DEI is Ruining the Gaming Industry

Yes, you read that title right. Gaming has long been a space for creativity, exploration, and escape. But in recent years, the push for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has taken the industry in a direction that many feel prioritizes political and social ideologies over gameplay and storytelling. What’s more concerning is the potential impact these trends could have on younger players, who are often exposed to mature-rated games despite official age restrictions.

One of the most polarizing examples is the inclusion of non-binary gender options in character creation. What was once a straightforward process—male or female—has now expanded to include options like non-binary, often accompanied by pronoun selection. While supporters argue this makes games more inclusive, critics point out that it feeds into the broader “gender spectrum” ideology, which is confusing and harmful, particularly for impressionable children.

Take Starfield, Bethesda’s ambitious RPG. The inclusion of pronoun selection in character creation was met with applause from some quarters, but for many gamers, it felt like an unnecessary political statement in a game that should be about epic space exploration. Similarly, Avowed, a highly anticipated RPG, flagged its Steam page as “Political” and included tags like “LGBTQ+.” These decisions signal a prioritization of ideology over immersion, raising questions about whether developers are creating for gamers or social agendas.

This ideological shift in gaming isn’t confined to adult audiences. While games with non-binary gender options or similar themes are often rated M for Mature, it’s no secret that these age ratings are widely ignored. How many children under 17 are playing titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield? With non-binary options and pronoun customization becoming more prevalent, younger gamers are being exposed to complex gender ideologies—often without parental guidance. Hell, even adding more sexual scenes and being able to choose the size of your genitals! What’s the point of that?? Yes, I also agree it’s the parents’ responsibility to protect their children, but this is enablement.

Critics argue that this exposure can be confusing for children, especially in a developmental stage where they are still forming their understanding of identity. By normalizing the idea of a “gender spectrum,” games risk shaping a generation’s perception of reality in ways that some see as ideological rather than grounded in biology or traditional values.

At its core, gaming is meant to be an escape—a way to step into fantastical worlds, conquer challenges, and connect with others through shared adventures. By infusing games with DEI-focused elements like pronoun selection or political labels, developers risk alienating their core audience: gamers who simply want to enjoy immersive storytelling and engaging gameplay without being dragged into modern political debates.

The concern isn’t just about gaming losing its escapism; it’s about the impact these choices have on society. When developers prioritize representation over innovation and ideology over fun, they create games that divide rather than unite. And when these games reach children who may not yet have the tools to critically evaluate what they’re being exposed to, the consequences could be far-reaching.