In this first half of our two-part deep dive, the Gaming the System crew tackles a bizarre and troubling corner of the gaming world: a Steam curator list designed to help players avoid so-called “woke” games. Yes, really.

Matt, Jem, and Alex dissect this extensive (and often baffling) database compiled by those who see diversity, empathy, and inclusion as threats to gaming. We explore the origins of the term "woke," how it's been weaponised by the political right, and how it's used here as a catch-all for anything remotely progressive, from LGBT+ representation to pro-environmental themes.

What does “woke” even mean anymore? Why are empathy and awareness now considered dangerous? And what can this curated list tell us about the broader culture war in games?

You’ll hear reflections on historical context, linguistic appropriation, and how control over language shapes the battlefield. We also look closely at the group's supposed “discussion rules” behind the list, and what those reveal about attempts to mask ideological extremism behind a facade of reasonableness.

From mocking the list’s contradictions to tracing its deeply political implications, we keep things sharp, critical, and (as always) intersectionally feminist.

Highlights:
Shifting definitions of “woke” and its appropriation across decades
Representation in games becomes a lightning rod for backlash
Forum rules can serve as a cloak for exclusionary ideology
Children of Men, the roots of the term “stay woke,” and more
DEI or DIE?

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