THE PEOPLE OF GAMERGATE, VOLUME 2
- Tommy Foo
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Kevin McDonald
In this packed second volume, readers are taken deeper into the world of GamerGate through eight extensive interviews with individuals involved in the movement in various ways. The book opens with the story of Michael Koretzky, a regional director with the Society of Professional Journalists, whose observations of GamerGate during SPJ Ethics Week inspired him to host the SPJ Airplay conference in Miami. The event brought together GamerGate activists and journalism professionals to evaluate the legitimacy of GamerGate’s ethical concerns and discuss responsible media coverage of similar movements. Following Airplay, Koretzky and fellow journalist Lynn Walsh established the Kunkel Awards to promote excellence in gaming journalism.
Next comes the story of Silverwolfcc (CC), a social justice activist and supporter of Zoe Quinn, who initially opposed GamerGate. However, her perspective shifted when she was met with unexpected kindness from those she sought to challenge. Seeing common ground, CC embraced the cause of ethics in journalism — a lifelong passion.
The volume continues with Christina Hoff Sommers, a former philosophy professor and think tank fellow who participated in the SPJ Airplay panel. Viewing GamerGate as an outsider, she recognized what she believed to be an injustice against its activists and the gaming community, offering her reflections on how the movement was misrepresented.
Game designer James “Grim” Desborough, author of Inside GamerGate, provides an anarchist perspective on the controversy and on shifts in online culture over time. Desborough recalls facing significant backlash for his views and harassment for his activism, expressing the toll the experience took on him personally.
Leon GunSteel’s account chronicles an emotional journey through GamerGate — from anger at the harassment of pro-GamerGate women to his pride in covering E3 for the community. His story reflects a commitment to defending free expression and opposing anti-consumer practices in gaming.
Troy Leavitt, lead designer of Hogwarts Legacy, discusses how he initially tried to remain neutral but was drawn into controversy when GamerGate critic Brianna Wu targeted him during her boycott campaign, ultimately leading to his retirement.
Simone “Scarlet” Tanzi, a game developer and moderator for GGDiscussion, presents a more optimistic view of the movement, describing his advocacy for ethics in journalism and his eventual marriage to an anti-GamerGate community co-founder.
Finally, the volume features an exclusive interview with Black Mage, a critic of GamerGate who argues that the movement’s diversity was overstated and that most participants were driven more by opposition to feminism than by ethical concerns.
In addition to these interviews, Volume 2 includes the author’s detailed commentary on harassment in Tachyon’s Take, continuing the exploration begun in Volume 1.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
OTHER NAMES
The People of Gamergate, Volume 2
TAGS
Authors: #KevinMcDonald
Publishers: #SelfPublished
Languages: #English
Format: #Hardcover #eBook
Accessibility: N/A
Year: #Year2025
Genres: #Industry
Companies:
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Public Figures:
#AlisonRapp (Alison Rapp)
#ChristinaHoffSommers (Christina Hoff Sommers)
#JamesDesborough (James Desborough)
#LeonGunSteel (Leon GunSteel)
#LynnWalsh (Lynn Walsh)
#MichaelKoretzky (Michael Koretzky)
#NolanBushnell (Nolan Bushnell)
#SimoneTanzi (Simone "Scarlet" Tanzi)
#TroyLeavitt (Troy Leavitt)
#ZoeQuinn (Zoe Quinn)
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Misc:
#Gamergate (Gamergate)