This book expands upon ongoing discussions on gaming culture and experiences linked to identity to answer questions often overlooked in existing discourse relating to the expression of identity and the image of the stereotypical gamer in the popular imaginary.

Video games are an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Christine Tomlinson explores questions surrounding how, when, and where it is deemed acceptable in gaming culture to broach the topic of identity, and why these expressions, explorations, and discussions are acceptable in some spaces while remaining taboo in others. In this book, Tomlinson shows how groups that have been marginalized in broader gaming culture approach the barriers present for video game players, staking their claims and developing new identities and ways of being “gamers.” Tomlinson posits that video game culture, including gaming spaces and streaming platforms, tends to be cloistered and closed off to those who do not appear to align with the assumed or stereotypical demographics of gamers. Despite this, many groups that are excluded from this image make up a significant portion of actual gaming audiences. Given this dichotomy, Tomlinson observes how players that have been marginalized based on sexuality and gender have formed their own communities that produce unique and shared gaming identities that also produce new forms of gaming culture as an act of resistance and resilience. Although these alternative communities should not be necessary, this book details the experiences of marginalized groups as they navigate gaming culture and reclaim a position within an often hostile environment, delving into unexpected obstacles and converging of identity within slowly-changing industry and content landscape.

Following gay, lesbian, women, and transgender players, the author argues that gaming culture – rather than existing as a monolith – has given way to numerous forms of gaming culture, from game-specific communities to identity-specific spaces to provide these marginalized players outlets for discussion, community, and establishing new gaming cultures and identities.