DEI is Ruining the Gaming Industry
January 5, 2025
The Game Awards 2024 just wrapped, and while some of the winners absolutely deserved their trophies (you’re still my GOTY, Baldur’s Gate 3), the whole thing felt… off. Gone are the days of celebrating gameplay innovation, jaw-dropping visuals, and mechanics that make you say, “How did they even program that?” Instead, we’re stuck with what I can only describe as a two-hour-long diversity PowerPoint. Yes, inclusivity matters, but do we need to sacrifice fun for the sake of virtue signaling? Can’t we have both?
Take the “Game for Impact” award, for example. What does that even mean anymore? Shouldn’t all games “impact” us in some way? I don’t care if the protagonist checks 17 demographic boxes if the gameplay feels like wading through a swamp in molasses shoes. Meanwhile, genuinely groundbreaking games are left clapping politely in the corner because they dared to focus on, you know, being games. Let’s get back to rewarding what makes gaming magical: storytelling, mechanics, and the unadulterated joy of pressing buttons and making things go boom.
Don’t get me wrong—gaming should be for everyone, but let’s not lose sight of why we fell in love with it in the first place. The Game Awards need a reality check, or they’ll turn into the Oscars: something nobody cares about except the people attending. Give me back my Best Boss Fight category and let me cry over orchestral renditions of gaming soundtracks. That’s the awards show we deserve.
I’m Persevus, the creator behind Mana and the voice of The Last Stand Society. Mana is more than just a website—it’s a gathering place for those who live and breathe gaming, storytelling, and creativity.
My journey started as a Twitch streamer, diving deep into survival games and sharing my adventures live. Over time, my path led me to YouTube, where I’ve found a new home for my passion. Now, I create videos and stream content around survival games, indie gems, game development, and so much more.
Mana is where I share those passions with you. Here, you’ll find insights into the worlds I explore, tips and tricks for thriving in the toughest virtual landscapes, and even behind-the-scenes looks at game creation.
And don’t forget—Mana is part of The Last Stand Society, a community of like-minded adventurers ready to face every challenge together. Whether you’re here for the content, the camaraderie, or the gear, you’re part of the society now.
So, pull up a chair by the campfire, and let’s dive into the adventure.
