In light of recent events, I took it upon myself to record a shoddy, low-quality webcam video detailing how GamerGate affects the average gamer.
You can watch it below:
An Honest Look At GamerGate
Still more lines than Ryan Gosling. I deserve an Oscar.
Yes, it’s a joke. But honestly, there have already been a number of great articles on GamerHeadlines.com that explore recent video game industry events, such as GamerGate, the Quinntaku scandal, misogyny, feminism, and harassment. I figured I might as well explore how all of this affects the average gamer.
(Note: You can read the aforementioned articles written by the lovely GamerHeadlines staff by clicking on their name – Samual, Sarah, and Patrick).
Not everyone is steeped in the “politics” of the video game industry, and not everyone has to be. I’ve stated it before, but video games is about having fun, either by yourself or with friends. Individuals who consider themselves to be gamers can choose whether to merely be a consumer of the video game industry, or become an active member of the gaming community.
It’s their prerogative, not yours, not anyone elses.
Don’t be mistaken. What happens in the video game industry, and how it affects the gaming community is important, but honestly, taking a stance is not for everyone. Not everyone wants to align with one side or the other. Some people just want to come home from the end of a rough work day, sit down, and play their favorite video game. And I can understand and relate to that.
With all the recent world events (ISIS, etc) happening around us, the stuff going on in the games industry almost seems trivial. It’s not, but in the whole scheme of things, it can definitely seem that way.
Yes, misogyny is a problem…but it’s not exclusive to the world of video games.
Yes, corruption of journalism happens, but it’s not limited to the world of video games.
And yes, people everywhere get harassed every day, but it’s not limited to the world of video games. All of these things happen outside the gaming-sphere as well, but the fact that it’s happening in an industry we’re passionate about can get us gamers pretty riled up.
However, video games are designed as an escape from the problems of the real world, not about dragging them into the game with you.
Look at it this way, there is a time for everything. But right now, I simply don’t want to bother with GamerGate, Zoe blah, harassblahh, or Anita Sarblahblah.
I just want to sit down at my computer desk with a steaming hot cup of black coffee, put on my headset, and play some damn video games.
That’s my computer desk…I’m lying.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree that sometimes people just need to relax and play video games, instead of getting caught up in relevant events (if just for a little while)? Or do you think that gaming is becoming more and more socially relevant, to the point that events in the game world may affect other industries? Do you care about GamerGate? Let me know in the comment section below.
Yes, this is an opinion piece. Treat it as such. My body is ready, and I have donned some flame armor. I hope it’s not necessary, but I have done so regardless.
As always, stay tuned to GamerHeadlines.com for the latest in video game and technology news.
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