Video games have a problem and it's not resolution or frames per second. It's how our industry caters heavily toward one single demographic. While video games impart a great deal of personal ownership over an experience, we've ignored the very real responsibility we have to creating an open and welcoming medium for all people.
It's time to take control. It's time to #BanBabesFromE3.
As a kid, I always dreamed of attending the Electronic Entertainment Expo. I wanted to cover the show as part of the media or debut my own game, but now I feel like staying at home.
It's terrible that gamers default to the same names that probably hurt them badly in school and it's horrifying that the people behind your favorite video games continue a practice that has no real benefit to their business, because why? Tradition?! These two negative trends are more deeply connected than we think.
- Do booth babes add to the video game coverage you read at home?
- Do bloated marketing budgets allow developers to continue innovating?
- Do skimpy school girls at E3 make Duke Nukem Forever a better game?
Let's start a revolution. Let's start a dialog about booth babes now, in the comments, on Twitter, on Facebook, and in the forums that dominate gaming culture.
- #BanBabesFromE3 to change the portrayal of gamers to mainstream media that label us disaffected losers. Click to tweet this message.
- #BanBabesFromE3 and create a healthier and more positive working environment for all professionals at gaming's biggest conference. Click to tweet this message.
- #BanBabesFromE3 and shed the misguided stereotype that the gamer is an 18-36 year old man with an unending appetite for destruction. Click to tweet this message.
- #BanBabesFromE3 and ensure that gaming can continue to grow with a market of consumers from all demographics, ages, and backgrounds. Click to tweet this message.
Booth babes cannot be allowed to represent women in the industry any longer, as there are countless female developers, executives, and players helping to shape the medium today. Allowing the practice to continue would be tantamount to turning varied and progressive talent away from our industry. E3, and by definition the video game industry, would be a better place if this message was made clear by policy.
Tweet this message to your favorite developers and specifically to the following individuals:
@E3 – The official twitter account of E3.
@RichatESA – Senior VP of the Entertainment Software Association
@VideoGameVoters – Lobbying organization for the ESA
E-mail esa@theesa.com to share your opinion or post it to the ESA's E3 Facebook.
Please, #BanBabesFromE3. Tweet about this during GDC and show your support for a safe and inclusive E3 this summer.
