130°

It’s ok to leave out the gay (an open letter)

HEAVEmedia pleads with game developers to nix the idea of adding gay characters to games and argues the gaming community has not reached the level of maturity to adequately deal with themes outside of their collective comfort zone.

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heavemedia.com
CustardTrout4328d ago

People should learn that there's no issue with it from an early age really.
This is an interesting read because you're not saying that it's wrong, you're saying people are too stupid.

The Mass Effect 3 Google thing is a bit irrelevant, when Star Trek first came out there was a lot of controversy over A: Women being on the ship and B: Multiple cultures on the ship, it's something we should welcome really.

I think developers should stand their ground, if a small portion of gamers don't like it then they can take on the nearest beholder with a bum plug.

popculturedude4328d ago

I really think the biggest problem is with that small portion of the gaming community also being the most vocal. They are the ones you hear because they scream the loudest. It's become a playground mentality (or, you know, political mentality).

cnshards4328d ago

We can't wait for the gaming community to "mature" enough to allow equal representation because without pressure, it's not going to change. We have always had to MAKE social change happen. It doesn't just happen on its own.

Tired4328d ago

Hang on, so future titles who may have planned to include a gay character shouldn't.... JUST in case a young homosexual sees a comment written about it by a homophobe and takes that comment to heart?

WOW, I'd never thought about it before but your COMPLETELY right. I've never heard a bad word about 'the gays' in real life...so the tiny homo is bound to feel safe and nurtured now that s/he won't come into contact with meanies.

Next let's remove the Black characters because I've read on the interweb people say all kinds of nasty things about them.

And women, then we should cut out the women.

That will leave just muscular men on our screens who will flex their burly muscles at each other after shooting/wrestling/strangling other burly men.

Oh....seems a bit gay really.

popculturedude4328d ago

Hawkboi, the gaming community is not society. We have a choice to be part of the community or not to be. We can agree that people say incredibly mean and small-minded things in real life AND in the gaming community. Unfortunately, the community is run by those people and they are not about to have their minds changed.

Tired4328d ago

That's BULL. I've never heard such rubbish. Explain to me how I am not society. How is the gaming community is not society. How is a group made up of different ages, colours, religions, nationalities, sexes and socio-economic backgrounds not be society? It's probably the best cross-section you could get.

'We choose to be part...or not.' WHAT? What is the point your making? Gamers choose to live outside of society? Do we now have to ignore laws and not pay taxes? or I choose to be part of the gaming community so therefore the gaming community is not homophobic. I just don't know what you mean to say sorry.

'are not about to have their minds changed' OH REALLY? Well not by YOU obviously, If your the author of this piece you should probably lay on the floor and just invite bigots to jump on it.

Changing peoples minds is as easy as meeting them and engaging them on an emotional level. I've been doing it my whole life.

I will agree that as a gay man, seeing any of these pixelated pillocks prance about my screen makes me cringe....I hate it, I hate them, I hate the way it's written and I hate the way it's implemented. BUT IT'S NECESSARY on the way to change. As we battle for basic acceptance and in many places basic human rights or even the right to keep on living, having a presence in the gaming sphere at all is a massive accomplishment. It will take decades of rubbish gay characters before we get one we can be proud of. TOUGH! DEAL WITH IT! Just like black/gay people in films were all stereotypes, it will take time.

You call yourself popculturedude...HOW DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND HOW POPULAR CULTURE WORKS? The sheer number of things the media and the like have drip fed us over the years until it became acceptable is unfathomable. How can you claim it'll never work? Not in our generation no...but the seeds have been set. How old are you? From your pic you look old enough to be capable of cognitive reasoning.

'Best not try'?
That statement alone made me feel FU*KING sick.
Those stonewall rioters...should've told them not to bother right?
All those campaigners people who were tortured/killed/ridiculed. Just so you wont be put in prison anymore for having sex.
Tell them thanks for all that but you know? best not to try.

You should be ashamed of yourself and your article.
And I hope, no impressionable young homo, ever takes YOUR advice.

popculturedude4327d ago

Thank you for the personal attack and proving my point that the gaming community is not at a point where we can engage in a mature, objective discourse on this subject. That is the point I attempted (failed?) to get across in the article. I would love to live in a world where being gay is a complete non-issue, but I don't and the gaming community in particular is one place where being gay is downright vilified. As I said in the article, this is about picking our battles. I would rather see women given a modicum of respect in the gaming community and focus my efforts on larger issues in the gay community. Gay game characters fall so low on that list.

aliengmr4327d ago

Gay characters in games may be a low priority but they should still exist. IMO the acceptance of the gay community is different than that of women or even other races. Not that one is more important that the other, but require different approaches. I would like to elaborate but I can't find the exact words at the moment and don't want to be misunderstood.

Suffice to say that I believe the gay community is unique (NOT more or less important, so we are clear) in how it will eventually become accepted. Gay characters games are important in that regard. It shouldn't be forced, but not shied away from regardless of it importance compared to other groups.

I don't agree that it should be set aside just to focus on other groups or because the gaming community is too immature. Its just going to take time.

Dark_king4327d ago

I really don't see how it hurts anyone having gay characters in games.Games are a medium that should cover all cultures.If it offends you don't buy it.If someone says something about it that upsets you,ignore it.

The world is full of idiots letting them upset you over something like your sexual preference shows you haven't come to accept it yourself.I don't see one reason in this article to remove or not include gay characters.

Think what you want,say what you want and believe what you want.I will do the same.

Now saying gamer's are not mature enough to discuss this shows your general lack of knowledge about the gaming community.Were not all children in fact more of the gaming community are adults capable of rational discussion then children.An you just flat out said they are not capable of discussing this subject.I find that more offensive then a few people shooting there mouths off bashing gays.

Tired4327d ago

Wow. If you thought that was a personal attack you must be one of the kids that needs to be sheltered from the internet like you said.

I attacked your article and your stance on most things, but at no point did I 'attack' you as a person. I have attacked your opinion because there is no sound logic or attempted reasoning behind it.

You claim you want objective discourse...yet you fail to remain objective citing that I attacked you. So your also unable to take the high road. At no point have you attempted to make a rebuttal to ANY of the points I raised or to clarify the points that you made previously. Which can only lead me to assume that A) Only YOU are incapable of finding flaw with my reasoning. or B) That I'm right.

Out of your article and TWO responses you've yet clarify what you meant by gamers being out of society. What you've stated repeatedly is nonsensical. The premise itself makes no sense. I'm thinking your not entirely sure of the difference between (or the roles of) society and community, and how they interplay.

Your opinions seem not to be based in fact...which is a little strange. You failed to make a counter argument to the FACT that TV and games can have a drastic impact on how people perceive characters yet to encountered in 'real life'. Soap operas have been doing it for decades. It's subversive social education for the stupid classes.

The Greeks invented Drama as a means of education, it was compulsory for each and every citizen to watch. Much of what they showed were social conundrums at the time, which forced the watcher to ask questions and make his/her own mind up. Much in the way the inclusion of these gay characters have done.

We have over 2260 years to back up the case I made. The FACT of it is taught in universities across the globe. What is it your basing YOUR argument for never changing peoples minds on? Because you've yet to justify your sweeping generalisation.

'I would rather see women given a modicum of respect in the gaming community'

You can do what you like. Go fight for womens lib. But then why post an article ASKING for other people not to champion a cause that affects you. Live and let live, but you told them to stop. That's why I feel the need to point out the stupidity of your statements.

Womens/Black rights have been fought over for the last hundred years and more and have only made significant leaps in the last few decades. The gay rights movement is pretty much in it's infancy. There has only been a gaming community for 20 or so years. These things take time and perseverance and sometimes repeated FAILURE before they start to work. To tell people not to bother is ludicrous.

HOW NAIVE ARE YOU?

Your total lack of history knowledge is startling. Your inability to comprehend how social change EVER came about in the first place is astounding. Your assumption that these things 'just are' and we should leave them like that is sodding moronic.

'I would rather... focus my efforts on larger issues in the gay community.'
Really? I'm dying to find out YOUR plans for improving life for the gays. how are YOU going to fight for my rights? Given from what I've seen of you so far....'best not to try'
Maybe leave it to people who know what they are doing.

popculturedude4327d ago

....sigh.... I really thought this was a modest proposal.

Also, this would be a personal attack: Your total lack of history knowledge is startling. Your inability to comprehend how social change EVER came about in the first place is astounding. Your assumption that these things 'just are' and we should leave them like that is sodding moronic

And yeah, the fact that one of my best friends killed himself after being harassed online has me thinking some people need protection. I guess you would probably just be glad he's dead since he wasn't "fighting for your rights" but rather just trying to live in a world that hates him. Thanks, man. You really showed me how much the gay community cares about those who just want to survive.

H4WKBOI4327d ago

Ok personal attacks aside...why have you still not replied to ANY of the points I made? Because you can't?

All you've done is try to twist the argument.

I have yet to see you make a solitary statement that backs up ANY of your argument. Point out I'm being mean to you as much as you like...but why can't you dispute anything I've said in regards to your statements?

Why do you keep putting your fingers in your ears and saying lala can't hear you! You know that just means I won. So come on, I'm waiting to hear what you have to say.

Your piece was NEVER about the need to protect the vulnerable. You barely mention it. You spend more time talking about women. So don't give me that. And quite frankly it's a completely different topic.

YOUR PIECE WAS ABOUT THE REMOVAL OF GAY CHARACTERS FROM VIDEO GAMES. I pointed out that your reasoning was flawed...you've yet to change my mind...I'm willing for you to wow me...but all you've done is say he attacked me!

Why don't you start from the beginning and put me straight....If you're capable.

'And yeah, the fact that one of my best friends killed himself after being harassed online has me thinking some people need protection.'

How does not kissing a digital representation protect anyone online? If you were that worried about it you wouldn't be talking about gay rights or women being treated fairly on the web or gay men in games. You would be talking about the removal of anonymity from the web, better grievance reporting...or proper parental supervision.

'I guess you would probably just be glad he's dead since he wasn't "fighting for your rights" but rather just trying to live in a world that hates him.'
I don't really care who wants to fight for my rights or not. But I trust your sad, lonely friend who appeared to have no-one (including you) to turn to...didn't spend his spare time trying to convince people who didn't hate him that they shouldn't bother. in fact perhaps if they'd all done it a few years earlier the world might be nicer and your 'friend' might still be with us.

'Thanks, man. You really showed me how much the gay community cares about those who just want to survive.'
That statement is inflammatory and completely without basis. A last ditch attempt to twist a knife. Water off a ducks back.

I will happily concede if you beat me with reasoning. People do it to me all the time. You have failed on every level to do so. Kinda making your entire article invalid.

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250°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

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theverge.com
darthv7221h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle8h ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic18815h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio5h ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning7726m ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga7h ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

shinoff21836h ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga5h ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan1h ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

romulus2336m ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv7224m ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 24m ago
purple10110h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos10h ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

XBManiac9h ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad9h ago(Edited 9h ago)

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple1018h ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos8h ago(Edited 8h ago)

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic6h ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead5m ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5m ago
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140°

Why Monopolies In Gaming Must Not Be Allowed

As of right now, there are no monopolies in the games industry, and for the sake of the medium as a whole, they never should either.

thorstein19h ago

Shouldn't be allowed in any field.

Inverno16h ago

And yet the biggest tech companies in America are essentially that. They buy up all the small comps only to kill them off and steal what they have, and if they can't buy em they bleed them to death.

jwillj2k414h ago

Eventually they’ll realize the value is with the employee not the company. Buying an IP means nothing if the people who contributed are let go. They’ll get it one day.

MrCrimson14h ago

tech is different because they buy threats and then kill them. Twitter bought Vine and did nothing with it. Despite people seemingly liking it. Could've had tiktok a decade before bytedance. go figure.

Zenzuu15h ago

Monopolies shouldn't be allowed regardless. Not just for gaming.

MrCrimson14h ago

They buy IPs not talent. That's why these buyouts never work and the IPs die. Right now it's too expensive to develop games - but I expect that to shift maybe as AI tools can make it easier. The best games have been indie games for awhile as big developers fuck their ips to death with "games as a service" -

70°

5 Of The Best Narrative Twists In Video Games

GL compiles a list of some of the most mind-blowing video game narrative twists in recent memory, from The Last of Us to Outer Wilds

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gameluster.com
Rebel_Scum19h ago

With articles like these cant you tag the games mentioned so that we can know ahead of time if there’s a spoiler to avoid?

Not clicking on your article otherwise.