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Writing Assignment
The issue of #GamerGate came to the forefront in the gaming industry in 2012, creating the first major ideological and philosophical divide within the industry that continues today. #GamerGate was related to video game publishers paying for positive reviews and issues of gender equality within the gaming community and the journalists that cover that community.
Yet years after #GamerGate, there is a deep scar remaining on our culture. New York Times opinion writer Charlie Warzel argues that the ultimate lesson of #GamerGate infects our current politics: “that there’s a sinister power afforded to those brazen enough to construct their own false realities and foist them on others.”
Watch
Here are two videos that seek to explain and understand the issue. Watch both of these videos that are interviews with prominent individuals on the issue that still remains a significant issue within the video game industry.
Milo Yiannopoulos Exposes Gamergate (13:26)
Christina Hoff Sommers on Gamergate and Cultural Libertarians (17:32)
Instructions
Answer the following questions from this week’s reading and module information. Remember to answer each question completely, and support with sources. Proper college-level writing is expected. Proof-read for proper mechanics and grammar.
Most electronic games have a white, male, heterosexual point of view. Why do you think that is? If you were a game developer, what kinds of game narratives would you like to see developed?
The digital gaming industry has sparked controversy over the addictive quality of video games in addition to

raising the alarm about violent and misogynistic content and issues of representation. Are these topics problematic for the gaming industry? Why or why not?
What to Submit to Canvas
Your Word document with all questions fully and thoughtfully answered.
The assignment should be at least 300 words in length (though you should feel free to exceed this word count, if needed, to make the strongest possible response).
Your assignment should include at least three, different cited sources (such as your textbook, a news article from a credible organization or an academic study). The textbook, for example, will count as one source even if you cite it three times. Please cite the source within the body of your assignment and also include a works-cited list at the end of your assignment. Please click here for writing and citation guidelines.
The following note applies to each and every assignment: The goal is to have ongoing discussion and dialog. Superficial short answers are not acceptable; aim for thoughtful, comprehensive responses. College-level writing, proper spelling, mechanics and grammar are expected in all your responses and factored into your grade.
Learning Objectives
By completing this assignment, you will be able to meet these learning objectives:
Analyze media consumption through personal bias, accessibility, and the creators of content
Analyze the impacts of media
Describe the role of the medium in culture
Describe the moral obligation of media
Cite references in the approved course style
Develop clear, cogent explanations directly related to topics inherent to mass media