In this work for general readers, students, and scholars, author Christopher Paul (communication, Seattle University) plumbs the dark side of video gaming culture, from abusive player communities to the misogyny, sexism, and racism rampant in the white male dominated gaming industry. Throughout, he examines the pervasive influence of meritocracy in video games, showing how meritocratic ideology shows up in game design and game narratives, and busts the meritocratic myth that players who achieve high status have done so though their own efforts only. He gives suggestions on how to change the culture of video games, using ideas taken from professional sports and higher education, such as active recruiting and the intentional promotion of positive values, in order to create a more diverse and accepting gaming culture. Some games discussed include Tomb Raider, World of Warcraft, Street Fighter, Mafia Wars, Overwatch, and Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. The author has written other books on video games. Annotation ©2018 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
An avid gamer and sharp media critic explains meritocracy’s negative contribution to video game culture—and what can be done about it
Video games have brought entertainment, education, and innovation to millions, but gaming also has its dark sides. From the deep-bred misogyny epitomized by GamerGate to the endemic malice of abusive player communities, gamer culture has had serious real-world repercussions, ranging from death threats to sexist industry practices and racist condemnations.
In The Toxic Meritocracy of Video Games, new media critic and longtime gamer Christopher A. Paul explains how video games’ focus on meritocracy empowers this negative culture. Paul first shows why meritocracy is integral to video-game design, narratives, and values. Games typically valorize skill and technique, and common video-game practices (such as leveling) build meritocratic thinking into the most basic premises. Video games are often assumed to have an even playing field, but they facilitate skill transfer from game to game, allowing certain players a built-in advantage.
The Toxic Meritocracy of Video Games identifies deep-seated challenges in the culture of video games—but all is not lost. As Paul argues, similarly meritocratic institutions like professional sports and higher education have found powerful remedies to alleviate their own toxic cultures, including active recruiting and strategies that promote values such as contingency, luck, and serendipity. These can be brought to the gamer universe, Paul contends, ultimately fostering a more diverse, accepting, and self-reflective culture that is not only good for gamers but good for video games as well.
