The year 2026 may not seem like a promising time for gaming enthusiasts, with AI-related concerns and the video game industry facing challenges. However, amidst these trials, I, a queer feminist games journalist, am excited to announce the launch of a new platform dedicated to exploring gender and identity in gaming.
The current landscape is daunting, with job losses in journalism and the gaming industry, and a worrying shift towards right-wing ideologies. The rise of the 'manosphere' and the loss of mainstream feminist outlets like Teen Vogue have left a void for many. But here's where it gets controversial: the gaming world is evolving, and we mustn't let the progress made be overshadowed by these challenges.
Mothership, our new independent and worker-owned publication, aims to fill this void. It will provide a space for in-depth reporting, investigations, reviews, and critical analysis of the gaming industry, with a focus on the good, the bad, and the historical context. We want to create a community for those who feel dread reading the news, especially gaming news, and worry that the alt-right has gained an upper hand.
The gaming world has evolved significantly over the past two decades. We now see a diverse range of characters and developers, with more female, non-binary, and queer representation. The GDC survey for 2025 found a notable shift in the gender demographics of game developers, with a decrease in the male majority.
This progress hasn't come without backlash, and few outlets can cover these issues while supporting their journalists. Mothership aims to be that platform, providing a safe and motivating environment for our team.
I've dreamed of founding a website like this for years, and I know the audience is there. I've worked for various gaming and feminist websites, from the Mary Sue to Kotaku and Polygon, and I've seen the challenges and the potential. The idea of a small, feminist gaming website seemed like a distant dream, but after the mass layoffs at Polygon, I realized it was time to take action.
Zoe Hannah, my colleague at Polygon, shared her vision for a feminist gaming website, and I knew we had to make it a reality. Six months of planning and collaboration later, we're launching Mothership, inspired by other independent outlets like Defector, the Flytrap, and Aftermath.
Mothership is for those who don't fit the stereotypical gamer mold, and we aim to serve this audience with quality content. In our current political climate, I believe this platform is a necessity, and I'm determined to ensure it thrives.
Join us on this journey as we navigate the complex world of gaming, identity, and representation. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the games; it's about the stories and the people behind them.
What are your thoughts on the state of gaming and the need for platforms like Mothership? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments; we'd love to hear from you!
