Just hours after hosting its annual “Women in Gaming” luncheon at the 2016 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Microsoft faced backlash for an evening party at a local club. The event featured dancers on raised platforms, a decision that quickly sparked controversy and highlighted ongoing issues of sexism within the gaming industry. This incident raises serious questions about inclusivity and representation in a field striving for broader appeal.
The gaming world has been increasingly confronted with discussions about sexism, particularly as the demographics of gamers evolve. Research indicates that a significant portion of video game players are women. Despite this, game content and industry events often seem to cater to a stereotypical teenage male audience. This is evident in character design, where female figures in games, especially within the fantasy genre, are frequently depicted in revealing outfits, contrasting sharply with the fully clothed male counterparts.
Fortunately, there has been a positive shift in recent years towards more respectful and inclusive representation. The 2013 game Rise of the Tomb Raider exemplified this change, presenting the iconic Lara Croft in practical attire—a stark departure from her earlier, more sexualized image. This evolution reflects a growing understanding within the industry that appealing to a broader audience, including women, is not only ethically sound but also economically beneficial. Sexism can alienate potential gamers, and moving away from such practices opens up wider market opportunities.
Therefore, Microsoft’s choice to feature scantily-clad dancers at a GDC party, intended as a welcoming space for all game developers, appears strikingly contradictory and out of touch. This action has been perceived as a step backward, undermining efforts to foster inclusivity and respect within the gaming community.
Developer Kamina Vincent voiced her disappointment and frustration on Twitter, expressing how the atmosphere at the party made her feel unwelcome. Her reaction resonated with many, underscoring the disconnect between Microsoft’s stated values and the reality of the event.
In response to the criticism, Xbox leader Phil Spencer issued an apology, acknowledging that the event did not align with Microsoft’s values and was “unequivocally wrong.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, promising to hold themselves to higher standards in the future. While Microsoft addressed the issue and apologized, questions remain about the decision-making process that led to such an event. Inquiries about whether the dancers were hired directly by Microsoft or through a contractor were met with “no further comment,” leaving some details unclear.
Sources within Microsoft reportedly indicated widespread internal disapproval, with one employee stating that “everyone is pissed off.” The sentiment highlights the internal conflict within the company, as actions like this directly contradict stated commitments to inclusivity and diversity. Another source suggested that the issue was being taken very seriously at high levels within Microsoft, hinting at potential repercussions for those responsible. While an apology and internal review are steps in the right direction, regaining trust and ensuring such incidents do not recur will be crucial for Microsoft and the industry as a whole.
The tech and gaming industries have largely moved away from practices like using “booth babes” at conventions, although some instances still occur. However, when a major corporation like Microsoft, a vocal advocate for inclusivity, engages in actions perceived as sexist, it sends a concerning message. The hope is that this incident serves as a significant learning experience for Microsoft and reinforces the broader industry’s understanding of the importance of consistent and genuine efforts towards inclusivity and respect for all gamers and industry professionals.
