In 2012 we saw Anita Sarkeesian launch a crowdfunding campaign for her web series Tropes vs. Women in Videogames (her goal was $6K, she ended up with over $150K). The campaign itself was controversial, as was everything after the videos started appearing online.
Sarkeesian has been interviewed by ABC News for what it's like to be a "Gamergate Target" (an interview that left us wanting to escape the Sarkeesian and Gamergate debate), she appeared and spoke at the All About Women program and has carved a name for herself in Time's 100 Most Influential People list as a Pioneer – alongside Astronaut Scott Kelly and Emma Watson (for her pursuit of equality/inclusion among genders).
Wil Wheaton (actor in Star Trek: The Next Generation, blogger and writer) wrote Sarkeesian's bio for Time, noting the online harassment she endured and what it was that landed her on Time's list:
In the face of hysterical and childish abuse, Anita has refused to back down. She continues to speak around the world about the role of women in video games and popular media. She also talks about her life as a target in the online culture war known as Gamergate, waged by entitled male gamers who fear change in an industry that is evolving while they seem determined to remain 15 forever.
Anita is a feminist for the digital age, using modern tools and platforms to engage thousands of people who want to hear her thoughts and respond to the challenges she raises. A lesser person may throw up her hands and unplug her game console, but Anita is determined to ensure that video games are inclusive and representative of everyone who plays them. As her detractors grow increasingly unhinged, we have proof that her efforts are working.
Read the entire piece here.
Sarkeesian is not the first person from the video game industry to land on Time's list. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto made the list in 2007 and Minecraft's Markus "Notch" Persson and Jens Bergensten were listed in 2013.
Do you agree with Sarkeesian being included in Time's list?
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