Gaming, film, comic-books - all of these things have experienced a somewhat turbulent few years. Not because of a lack of quality in such popular and much-adored mediums, but because of a general pervasive toxicity that has managed to work its way into geek culture as a whole. It boiled to the surface with the whole 'GamerGate' debacle in 2014, and ever since the community has gotten increasingly polarised in regards to any issues social, economic, and/or political in nature. Point being? It's not really a fun time to be a geek or a gamer. If people arent lambasting you over getting excited about a newly announced title, theyll most likely be occupying their time tweeting those wishing to see more inclusiveness and diversity within their favourite medium. As a consequence, the sub-culture has seen an endemic rise of racism, sexism and homophobia thats making fictional entertainment - something that should be a bastion for everyone to reside in - something displeasing altogether. You don't have to look far in online spaces or multiplayer lobbies to completely lose your faith in the gaming community, and even though I have no doubt that the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones, it's hard not to ignore the predominant voice emanating from it - one that's simply ruining it for everyone.
10. Complaining About DLC... Then Buying It Anyway
Look at any article discussing the anti-consumer business tactics of the industry's biggest companies, and it won't be hard to find a vocal gamer pointing out just how morally superior they are for shunning DLC altogether. However, I'm more than willing to bet that the same people in question begrudgingly cough up money for season passes, pre-order bonuses and all their ilk in the end. I'm not targeting anyone in particular with these comments, because I'm one of the aforementioned complainers who eagerly sees the 'need' to continue the experience of their newly secured purchases with add-on content. I did it with Arkham Knight prior to spiralling into a well of self-loathing for effectively pre-ordering DLC, in-turn offering endorsement for the practice, despite having no reservations about just how awful it is for the industry and gamers as well. Gamers need to decide a position on this matter and vote with their wallets accordingly, lest we see another Battlefront situation in the near future. After all, there really isn't a point in kicking up a fuss if you're still going to abide by the business practices of Warner Bros., EA. and Ubisoft.
Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.
