There has been a lot of criticism of the gaming industry in the past year from how our games aren’t inclusive or diverse enough to how the industry is corrupt from the developers all the way past journalists and to the retailers even.
The main movement that has surrounded this furore is #GamerGate which has split the vocal members of the industry down the middle where people are either for the ideals of Gamergate or those who believe Gamergate is simply a misogynistic group who are trying to protect their old world ideals.
That debate will rage on for a long time still but today I saw a new article that to me just feels like that step too far.
Holly Neilson has written an article for The Guardian where she says that the gaming industry has a “uniform” that is driven by a lack of diversity.
But one thing I discovered very quickly when I started working here is that there is a uniform: it’s just that this one is the result, not of workplace rules, but of a lack of diversity. And it can be just as excluding.
…
The white guy in checked shirt, jeans and trainers. Possibly with a beard. It’s the joke we often make about the industry, but there is plenty of truth in the stereotype.
Basically she goes on saying that the fact that many journalists wear checked shirts, gamer tshirts and jeans is a problem that a more diverse industry would fix. Obviously, the article isn’t really about clothing, but I’m throwing 2c in anyway. Now I don’t know anything about Holly or what part of the industry she works in but I have personally been on many international trips and met journalists from all over and the idea that we all wear the same clothes is quite insulting to be honest.
On one of my trips we even had a discussion around the different styles that people wear from different countries. The Italians often arrive in suits or fancy clothing, the Greek guy looked like he just came off a farm while the English and Americans ranged from Hipster hell to grunge rockers. The ladies have ranged from dresses you expect to see in clubs to oversized jeans and frumpy tops.
Now this isn’t to say the industry isn’t weighted to the white male demographic but to constantly attack the industry in any form whatsoever has become more than a little irritating and to now imply that I need to worry about what I’m wearing is as far from changing the industry to be more inclusive.
It’s enough, Holly even stated in the article that she still dresses very femininely when she goes to the events so where is this problem really?
This is an opinion piece by the author indicated and does not represent the views of the publication or its staff.
Last Updated: May 19, 2015
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:04
DAT DISCLAIMER
RinceTriss
May 19, 2015 at 11:45
HAHAHAHA! They should just make a virtual stamp with Gav’s face on and be done with it.
Scrippsjhon
May 19, 2015 at 16:05
It’s simple to make acount balance with lazygamer < I didn't believe …that…my brother woz like truly making money part time at their computer. . there aunt had bean doing this 4 only seventeen months and resantly paid the dept on there apartment and bourt themselves a Lotus Elise .
see this her SEE MORE DETAIL
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:05
Blah blah blah moan moan moan MyDonnerDieMenseIsVolPoef
Bicker bicker moan moan. All these soapbox stars make me sick to my core!
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 11:19
New hash tag started right here!
#MyDonnerDieMenseIsVolPoef
Ranting Raptor
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
Done
Ranting Raptor
May 19, 2015 at 11:24
Here we go
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:27
Attaboy
Kensei Seraph
May 19, 2015 at 11:13
I would love to work in an industry that has such a relaxed dress code.
As it is I currently wear a long-sleeved collared shirt, chinos and slightly uncomfortable shoes 5 days a week.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:15
Luckily I don’t go out to see clients in the current job I’m in, so I’m in jeans and semi comfortable shoes 5 days a week
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:16
work from home and dont deal with clients either, its winter now, so my dress code is fat pants and an ancient hoody.
my summer dress code is less formal, also less clothes.
seemss legit.
Axon1988
May 19, 2015 at 12:02
I’m in jeans, shirt and slops… some times I go to work barefoot. Never go out to see clients, so there is zero reason to dress up.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 12:21
I’d prefer working in shorts though
Axon1988
May 19, 2015 at 12:26
The one guy comes to work in shorts. So I guess it’s allowed.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 12:27
WHERE IS THIS MAGICAL PLACE?
Axon1988
May 19, 2015 at 12:30
There is a branch in Midrand, however I think they are a bunch of snobs and go to work in button shirts and skirts.
Here in Hillcrest we do tough work, but we do it in comfort. One day I will show up in my gown.
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:18
That’s way more relaxed than I wear, though I don’t mind.
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:19
what are shoes?
Gr8_Balls_o_KFM_Fire
May 19, 2015 at 11:51
I wear a blerry suit 7 days a week
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
May 19, 2015 at 13:23
But… What’s wrong with not wearing any clothes? I don’t understand…
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:15
i cant grow a beard and dont own a checked shirt, does that mean im adding to the diversification of the gaming industry?
well that IS a change.
Witcher Bob
May 19, 2015 at 11:16
You could check Origin. EA might have a DLC that could help you out 🙂
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:19
origin would be the ultimate fashion police.
would i need an internet connection to access my checked shirt and beard?
dont support DRM
WITCHER 3 IS HERE
Witcher Bob
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
Plus The Witcher 3 brings you free beard and hairstyle sets. A full beard could be closer than you think.
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:24
would chainmail count as a checked shirt?
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:24
I think so!
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:28
Geralt isnt adding to the diversification of gaming then, he should be more inclusive.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:29
At least there are quite a few different suits of armour to wear
Witcher Bob
May 19, 2015 at 11:30
Maybe he should but I won’t be the one to tell him that. I like having my head attached to my neck.
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:31
He includes a lot of women in what he does.
Valenlord
May 19, 2015 at 11:37
Nope nope its at BT games until 16:30 then the witcher is here… KFC, Geralt, Heineken now that is one awesome evening….
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:41
Sounds legit, I’ve got a few things to take care of, but after that, I’m going to grab my sword and a beer and go on a mad adventure
Matthew Holliday
May 19, 2015 at 11:42
ORLY? that sounds like a “you” problem. 😛
refresh etc.
Valenlord
May 19, 2015 at 11:44
Ja unfortunately the snot nose coughing symptoms didn’t go too well with the wifey, she was all like: GET YOUR ASS TO WORK!!!!
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:16
There are also some who don’t really know what GamersGate is all about.
Witcher Bob
May 19, 2015 at 11:19
Isn’t GamersGate like Whose Line is it Anyway? It’s all made up and the points don’t matter.
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:20
Haha.
RinceTriss
May 19, 2015 at 11:46
THIS^
Deceased
May 19, 2015 at 15:32
To the top with you!!!
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 11:16
Fashion Police for gamers ? really ?! I blame the Kardashians
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:17
I’m sure if you could check the sales demographics it wouldn’t be far off from the demographics in the industry.
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:20
The argument made by the importance of diversification has kind of been lost.
I work in an environment that is maybe 70% to 80% women, and you don’t see me running around moaning that there isn’t enough diversification here. It’s only a problem when the majority is a specific demographic group, otherwise it’s fine and great.
But what do I know, I’m a white male.
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:21
a white male? Evil. EVIL!
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 11:48
Moreso if you are a straight white male
Kensei Seraph
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
[mandatory make-up comment about the industry you work in]
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
😀
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:24
I wonder if he too powders his nose and brows.
Ag who am I kidding, of course he does!
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 11:20
In the words of Barney Stinson : ” Suit up! “
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:21
*suit
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
Thanks Captain, edited it 😉
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:35
It was either me or Admiral, and Admiral takes pride in it. ;P
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:37
We have to maintain a high standard here on Lagz
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 11:57
Then why do you allow me on here? 😛
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:59
Admiral likes a challenge. 😉
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 12:00
is it he likes A challenge or THE challenged? hahahaha
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 12:15
I’ll show you the challenged. Or wait. Go look in a mirror!
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 12:18
It was a self deprecating joke, but if the shoe fits 😛
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 12:54
So I can ninja edit older comments from you without you realizing…
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 13:42
That is cowardly of you! Also, very so not cool, unethical is the word. I think doing that can also get you fired???
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 14:52
To get fired, I’d have to get paid.
PS: You may or may not want to review older comments
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 15:34
Bite me!
Loftus
May 19, 2015 at 11:57
Yeah I made a choice between being upset about it and accepting the help and edit it right. Thanks guys
Ranting Raptor
May 19, 2015 at 11:21
This again. I give up. We are all full of it and need to check our priviladge. I will remove myself from the gaming world so that I can’t benefit from it anymore.
*throws PC out window*
Kensei Seraph
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
No don’t do that, how else am I going to find out what a “priviladge” is?
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
I too must know this, sounds ladgy
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
*collects Llew’s PC, sees Nvidia and Intel, throws back out again
Kensei Seraph
May 19, 2015 at 11:25
*Collects Llew’s PC and sells it for gaming funds*
I wonder how many Steam games I could get?
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:26
Seven
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 12:21
42
Tbone187
May 19, 2015 at 12:48
Buys a copy of Project Cars and picks up the Nvidia chip from previously mentioned thrown out pc to swap with current AMD.
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
“a checked shirt, jeans and trainers” what like everyday clothes?
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
It’s the clothing of oppression! Don’t you know?
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:23
Maybe we should start wearing grey uniforms and boots?
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:25
Doesn’t sound like it could be offensive. I mean, it’s between black and white, and it’s not related to any specific gender. ;P
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:32
It united a country the last time. Cant see things going wrong again.
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:33
Impossible. Things are different now.
You’re not judged for your race, gender, religion or interests anymore. Right?
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:37
Actually it might be worse than then.
Aries
May 19, 2015 at 11:39
Please, in school I couldn’t have a Fader, would get suspended for a week, principal said we coloureds looked like gangsters with that hair cut, he was a idiot, gangsters cant afford to cut hair, none that I met anyway
Hammersteyn
May 19, 2015 at 11:43
This!
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:46
Haha. So much win dude.
Aries
May 19, 2015 at 11:53
We cut faders in any case, couldn’t suspend the whole school
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:55
Excellent.
David
May 19, 2015 at 11:22
Didn’t you get the memo – you are allowed to completely be misinformed, mislead or even lie… so long as it highlights an issue that needs to be highlighted. /s
On a more serious note – it’s not breaking news that people wear clothes Holly.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:26
Mind blown
FreddyBear
May 19, 2015 at 11:33
Hmmmm, ok, so how about we start analysing the women on Twitch, most of them wearing low cut tops etc. which isn’t required to play a game, now is it? Seems to go both ways then doesn’t it?
I wonder if they know that their complaining only seems to make things worse, and actually makes the perceived divide even wider….honestly, just let people be people, you’ll unfortunately always have the douche bags, and you deal with them when you need to, but leave the rest the industry out of it.
Change is never fast, and acceptance even less so it would seem.
The Sten
May 19, 2015 at 11:37
This is the dark, ugly, harmful side of freedom of speech rearing its head. Its what makes the internet dangerous. Anybody can write an article put it in such an entertaining way that it covers the stench of bullshit.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:42
“Anybody can write an article put it in such an entertaining way that it covers the stench of bullshit”
^This
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 19, 2015 at 11:44
All I really got from her article is that the industry in general doesn’t have much differentiation when it comes to fashion & men tend to wear similar casual stuff, and women follow suit because reasons. It’s an interesting observation, but probably not particularly meaningful unless you’re one of those people who firmly believe the clothes make the (wo)man.
I don’t see anywhere where someone’s preventing her from wearing whatever she chooses too. It seems she’s concerned about the perception her choice will evoke. And I get what she says about the “what’s the occasion?” line though, my colleague got it when she started wearing heels to work regularly instead of flats. Once people got used to seeing it they stopped.
I also don’t see how it’s an “attack” on the games industry.
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 19, 2015 at 11:50
I also don’t think it’s an attack in any way. It’s really just about a lack of diversity, and it’s honestly not that deep. But as Gavin pointed out, it isn’t really about clothes. So it makes less sense to be upset about it from a fashion point of view.
There is a lack of diversity. We can all agree on that, I’m sure?
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 19, 2015 at 11:59
Yes, I agree.
Just think she’s reading a bit too much into it in this case. People tend to follow norms, and notice those that don’t. I get her point at feeling the odd one out when it happens, and that it can be annoying to have it constantly pointed out by others.
Gavin Mannion
May 19, 2015 at 12:43
basically she is saying the industry uniform is because we don’t accept diversity… it’s bullshit really
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 11:48
To Quote Trevor Philips:
Sweet Lord Above!
Captain JJ Browman
May 19, 2015 at 11:50
Sounds like she’s got beard envy
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 19, 2015 at 11:51
Lol. ^This.
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 11:51
Haha, she might have a snor/bos mossel though?
SargonTheBatpandaOfTI5
May 19, 2015 at 11:53
It’s a very “meh” article. I wouldn’t get riled up by it anymore than I would that CPT is the home of the Immortal Hipster. It’s just a generalisation of something that we all already know. Meh reporting is meh.
Dutch-Trevor Matrix
May 19, 2015 at 12:15
Holly Molly! It is called a fashion trend! Same way in the 1990’s we all wore those horrible baseball shirts and pants! And Moonbags!
Admiral Chief
May 19, 2015 at 12:24
Haha, dem moonbags!
Bagel
May 19, 2015 at 12:47
How to continue a dying narrative – Moan about the smallest thing you can find. like check shirts. fking pathetic.
Eric
May 19, 2015 at 13:00
I really don’t get why guys should be made to feel guilty for liking action movies and looking at hot women.
chimera_85
May 19, 2015 at 13:15
This whole thing is just too stupid for me
Greylingad[CNFRMD]
May 19, 2015 at 13:31
I have a solution to this, it starts with the following, every dude has to take his shirt off, then pants, then underwear, if you’re wearing a jacket, you have to remove the shirt without removing the jacket, this is very important…Once this is done, have someone take a picture and forward it to Holly, with the tag #LostmycheckedshirtJeansandtrainers #All4Holly… and see what kind of a response we get… This is childish bickering on a topic that doesn’t produce anything positive to the industry, if you want to complain about me pitching up at work in a shirt and jeans, well then, maybe you won’t complain so much if I pitch up in a tootoo with pink bangle on my head…. Not that I’m trying to be a douche, this is just really, really grinding my nipple bone….
40 Insane Frogs
May 19, 2015 at 14:06
And this is why I’ve been mocking SJWs from day one.
Kevin Weinberg
May 19, 2015 at 18:21
I’m a GGer. I just wanted to say that I appreciate how, at the very least, you use words like “those who believe” or “claim” or “allege.”
I only wish more journalists would show such fairness and ethic. Naturally, I cannot expect you to agree with what GG does, nor would it be reasonable for me to expect *anyone*
But I can at least appreciate and commend those journalists who at the very least are intellectually honest.
Many journalists will just write: GamerGate is a harassment movement that targets women as though they can know this as a fact.
lygamnt
May 20, 2015 at 05:25
Im so annoyed by the liberal whiners movement. Diversity is utter bull crap. If a certain group or gender is not involved with something it isn’t racism sexism or any other ism.. In America we all have the same opportunity to do what you want if you work hard in school. then use your knowledge and determination and make a spot for yourself where you want to be and stop expecting everything to be fair or easy. Life’s not fair and if you don’t do anything to stand out and prove yourself you will fail.