Fractured Gaming Cultures

This book expands upon ongoing discussions on gaming culture and experiences linked to identity, seeking to answer questions often overlooked in existing discourse relating to the expression of identity and the image of the stereotypical gamer in the popular imaginary. Christine Tomlinson explores questions surrounding how, when, and where it is deemed acceptable in gaming culture to broach the topic of identity, and why these expressions, explorations, and discussions are acceptable in some spaces while remaining taboo in others. Tomlinson posits that video game culture, including gaming spaces and streaming platforms, tends to be cloistered and closed off to those who do not appear to align with the assumed or stereotypical demographics of gamers, who are often portrayed as straight, white men. Despite this, many groups that are excluded in this image make up a significant portion of actual gaming audiences, which are far from a monolith. Given this dichotomy, Tomlinson observes how players that have been marginalized based on sexuality and gender have formed their own communities that produce unique and shared gaming identities that also produce new forms of gaming culture as an act of resistance and resilience. Although these alternative communities should not be necessary, this book details the experiences of marginalized groups as they navigate gaming culture and reclaim a position within an often hostile environment, delving into unexpected obstacles and converging of identity within slowly-changing industry and content landscapes.