David Wolinsky and Samantha Close on What We Learned from #Gamergate

In this episode, David Wolinsky, author of The Hivemind Swarmed: Conversations on Gamergate, the Aftermath, and the Quest for a Safer Internet, and Sam Close, Assistant Professor at DePaul University College of Communication, join us to unpack systemic challenges in the video game industry. From gender and racial discrimination to toxic workplace culture, they highlight the need for moral courage, ethical decision-making, and structural changes to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.

The discussion revisits key moments like Gamergate, a flashpoint that exposed deep-seated harassment, and explores movements like the "girls game movement" that sought to empower women in gaming. Despite progress through women-led initiatives and increased awareness, the industry continues to grapple with significant barriers to inclusion and diversity.

Here are some of the references from this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper:

The Hivemind Swarmed: Conversations on Gamergate, the Aftermath, and the Quest for a Safer Internet

Gamergate - Wikipedia
Gamergate | Summary, Facts, & Zoe Quinn | Britannica
What Gamergate should have taught us about the 'alt-right'

Atari founder Nolan Bushnell on why life is 'a game'

Purple Moon

What makes a AAA game a AAA game?

Party Like It's 1995: The Rise and Fall of the Girl Game
The ‘Girl Games’ of the ’90s Were Fun and Feminist

The Three Theories of Criminal Justice

Conclave on IMDb, official trailer

Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, drops F-bomb

Metacritic

Books Mentioned:

Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire L. Evans

From Barbie to Mortal Kombat: Gender and Computer Games, edited by Justine Cassell and Henry Jenkins

Games Mentioned:

Hunt The Wumpus

Play the original Super Mario Bros Game Online

List of LucasArts games

Play Monkey Island Collection on Steam

The official home for The Legend of Zelda - Home

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