What are people's opinions on DEI in the gaming industry?

[Myrth the Plague]

PSA: THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION TO SPOUT POLITICAL NONSENSE OR HATE ANYONE! IF YOU POST IT YOU ARE NOT BEING PRODUCTIVE TO GOOD CONVERSATION AND DISCUSSION! BE RESPECTFUL AND OPEN TO HONEST PERSPECTIVES!

With that said I personally only learned of DEI recently as a organization recently. I will say DEI has very good goals and I appreciate what they are trying to do in the gaming industry. Unfortunately the implementation needs work. Here are some good examples of DEI in the gaming industry (personal opinion):
-The Last of US II
-Dragon Age: Inquisition
-Baldur's Gate 3
-Cyberpunk 2077
-Spider-Man 2

Here are some bad examples of DEI in the gaming industry (personal opinion):
-Concord
-Dragon Age: Veilguard
-Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
-Battlefield V
-Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

I should note that all the games I believe have bad examples of DEI were not all commercial failures and those that were I don't exclusively blame DEI for their failure. I would also like to note that i don't believe the games i think are good examples of DEI in gaming were successful exclusively for DEI. DEI is always good to have in game but here are some good things to keep in mind when it is included; is it accurate historically, does it effect lore or continuity, does it take focus away from the story, and does it improve the character(s) and make them more interesting.
When making a historical based game or a semi realistic game DEI should fit in with the appropriate time. If a character/person/group have a certain belief, gender, ethnicity, or orientation in one title it makes little sense that in the next title for that to change unless given a reason that feels like it appropriately fits the lore.
DEI should never be the focus of a game, the game should be the focus of the game and nothing else when anything takes the focus away from the game whether it is graphics, characters, or mechanics (i.e. controls, handling, etc.) the game is typically doomed to fail due to the focus being on on the game but an aspect of the game.
Making a character the fits DEI for the sole purpose of checking a box is wrong and almost always backfires, the mindset of "we need to have (X) character to make (X) group happy" is a horrible mindset to have and often leads to lazy writing and overall a unlikable character or game, make a character who is awesome for who they are DEI is not a personality it is apart of that person a trait if you will.
These are my honest opinions but i'd like to hear what other people think of DEI in gaming. DEI is good but i personally think it needs some work before we see games that have consistently good DEI implementation.

[D. Flame]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

Publicado originalmente por D. Flame:

Even game devs at the VGA awards show were discussing the completely out of the normal nature of the industry in 2024, at least one even referring to it as a bloodbath. No amount of mental gymnastics can classify that as "normal." The industry was literally decimated.

A company losing 80% of its value in like 5 years, also speaks to an underlying problem, and the ties are clear when even Star Wars properties are flopping.

Etc.

Gamers are clearly voting with their wallets, and we are seeing the effects come home to roost in real time.

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics.

My grandfather was 72 when he passed away. He played video games all the way until the end.

[Amaterasu]

Publicado originalmente por D. Flame:

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics.

My grandfather was 72 when he passed away. He played video games all the way until the end.

And when was this? Because people are having to work harder and longer to make ends meet, leaving less time for pleasure.

Also I'm tired of you altering my quotes.

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics. Trying to blame everything on "The woke" is, however.

Also as I said, Ubisoft has One IP with three different skins. And these games take a long time to beat and are more or less singleplayer only. People are less forgiving about this than your average Call of Duty, FIFA, or Madden, which people get to play online with friends and randos. Not to mention they are monetized to hell and back, which gamers don't like. Want to have reasonable experience gains? Fork over some more cash.

There are factors at play other than "The woke".

[D. Flame]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

Publicado originalmente por D. Flame:

My grandfather was 72 when he passed away. He played video games all the way until the end.

And when was this?

Before he passed away. I don't think he could play games after.

[Amaterasu]

Publicado originalmente por D. Flame:

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

And when was this?

Before he passed away. I don't think he could play games after.

So instead of answering the question, you evade it. And yet you claim other people are disingenuous.

[MonkehMaster]

Publicado originalmente por Boblin the Goblin:

Muscle women are a pretty standard attraction for straight men.

not at all, most like them to be feminine.

Publicado originalmente por Boblin the Goblin:

Publicado originalmente por Beta Ray Shill:

Haha. Yeah.

At least, straight men who aren't insecure about their sexuality.

so if they dont like women with muscles, they are insecure? thats not how attraction works.

[veracsthane]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

Publicado originalmente por D. Flame:

Even game devs at the VGA awards show were discussing the completely out of the normal nature of the industry in 2024, at least one even referring to it as a bloodbath. No amount of mental gymnastics can classify that as "normal." The industry was literally decimated.

A company losing 80% of its value in like 5 years, also speaks to an underlying problem, and the ties are clear when even Star Wars properties are flopping.

Etc.

Gamers are clearly voting with their wallets, and we are seeing the effects come home to roost in real time.

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics. Trying to blame everything on "The woke" is, however.

Also as I said, Ubisoft has One IP with three different skins. And these games take a long time to beat and are more or less singleplayer only. People are less forgiving about this than your average Call of Duty, FIFA, or Madden, which people get to play online with friends and randos. Not to mention they are monetized to hell and back, which gamers don't like. Want to have reasonable experience gains? Fork over some more cash.

There are factors at play other than "The woke".

ya no lmao. econmies dont fail. it doest just magically happen.

most of us even if we have the income wont even blink at the known bad actors anymore. its the entire reason marvel rivals took off. its overwatch but not blizzard. i dont think you understand how important that not blizzard part is and how related woke and dei is to that position.

[MonkehMaster]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

Publicado originalmente por Aldel:

It should expand into fictional games. Most people aren't interested in people's pronouns and their sexuality. That is NOT what a typical gamer is looking for in a title. I'd argue most people will shun that nonsense, and sales for titles that cater to that stupidity generally reflect this sentiment as they don't fare as well as other titles that don't put that nonsense in it.

Given the widespread attention DEI has received as of late, many people now recognize it when they see it. Including DEI-inspired options in games will illicit groans and closed wallets. Game studios can't afford lackluster sales, and will avoid the risks. DEI will be nothing more than a distant, laughable memory. The sooner, the better.

This is going to blow your mind, but most gamers don't care. Hell, I don't care. I'm just sick of the incessant noise.

wrong and its mind blowing..., most gamers do care, thats why some games companies have shut down, lost most and/or have sold off portions of company to save it.

they care about the greed, they care about the narrative programming, they care that bigger companies alienated them and said companies behave little children, getting angry people wont buy the crap they dump at our feet.

its like a Jehovah witness harassing you at your front door, trying to lure you into some nonsense they think you should believe, no thanks... ill stare at you through the window, while telling you to get off my property.

[Amaterasu]

Publicado originalmente por veracsthane:

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics. Trying to blame everything on "The woke" is, however.

Also as I said, Ubisoft has One IP with three different skins. And these games take a long time to beat and are more or less singleplayer only. People are less forgiving about this than your average Call of Duty, FIFA, or Madden, which people get to play online with friends and randos. Not to mention they are monetized to hell and back, which gamers don't like. Want to have reasonable experience gains? Fork over some more cash.

There are factors at play other than "The woke".

ya no lmao. econmies dont fail. it doest just magically happen.

most of us even if we have the income wont even blink at the known bad actors anymore. its the entire reason marvel rivals took off. its overwatch but not blizzard. i dont think you understand how important that not blizzard part is and how related woke and dei is to that position.

Publicado originalmente por MonkehMaster:

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

This is going to blow your mind, but most gamers don't care. Hell, I don't care. I'm just sick of the incessant noise.

wrong and its mind blowing..., most gamers do care, thats why some games companies have shut down, lost most and/or have sold off portions of company to save it.

they care about the greed, they care about the narrative programming, they care that bigger companies alienated them and said companies behave little children, getting angry people wont buy the crap they dump at our feet.

its like a Jehovah witness harassing you at your front door, trying to lure you into some nonsense they think you should believe, no thanks... ill stare at you through the window, while telling you to get off my property.

Not a single thing either of you said is correct. And saying that economies don't fail is a gross misunderstanding of how economics work.

Glad to know that The Great Depression is now being revised from history by the Religious Right.

[MonkehMaster]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

Publicado originalmente por veracsthane:

ya no lmao. econmies dont fail. it doest just magically happen.

most of us even if we have the income wont even blink at the known bad actors anymore. its the entire reason marvel rivals took off. its overwatch but not blizzard. i dont think you understand how important that not blizzard part is and how related woke and dei is to that position.

Publicado originalmente por MonkehMaster:

wrong and its mind blowing..., most gamers do care, thats why some games companies have shut down, lost most and/or have sold off portions of company to save it.

they care about the greed, they care about the narrative programming, they care that bigger companies alienated them and said companies behave little children, getting angry people wont buy the crap they dump at our feet.

its like a Jehovah witness harassing you at your front door, trying to lure you into some nonsense they think you should believe, no thanks... ill stare at you through the window, while telling you to get off my property.

Not a single thing either of you said is correct. And saying that economies don't fail is a gross misunderstanding of how economics work.

Glad to know that The Great Depression is now being revised from history by the Religious Right.

everything i said was 100% facts, you constantly denying it doesnt change that fact.

who said economies dont fail? wasnt me... but yes, the economy was failing under the democrats.

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

A failing worldwide economy leading to less disposable income, gamers on average getting older, and people having less time for gaming isn't mental gymnastics. Trying to blame everything on "The woke" is, however.

Also as I said, Ubisoft has One IP with three different skins. And these games take a long time to beat and are more or less singleplayer only. People are less forgiving about this than your average Call of Duty, FIFA, or Madden, which people get to play online with friends and randos. Not to mention they are monetized to hell and back, which gamers don't like. Want to have reasonable experience gains? Fork over some more cash.

There are factors at play other than "The woke".

they would have more time for gaming, if our taxes werent stolen from us and prices through the roof, leading to working 1-2 or more jobs, to barely live from check to check..

age has nothing to do with it, i see children up to 70-80+ yr olds playing games...

blaming where blame begins, is putting blame were it belongs, the dei crap forced into games, not to mention the fund funneling schemes, some have used it for.

also, i said it before, they are funded by our taxes, but no longer will they be receiving said funding, at least not from america.

ubisofts singleplayer experience is disgusting, imagine putting and anticheat on a singleplayer, then basically selling cheats, for real money... yes, they would complain about it, but there are/were more pressing matters.

things like the greed features, ect.. are just icing on the cake, compared to the dei nonsense.

[Amaterasu]

I'm not getting paid to try to explain how things work in the real world. So you can claim a "victory" because I can already see that y'all are so deeply entrenched in your beliefs that a black hole can't pull you out of them and I no longer wish to keep doing this for free.

If you do want to continue with me, you're going to have to either start paying me, which my rates are going to be exorbitant, or you're going to have to accept that the real world doesn't work like you think it does.

Until such time, ta ta.

[MonkehMaster]

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

I'm not getting paid to try to explain how things work in the real world. So you can claim a "victory" because I can already see that y'all are so deeply entrenched in your beliefs that a black hole can't pull you out of them and I no longer wish to keep doing this for free.

If you do want to continue with me, you're going to have to either start paying me, which my rates are going to be exorbitant, or you're going to have to accept that the real world doesn't work like you think it does.

Until such time, ta ta.

i been living in this real world since the early 80's, you arent going to explain any misinformation to me, sorry.

no one is paying you for anything and yes, the real world works exactly how we think, we are living in it.

[veracsthane]

Publicado originalmente por MonkehMaster:

Publicado originalmente por Amaterasu:

This is going to blow your mind, but most gamers don't care. Hell, I don't care. I'm just sick of the incessant noise.

wrong and its mind blowing..., most gamers do care, thats why some games companies have shut down, lost most and/or have sold off portions of company to save it.

they care about the greed, they care about the narrative programming, they care that bigger companies alienated them and said companies behave little children, getting angry people wont buy the crap they dump at our feet.

its like a Jehovah witness harassing you at your front door, trying to lure you into some nonsense they think you should believe, no thanks... ill stare at you through the window, while telling you to get off my property.

more importantly as gamers we have pattern recognition and we dont ignore the dei women only hiring programs, the unity 5 engine usage that follows it, the speech bans to shield the chronic bad decisions and lack of professionalism, the out of place big gay that is immersion breaking and distracting or things that are only injected into the game because of current year politcs.

also really really tired of being right and told we dont know what we are talking about.

i also wouldnt call most of them games. i would call them interactive movies which makes it really easy to just pay and watch a streamer to even play it.

by the time this is all said and done the western industry is going to be like russia to mcdonalds where russia still has mcdonalds and they just casually ignore the corporate headquarters in regards to china and tencet buying up the industry*

[Amaterasu]

My rates? Hmmm... a dollar per consonant and punctuation mark. Two dollars per vowel and number. So this message would cost $143.

Edit: I feel like these are remarkably fair rates for my time and effort. By the way, $246.

[Paratech2008]

Thing is nobody is preventing people from buying Veilguard or any other game considered "woke." But people who don't want to buy them can choose not to.

[Lamiosa]

I guess the issue is not if to have "woke" games or not, but making it a topic. Just as we spoke about Street fighter before, I realised they even have 2 transpersons there: Seth who became a female android and poison who is a transwoman.

Yet in east asia I do not see much movement against it. I both do not see much movement for "DEI"-games and I do not see much movement against "woke" content. Why? Because they do not make it a topic, they just make games which are fun and people do not care what is inside, as long as it is fun.