GamerGate: Men acknowledge their privileges in '25 Invisible Benefits of Gaming while Male' video

Males aren't accused of being enthusiastic to impress others, states one gamer

A group of male gamers have described how the are privileged in a new video (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

As the #GamerGate controversy continues to divide its community, a group of men has rallied together in solidarity with female gamers, in a thoughtful video explaining the privileges afforded by their gender.

Created by Feminist Frequency blogger Anita Sarkeesian, the 25 Invisible Benefits of Gaming While Male video was inspired by an article by Tropes vs Women in Video Games producer Jonathan McIntosh.

In the article, McIntosh wrote that he found it “astounding” that while women speak out about how they experience prejudice, alienation or worse while gaming, there is "a consistent denial that there is any real problem with the way women are treated in gaming".

The 5-minute-long video sets out to educate male gamers who, while often well-meaning, are "blissfully unaware" of what female gamers face when attempting to enjoy their hobby, the description explains.

It adds that the video is primarily referring to straight men, rather than transgender men, but similar lists could be created for other privileged groups, such as the able-bodied.

The 25-point list confronts male privileges including: not being told that video games or the surrounding culture is not intended for them; or being made to prove their “gaming cred” because of their gender.

Never being expected to speak for all other male gamers, or not being accused of being enthusiastic about gaming to “get attention” from other gamers are also tackled in the video.

A gamer explains privilege number 1: "I can choose to remain completely oblivious, or indifferent to the harassment that many women face in gaming spaces." (YouTube) (YouTube/Feminist Frequency)

“Together, we can make gaming better. Together, we will make gaming better,” the final gamer concludes.

Misogyny in the gaming community came to the fore this summer, when the ex-boyfriend of game developer Zoe Quinn accused her of receiving favourable reviews for her acclaimed game, because of her relationship with journalist Nathan Grayson.

Quinn and her supporters were later subjected to harassment, threats of violence, and doxxing - or the spread of personal information online - leading her to flee her home. The debate surrounding the incident and how females are received in gaming culture has since been dubbed #GamerGate.