’ve played a role in that. Media have often chosen being right over being understood and that can’t continue.”
Look at this sentence Glenn! This is SJW diatribe through and through! YOU are the problem Glenn!
Holythirteen
December 13, 2016 at 05:16
Screw you too, Sparky! This is how it works. You either care about a group enough to actually include them in the conversation, or you go ahead and call them retards and cry harassment when they call out your inaccurate garbage.
Journalists who are too scared to go against the ultra progressive narrative of the msm are no good to me or those of my “tribe” of ignored shitlords. Every one of you f*ckers cares more about your careers than about the truth, so either dig for some truth that may seem problematic to your “betters” at CNN or go find another profession and spare us your crying.
Sharkz
December 13, 2016 at 08:20
Okay then, listen here.
I like games with sexy chicks sporting large breasts in them. I like games that are violent.
Try to take them away or contribute to a culture of censorship and it’s war, I don’t give a shit what you call me.
DEADBEEF
December 13, 2016 at 16:48
I’m not a fan of some assertions Glenn makes. They range from misunderstanding to insulting.
Most people don’t hate politics in games – they hate it in gamer culture. Huge difference.
And I couldn’t care less if activists are tired of explaining why their world view is The Truth. How entitled and abusive does someone have to be to think others should capitulate to blackmail, bullying, and extortion tactics because activists are *tired*? I’ve seen some of the most heinous abuse in my life come solely from “diversity” activists. Ironically, said abuse primarily happened against women and ethnic minorities.
It’s not an unambiguous good to have a new culture join gaming if that culture’s goal is to remove other cultures from gaming in the process.
I find this article very offensive.