Women in gaming industry inspire toxic culture change

Gaming continues to be a juggernaut of business, it’s everywhere and more people than ever before and plugging in and playing.

However, despite the often charming, colorful worlds and quirky characters depicted in many titles, the industry isn’t without an ominous shadow.

BIG BUSINESS WITH BIG PROBLEMS

In line with the #Metoo movement that saw high-level movie producers and executives named and shamed for their predatory behavior towards women in their field.

Game developer Activision|Blizzard is now under investigation over reports of ongoing toxic workplace culture.

The developers behind Call of Duty & World of Warcraft saw severe backlash over the handling of a “frat boy” work culture that has victimised its female employees for years.

The gaming community has stood by employees, signal-boosting the hashtag #ActiBlizzWalkout and donating to a series of charities on social media.

Following the “Walkout for Equality” which saw protesting workers stand against female values not being accurately reflected in the words and actions of the leadership.

Statements made by head office failed to respond to the concerns of employees, Activision Blizzard chief later stepped down in the wake of a sexual harassment lawsuit.

A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A NEW HORIZON

With women making up half of Australians online gaming community it’s no surprise that there are so many awesome trailblazers carving a space for themselves.

Discussions around what the future may hold following the recent troubles are ongoing. But these conversations continue to inspire more and more people to come forward and stand up for their rights in this beloved space that in so many ways promotes inclusion.

This week on Ticker gaming we were joined by the Founder of Attack on geek and Women of Xbox – Dhayana (Her followers will know her as @MissDeusGeek – https://twitter.com/MissDeusGeek )

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