What and who represent the prosaically-named "Gamergate" movement is probably lost forever at this moment, buried under narrative and counter-narrative.
You'll hear sensational reports from both the Gamergate and anti-Gamergate movements, but the truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. One narrative explains that Gamergate exists solely to fight back against corruption and nepotism in the video game media, but I think that obscures a very important fact: that Gamergate was a movement rooted in the attempt to maintain the status quo. It wasn't simply about journalistic integrity; it was about keeping social criticism and political ideas out of the video game industry.
Another narrative explains that the so-called anti-Gamergate movement is simply trying to draw attention to social and cultural problems in the video game industry. Again, this fails to address the reality that many who criticize sexism, racism, bullying, and misogyny in the video game sub-culture are doing so to advance their own political agenda, and not to effect any serious reform in this medium we all hold dear.
And then there are trolls on both sides, who co-opt the conversation and confuse the debate.
In a way I'm sympathetic and hostile toward both sides. For those who subscribe to Gamergate, I understand 1) the desire to play games in peace and 2) wariness about the politicization of video gaming. And yet I think having an open, honest discussion about the cultural impact and legacy of video games is a conversation worth having.
For those who subscribe to anti-Gamergate, I appreciate the wide-angle view that games, like all media, do not exist in a vacuum; and that they are fair game when it comes to social criticism. Yet, I believe that the vast majority of video game enthusiasts are well-adjusted, well-meaning, respectful, fun-loving people that don't deserve to be lumped together with a fringe group of misanthropes who spew racist, homophobic, and sexist ideas.
So, it's a complex issue with many different layers. And it can't be summarized - let alone solved - in a sound bite.
Just my two cents.
