Gaming Backlash: Why Women Leads Still Cause Outrage

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In its finest form, gaming serves as a bridge for uniting individuals from all walks of life. This is the essence of Dames 4 Games, a series showcasing the creations of women and those identifying within the gender spectrum in the video game industry. However, the existence of Dames 4 Games underscores that the industry still has room for growth, asserts its founder.

Recently, Founder Destinee Cleveland shared her thoughts on the objectives of Dames 4 Games with Game Rant, in preparation for their March 5 event marking the start of Women’s History Month. Generally, she feels that the industry is moving in a positive direction, but acknowledges there is still much progress to be made.

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Destinee Cleveland, founder of Dames 4 Games, spoke to Game Rant about their aims for the upcoming March 5 event, which launches Women’s History Month. Overall, she believes that the industry is on the right track but recognizes there is still significant room for improvement.

The Inevitability of the Backlash

One evident indication that gaming spaces could benefit from further development is the recurring controversy that arises whenever the main character is not a white male. This reaction, which can be anticipated like a clock’s ticking, resonates with many voices within the industry. Although Cleveland perceives this trend as gradually improving, it doesn’t surprise him when a game like Intergalactic, featuring a woman of color as the protagonist, sparks certain segments of the internet to ignite torches and brandish pitchforks.

Growing up as a Black woman in the South, I’ve become accustomed to the pushback on certain issues. It’s no longer shocking, but rather disappointing when such occurrences happen. For instance, when they unveiled ‘Intergalactic’, there was yet another wave of backlash. It seems as if we anticipate this reaction, and it only fuels my determination to fight even harder…For the release of ‘Intergalactic’, I was particularly thrilled. I get excited whenever I see a Black female character in a game because such representation is not common.

For Cleveland, it’s incredibly significant to see characters like the lead in Intergalactic, who is a Black woman, as it mirrors her own identity. Even games with imperfections such as Forspoken carry importance for her due to their representation. It’s about recognition and resonance, finding oneself reflected in the protagonist’s role. Stories that spotlight characters a marginalized person can relate to hold power, largely because they are rare deviations from the usual norm. Cleveland notes that these departures from the norm may be part of why there is resistance or backlash towards them.

To her, it’s significant that the industry is now more inclusively casting women, especially women of color, in main roles without resorting to excessive sexualization – a practice often seen in early versions of characters like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider or Tifa Lockheart from Final Fantasy 7. She believes this shift, as we see more diverse leading ladies like Aloy (Horizon), Kay Vess (Star Wars Outlaws), and Jordan Mun (Intergalactic) become common in AAA games, will gradually reduce the backlash as these characters are given equal status to their male counterparts.

It’s not only women who experience pushback; queer individuals, people of various cultures, racial minorities, and others advocating for representation also encounter resistance within the AAA gaming industry.

A World That Doesn’t Need Dames 4 Games

One reason Dames 4 Games was established is to ensure marginalized voices, particularly women, become more prominent in mainstream gaming. Ideally, the organization aims for a future where women are so integrated within gaming, both as characters and creators, that Dames 4 Games becomes obsolete. In an ideal world, game protagonists reflect all segments of society, making representation-focused events like Dames 4 Games unnecessary. The gaming industry is gradually moving in this direction, according to Cleveland. Although women represent almost half of gamers, they are still underrepresented in the AAA sector and often subjected to harassment. However, it’s indie studios that are leading the way when it comes to progress and representation, asserts Cleveland.

I believe AAA is moving towards becoming more forward-thinking, however, the independent scene truly excels. It’s teeming with amazing women and gender non-conforming individuals supporting one another. Not only our group benefits, but male allies are also lifting us up, which is remarkable…It’s not just us amplifying our voices, it’s also our allies doing so, making our message stronger. While it’s not perfect yet, it’s definitely improved compared to five years ago and there’s still room for improvement as a society.

It’s important to note that AAA studios aren’t standing still. With games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield offering more options for character customization regarding gender identity, and titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Intergalactic promoting positive representation of marginalized communities, the gaming industry is progressing, step by careful step. As she put it…

As a gamer and an advocate for equality, I dream of a future where events like Dames 4 Games aren’t necessary. It might sound strange, but I yearn for a time when the gaming industry workforce is balanced, where it’s not exceptional to see women in prominent roles. A time when we don’t need special showcases to highlight female creators because their presence and contributions are inherent and recognized.

I adore organizing Dames 4 Games and sharing these inspiring stories, but I do so because there was a void that needed to be filled. Perhaps if more people take up the mantle, we won’t need events like this anymore. After all, it’s becoming increasingly clear that women are crafting amazing games in the industry. So, that’s my hope – a future where the talent and creativity of women in gaming is celebrated not as an exception, but as the norm.

At present, Cleveland along with the Dames 4 Games crew intends to host events that celebrate women in the field. The upcoming Dames 4 Games event is scheduled for March 5, and another one is planned for the summer too.

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2025-03-04 02:27