One Year of #GamerGate: The Shared Twitter Link as Emblem of Masculinist Gamer Identity

Abstract

Since the #GamerGate controversy erupted in 2014, anti-feminist gamers continue to lash out at feminists and supporters of progressive and inclusive gaming content. A key strategy in this discourse is the sharing of content via links on Twitter, which accompany messages positioning the sender on either side of the debate. Through qualitative analysis of a data set drawn from 1,311 tweets from 2016 to 2017, we argue that tweeted links are a salient tool for signaling affiliation with gaming communities. For anti-feminist gamers, the tweeted link defines masculinist gamer identity and constructs social boundaries against the increasing diversification of video game culture reflected in higher overall rates of feminist tweets. Links can be construed as revelatory of boundary work and thus can help shed insight on the extent to which #GamerGate discourse was intended to defend gaming culture as an exclusively masculine space.

Uncovering the Meaning: Exploring Semantic Differences in US Perceptions of “Gamer” and Game Players

“…This hegemony is said to be reinforced within the gaming culture in multiple ways. Critics argue that the majority of mainstream games are male-centric in terms of content (e.g., sports and violence), development, and marketing (Anthropy, 2012; Dowling et al, 2019; Evans & Janish, 2015; Euteneuer, 2016; Ochsner, 2019) and often lack diverse representations (Gardner & Tanenbaum, 2018; Passmore, Yates, Birk, & Mandryk, 2017), including a shortage of LGBTQ games and characters (Condis, 2015; Evans & Janish, 2015; Shaw, 2012). While the increase in casual games is seen as having the potential to broaden and diversify the gaming audience, some have argued that changing the gaming culture also requires more than just a diversity of games—it requires changes in group representations within those games (Cote, 2018).…”

“…These so-called “hardcore” gamers, with their emphasis on technical mastery as coin of the realm, are also said to contribute to the masculine gaming culture (Newman & Vanderhoef, 2016). The emphasis on technological mastery aligns with masculine notions of strength and domination, offering privilege within the group to those who possess it (Dowling et al, 2019; Taylor, 2012). The emphasis on technological mastery and skill is a tenet of the so-called “geek” or “nerd” culture (Burrill, 2008; Salter & Blodgett, 2017).…”

“…Among gamers, perceptions that members believe so-called “outsiders” have about them can influence self-perceptions about the group and its relations with external actors. Identities, including the stereotypical “gamer” identity, can serve as a source of mobilization even if the underlying morality of the group identity does not align with societal norms (Dowling et al, 2019; Lamont, 2000). For example, the discourse surrounding the GamerGate controversy demonstrated how perceived critiques of the gamer identity can both mobilize a group and lead to increased hostility and even threats of violence toward those perceived as outsiders (Dowling et al, 2019; Evans & Janish, 2015; Myers, 2019; Steltenpohl, Reed, & Keys, 2018).…”

“…Identities, including the stereotypical “gamer” identity, can serve as a source of mobilization even if the underlying morality of the group identity does not align with societal norms (Dowling et al, 2019; Lamont, 2000). For example, the discourse surrounding the GamerGate controversy demonstrated how perceived critiques of the gamer identity can both mobilize a group and lead to increased hostility and even threats of violence toward those perceived as outsiders (Dowling et al, 2019; Evans & Janish, 2015; Myers, 2019; Steltenpohl, Reed, & Keys, 2018). Initially perceived as a debate over ethics in game journalism, the GamerGate controversy resulted in pushback by traditionally stereotypical gamers against perceived efforts to expand and diversify gaming culture (Evans & Janish, 2015).…”

“…Despite recognition of positive gaming outcomes, prior scholarship has also identified the negative effects of gaming culture. These negative effects include the potential for hegemonic masculinity (Schelfhout et al, 2019), online harassment (Xue, Newman, & Du, 2019), racism (e.g., Ortiz, 2019), sex stereotyping (e.g., Ivory, Fox, Wadell, & Ivory, 2014), and gender discrimination (Dowling, Goetz, & Lathrop, 2019; Schelfhout et al, 2019), all of which have been at least partially attributed to self-reinforcing gamer stereotypes. As gaming has become more social and more diversified in conjunction with wider societal movements toward tolerance and acceptance, the persistence of traditionally stereotypical perceptions and behaviors remains a negative aspect of gaming culture.…”