Sexist attitudes change when people want them to change. Don’t mistake culture for biology or predetermination.
The #1ReasonWhy campaign, initially about why there were so few “lady game creators” but quickly spread into wider discussion about reducing sexism and misogyny in the video game space. There are already a ton of articles out there covering it, so I’m not going to rehash that bit.
The only thing I’d like to reinforce is that if you think this is an issue – if you think it is unfair how gaming culture treats women – then you need to speak out against it. If you see something you don’t think is right, that discriminates or is hostile towards women, then you need to announce that it’s a problem (and same for other issues such as race and sexuality too). There is little point in quietly disagreeing with gender bias, because no-one will hear you and things will continue as is. It’s very easy for silence to be mistaken for acceptance, even approval.
The meek may inherit the earth, but they win very few arguments and drive very few changes.
If you want a friendlier, more inclusive gaming culture in the future, one where your children and their friends are all welcome, you need to speak up.
World Class Villains 