Tell gaming companies: Enough with sexism and misogyny!
To gaming companies:
Stop fueling sexism and misogyny, and make your video games and platforms more inclusive!
Why is this important?
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is the gaming company behind popular video games such as Madden NFL, The Sims series, and games based on the Star Wars franchise. And EA just took an important step forward to make the gaming industry more inclusive and less sexist.1
In the latest release of EA's globally popular soccer game, which allows gamers to play as their favorite player and for their favorite team, the company will now allow gamers to create mixed teams.
EA's decision to push forward with its plans to add mixed gender teams to its gameplay, despite the sexist backlash by some gamers, is a clear reminder that no matter the industry ... skill. is. not. gendered.2
But more work needs to be done to make gaming a safe place for everyone, not just men. And one immediate step that companies can take is to make their games more inclusive.
Sources:
1. Hit soccer video game adds mixed-gender teams, sheds FIFA name, Tech Xplore, September 27, 2023
2. 'EA Sports FC 24' shrugs off sexist fans arguing over female players, NME, July 19, 2023,
3. WE NEED MORE STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS IN GAME ART & DESIGN ROLES, Women in Games, March 3, 2023
4. Is the video games industry finally reckoning with sexism?, the Guardian, July 22, 2020