Man the gaming industry is quite the shit show these days. Discussions about diversity and inclusion are both necessary and welcomed, but require some serious thought and tact. These conversations are crucial in creating a more inclusive space that reflects the vast and diverse audience that enjoys video games. However, the approach to such discussions can significantly impact the message's reception and the broader dialogue about inclusion in gaming, especially if it doesn't hit the mark.
A recent tweet by Kelly Lombardi, Global Product Marketing Manager, Xbox at Microsoft, illustrates the delicate balance required in these conversations.
Lombardi's tweet stated:
"Raise your hand if you're not a white man and you buy video games (No hate to white dudes, it's just another day in the gaming industry that minorities have to fight to prove they exist)."
This message, intended to highlight the diversity within the gaming community, instead came across as a divisive statement to some, particularly white men, who felt excluded and indirectly disparaged by the framing of the message. It's a reminder that the wording in discussions about diversity and representation matters immensely. While the intent might be to emphasize the presence and significance of minority groups within the gaming industry, the phrasing inadvertently alienated a portion of the community.
The backlash to Lombardi's tweet was swift, with users like MadamSavy questioning the necessity of the tweet's phrasing and pointing out inaccuracies regarding demographic assumptions within the gaming community.
MadamSavy's response:
"Why did you feel the need to phrase the tweet like this? Why can't you just say raise your hand if you like games? Are you aware the largest demographic of gamers is Asian, not white men? What fight is happening today?"
This reflects a broader discontent with how the conversation about diversity in gaming is sometimes framed.
This response highlights a critical point: the goal should be to unify rather than divide, to celebrate the diversity of the gaming community without making any group feel marginalized.
Kelly admits to gaslighting (above) in a reply to MadamSavvy, and then after that, Lombardi's follow-up tweet acknowledged the misstep, stating:
"I deleted my last tweet because it was poorly worded, lacked context and didn't accurately reflect how I feel. The gaming industry is incredibly diverse and the more voices we have creating, watching, and playing games the better. There's room for everyone."
Her weak-ass apology highlights the complexity of public discussions about diversity and the challenges in conveying nuanced thoughts within the constraints of social media. However, the decision to lock her Twitter account and put it in protected mode suggests the intensity of the backlash received, a move that underscores the volatile nature of online discourse. She isn't sorry for what she said. She's sorry she got caught. The pendulum is swinging back, and many of these types are not socially prepared.
This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in conversations about diversity and inclusion. It's crucial to acknowledge that everyone, regardless of their background, contributes to the richness of the gaming community. The aim should be to foster a culture of inclusivity where all gamers feel valued and recognized, without inadvertently alienating any group. Vara Dark sums it up well:
The gaming industry, with its global audience, has the power to bridge cultures and bring people together. As such, discussions about diversity should be approached with care, aiming to uplift and celebrate the myriad voices that make the gaming community so vibrant.
It's a delicate balance, but one that's worth striving for to ensure that the gaming world is inclusive and welcoming to all. At the rate Microsoft is going, sometimes it feels like 1 step forward, two steps back...
~Smash
