THE PEOPLE OF GAMERGATE, VOLUME 1
- Tommy Foo
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Kevin McDonald
In August 2014, the video game industry was shaken by one of its most significant scandals to date. What began as a dispute over undisclosed conflicts of interest in several gaming publications quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon and consumer movement demanding greater ethics in games journalism. The controversy rippled far beyond gaming, influencing conversations about journalism, censorship, artistic freedom, social justice, academia, harassment, politics, and the media’s handling of decentralized, leaderless movements.
This book is the first volume in a multi-part series that takes readers through the lives and experiences of those involved with GamerGate in various capacities. The author approaches the subject with a holistic perspective, aiming to capture the genuine diversity of opinion and experience surrounding the movement and its unfolding events. Across the series, readers will encounter stories from a wide range of individuals — GamerGate activists and critics, journalists, amateur historians, filmmakers, artists, online creators, community moderators, conference organizers, and even third-party provocateurs. This collection serves as an invaluable resource for educators, academics, historians, journalists, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of GamerGate.
In this opening volume, the focus turns to the stories of eight individuals: seven supporters of the GamerGate movement and one critic. The book begins with an interview with Aurondarklord, a moderator of the KotakuInAction and GGDiscussion communities on Reddit. His lifelong passion for gaming and firm stance against censorship led him to find camaraderie and purpose within the growing consumer revolt.
The narrative then moves to the story of A Man In Maroon, a member of the #ColorCabal — a group of GamerGate supporters who embraced online pseudonymity by adopting color-based identities. Today, Maroon expresses optimism about the future of games journalism and the potential for integrity and creativity within the field.
Next comes the account of Allen “Crash Matrix” Harris, who discovered friendship and self-confidence through GamerGate. Empowered by this newfound sense of belonging, Harris went on to organize the San Antonio GamerGate meetup and assist in establishing additional gatherings in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Following his story is that of Pawkeshup, a former games journalist who sought to bring change to the industry from within, only to grow disillusioned by the realities of games media.
Readers are then introduced to GameDiviner, an independent game developer motivated by concerns over corruption in the very industry he was striving to enter. His story spans from his attendance at the SPJ AirPlay conference in Miami to his meeting with GamerGate critic Brianna Wu at RavenCon in Richmond. Believing that the movement had served its purpose, GameDiviner attempted—albeit unsuccessfully—to bring GamerGate to an end after AirPlay.
The book continues with the story of Haseo, a self-described “background character” in the GamerGate saga who provides the perspective of an everyday supporter — someone without influence, but with genuine conviction. Following Haseo’s account is that of Lisa M, an artist and voice actress known for her Vivian James artwork and her contributions to the ambitious, though ultimately unfinished, GamerGate Animated Series.
Finally, the volume concludes with an exclusive interview with Wetsprocket, a critic of GamerGate, offering a contrasting viewpoint that broadens the reader’s understanding of the movement and its impact.
This is the story of GamerGate, told through the voices of those who lived it — and this is only the beginning.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
OTHER NAMES
The People of Gamergate, Volume 1
TAGS
Authors: #KevinMcDonald
Publishers: #SelfPublished
Languages: #English
Format: #Hardcover #eBook
Accessibility: N/A
Year: #Year2025
Genres: #Industry
Companies:
N/A
Public Figures:
#AllenHarris (Allen "Crash Matrix" Harris)
#BriannaWu (Brianna Wu)
#Haseo (Haseo)
Games:
N/A
Misc:
#Gamergate (Gamergate)