#1ReasonWhy Gamers Should Care About This Trend

I tried really hard not to write this post.  I've touched on gender in two posts before, but this subject is so big, and so delicate, that I was legitimately worried to write it.  But the #1ReasonWhy trend on Twitter today has convinced me that I need to approach this topic.  This post is going to be long.  It might be uncomfortable.  And, while I have tried to keep the language here tame and analytical, it might be difficult for some people to read -- and some of the content I link might contain triggers.

I don't develop games.  In gaming, I am strictly a consumer.  I have, however, been playing console games since 1991 and online games since 1997.  Gaming, in its many forms, is a hobby of mine and an important element in my social life.  I'm also a fan of pencil-and-paper roleplaying games and tech culture in general, two areas that share a large portion of their populations with the "gamer" culture.

In case you haven't seen the Internet for the past 24 hours, #1ReasonWhy is a massive trend in social media today discussing why women are (drastically) underrepresented in the game design industry.  It started with one simple question, and has resulted in a torrent of tweets about sexism in the industry, a movement to create mentoring relationships, and many blog posts on the subject.  The movement has thrown a light on some truly disturbing trends (and also a series of heartwarming stories).

However, people outside the gaming industry -- and particularly men -- may be struggling to see the relevance of this trend.  As a male gamer, I have found the #1ReasonWhy trend very striking, and I'm writing this post to explain why other male gamers should care about it.

The reason is this:  Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, The Sith Lords.

No, really.  I'm serious.