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GamerGate
​The original movement from 2014

Just to note, I am not familiar with the original GamerGate. The description and history is from what I have found about it online. If I am missing key elements ot anything is incorrect feel free to email me at dontexpectareply@gamergate2.org

Unraveling GamerGate: The 2014 Controversy That Shook the Gaming World

In 2014, the gaming community found itself at the epicenter of a contentious battle that would later be known as GamerGate, a movement ostensibly focused on ethics in video game journalism but quickly devolving into a broader cultural conflict. This article explores the origins, key events, and the significant impact of this movement.

Origins of GamerGate

GamerGate's inception can be traced back to August 2014 when Eron Gjoni, the former partner of indie game developer Zoe Quinn, published a blog post titled "The Zoe Post." This post detailed their breakup and accused Quinn of unethical behavior, including a supposed exchange of sex for favorable game reviews, specifically with Nathan Grayson, a journalist at Kotaku. These allegations, though later debunked—Grayson never reviewed Quinn's game Depression Quest — sparked a firestorm of online harassment directed at Quinn.

The controversy rapidly escalated, fueled by discussions on platforms like Reddit and 4chan. The term "Quinnspiracy" morphed into the hashtag "#GamerGate," coined by actor Adam Baldwin. While some participants framed the movement as a critique of journalistic ethics, it became evident that its core was rooted in a backlash against diversity and progressive voices in gaming.

Escalation and Harassment

Zoe Quinn, along with other prominent women in gaming, including feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian and developer Brianna Wu, faced relentless harassment. This included doxxing (the release of personal information), death threats, and coordinated abuse campaigns. Sarkeesian was forced to cancel a speaking event at Utah State University due to a massacre threat, while Wu, after having her personal details exposed, left her home for safety reasons.

The harassment highlighted a broader resistance to diversity and inclusion in gaming. Sarkeesian’s critiques of gender representation in games and Wu’s outspoken advocacy for inclusivity made them primary targets for GamerGate supporters.

The Debate Over Ethics and Identity

Ethics in Journalism:
While some GamerGate supporters genuinely advocated for transparency in gaming journalism, their efforts were overshadowed by the movement's association with harassment. Reputable outlets like Kotaku and Polygon updated their policies to address concerns about disclosure and transparency, though many of these policies were already in place.


Crisis of Identity:
GamerGate also reflected a perceived crisis in gaming culture. Some participants argued that journalists and developers were colluding to push "social justice" narratives, challenging traditional gamer identity. Articles like Leigh Alexander’s Gamasutra piece "'Gamers' Don’t Have to Be Your Audience. 'Gamers' Are Over" fueled backlash, as they were interpreted as dismissive of the gamer community.


The Gamer's Perspective

From a gamer’s perspective, GamerGate was a response to several underlying frustrations within the community. Many gamers felt that their hobby and identity were being unfairly criticized and misrepresented by media outlets and cultural critics.

Concerns Over Ethics in Journalism:
Gamers initially rallied behind the GamerGate hashtag as a call for accountability in gaming journalism. They believed that personal relationships between developers and journalists could lead to biased coverage and that some outlets were failing to disclose potential conflicts of interest. The Zoe Post controversy, although later debunked, acted as a flashpoint, feeding into these broader concerns.


Fear of Losing Gamer Identity:
The gaming community was undergoing significant cultural shifts in 2014. New voices, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from diverse backgrounds, were contributing to the industry and its narratives. While this enriched the gaming space, some gamers perceived it as an attack on their established identity. They worried that traditional gaming values were being overshadowed by a focus on social justice issues, leading to fears of alienation within their own community.


Mistrust of Media Narratives:
Many gamers felt that the media misrepresented their concerns, portraying GamerGate solely as a harassment campaign while ignoring valid critiques of journalistic practices. This created a sense of being unfairly vilified, which further polarized the community. Gamers who genuinely sought reform in gaming journalism felt drowned out by the focus on harassment scandals.


It’s important to note that the gaming community itself was not monolithic during GamerGate. While some supported the movement for its purported ethical goals, others condemned the harassment associated with it. Many gamers distanced themselves entirely, recognizing the harm it caused to individuals and the broader community.

Social and Cultural Impact

GamerGate’s influence extended beyond the gaming world, serving as an early example of how internet subcultures could mobilize to target individuals and spread misinformation. The movement exploited social media algorithms, using hashtags and dog-whistling techniques to recruit supporters and deflect criticism. Platforms like Twitter and YouTube struggled to moderate the abuse effectively.

Politically, GamerGate is often cited as a precursor to larger cultural and ideological conflicts in the 2010s, including the rise of the alt-right and increased polarization in online discourse. Figures associated with GamerGate later emerged in other controversial movements, amplifying its lasting significance.

Responses and Aftermath

Gaming companies, journalists, and advocacy groups condemned the harassment and called for greater accountability. The controversy spurred conversations about diversity and inclusion in gaming, though some individuals continued to defend GamerGate as a legitimate critique of journalistic practices.

The movement also highlighted the vulnerabilities of digital platforms in managing harassment and misinformation. In response, there were calls for better safeguards against online abuse and initiatives to foster a more inclusive gaming environment.


GamerGate remains a contentious chapter in gaming history, illustrating the power and pitfalls of internet culture. While its origins may have stemmed from specific grievances, the movement’s legacy is defined by its role in perpetuating harassment and resistance to progress. Understanding GamerGate is essential for recognizing the dynamics of modern internet culture and the ongoing challenges of navigating online communities.

Reference links

GamerGate was a significant event in 2014 that had a lasting impact on the gaming industry and online culture. Here are some key references that provide detailed insights into the origins, key events, and implications of GamerGate:
  • Britannica's Overview of GamerGate: This article offers a concise summary of the GamerGate campaign, highlighting its origins, key figures, and the broader cultural implications.
Encyclopædia Britannica
  • In Media Res - A Very Brief History of GamerGate, 2012-2016: This piece provides a timeline of events related to GamerGate, focusing on the harassment campaigns and their impact on the gaming community.
Mediacommons
  • Vox - What We Still Haven't Learned from Gamergate: An analysis of the lessons from GamerGate and its enduring influence on internet culture and harassment tactics.
Vox
  • Wikipedia - Gamergate (Harassment Campaign): A comprehensive overview of the GamerGate controversy, detailing its origins, key events, and the individuals involved.
Wikipedia
  • Wired - Gamergate's Aggrieved Men Still Haunt the Internet: An exploration of how the sentiments from GamerGate continue to influence online harassment and political movements.
Wired
  • Wired - Gamergate's Legacy Lives on in Attacks Against Kamala Harris: This article discusses how the tactics from GamerGate are being used in political attacks, exemplifying its lasting impact.
Wired
  • Wired - Assassin's Creed Shadows and How 'DEI' Became Gamergate 2.0's Rallying Cry: An examination of how diversity initiatives in gaming are facing backlash reminiscent of GamerGate.
Wired
These sources provide a comprehensive understanding of GamerGate, its origins, key events, and its lasting impact on both the gaming industry and broader online culture.
Recent Analyses on GamerGate's Lasting Impact

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https://thezoepost.wordpress.com/
https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/people/zoe-quinn
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