Not a week goes by in which the issue of sexism as it relates to the video game industry doesn't come up. "Torsogate" has somewhat died down a bit, but there's always something equally offensive to the senses just around the corner.
One possible root cause, which many have determined, is how there just aren't a lot of women making games. And given how many feel not so inclined to become part of an industry that appears to be a real boys club as well.
But there is at least one women working in the industry today who feels that accusations of sexism is unfounded. Gabrielle Toledano, Electronic Arts' chief talent officer, in a guest editorial on Forbes, states:
"As an insider, I find this argument is misguided. It’s easy to blame men for not creating an attractive work environment – but I think that’s a cop-out. If we want more women to work in games, we have to recognize that the problem isn’t sexism."
Toledano's primary beef is how the game industry is painted as being more exists that other male-dominated workforces. An attitude that she feels is unfounded, though she does acknowledge that too few women are involved. Which is why she believes that the solution "starts with us – women."
And thus the following three "dirty secrets" are revealed:
1. Women play games – a lot of them.
2. The video game industry wants to hire more women
3. There aren’t enough to hire…yet.
Toledano implores women to recognize the fundamental fact that they are gamers. Maybe not the kind that most people think of when the term is stated, but they are gamers nonetheless. She also states that the industry needs more women behind the scenes because diversity is essential when creating a successful product.
Problem is, there just aren't enough women to fill roles across the board, though especially when it comes to engineering. In the end, Toledano states:
"If women don’t join this industry because they believe sexism will limit them, they’re missing out. The sky is the limit when it comes to career opportunities for women (and men) in games. If we want the tide to turn and the ratio of men to women to really change then we need to start making women realize that fact. From foundational employee benefits to playful and creative work spaces, the culture of video game design that I know embraces the values of all our employees like nowhere else."
