10 Consultation Companies (Just Like Sweet Baby) That Are Politicizing Your Games

Over the past few years, many gamers have noticed a concerning trend in mainstream video games: an increasing focus on controversial ideological themes at the expense of solid gameplay. From heavy-handed Marxist undertones to divisive gender politics, these games often prioritize pushing certain agendas over delivering engaging and well-crafted experiences. After some digging, it appears Sweet Baby Inc. is NOT the only group destroying the games we love.

Sweet Baby Inc. and Other Consultation Companies that Politicize Games

Consultation companies like Sweet Baby Inc. and others (as you will learn about as you read on) use a variety of methods to politicize games:

• Promoting social justice messages: These companies encourage game developers to include social justice themes in their games, such as diversity, inclusion, and representation.
• Pushing progressive political agendas: These companies use their influence to promote progressive political causes, such as gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change.
• Censorship: These companies may pressure game developers to remove or alter content that they deem to be offensive or politically incorrect.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

The politicization of games has had a significant impact on the gaming industry:

• Increased diversity and inclusion: Games are becoming more diverse and inclusive, with more representation of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ characters.
• More socially conscious games: Games are increasingly being used to raise awareness of social issues and promote positive change.
• Backlash from some gamers: Some gamers have reacted negatively to the politicization of games, arguing that it is sacrificing gameplay quality and alienating traditional gamers.

Controversy and Criticism

Sweet Baby Inc. and other consultation companies have been involved in a number of controversies related to the politicization of games. Critics argue that these companies are pushing their own political agendas on game developers and that they are sacrificing gameplay quality in the process.

Sweet Baby Inc.

• Website: https://www.sweetbabyinc.com/
• Founded: 2016
• Notable clients: Ubisoft, EA, Activision Blizzard
• Controversies: Accused of pushing a progressive political agenda in video games, sacrificing gameplay quality in the process.

Black Girl Gamers

Black Girl Gamers has been an advocate for black women in the gaming industry and has often aligned with social movements such as Black Lives Matter. Their mission to increase visibility and representation has been influential, although not without critique from those who view their activism as politically charged. Nonetheless, the organization’s impact, particularly on community building and spotlighting black female gamers, remains significant.

• Website: https://blackgirlgamers.com/
• Founded: 2015
• Notable activities: Hosts gaming events, provides scholarships to black women and girls interested in gaming, advocates for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry.
• Controversies: Criticized for its political activism, including its support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hit Detection

Consultancy firm Hit Detection works with developers to create more inclusive games. Their approach has been met with mixed reactions, with some questioning whether their social justice focus detracts from game quality. Yet, their expertise in game design has contributed to the success of numerous titles, suggesting that inclusivity and gameplay quality can indeed coexist.

• Website: https://hitdetection.com/
• Founded: 2018
• Notable clients: Warner Bros. Games, Rockstar Games, Bungie
• Controversies: Accused of focusing more on promoting social justice messages than on improving gameplay quality.

Balance Patch

Balance Patch has engaged in various forms of activism, including advocating for gun control and LGBTQ+ rights. While their work with developers on game balance is widely recognized, their political engagement has also attracted some criticism, sparking a debate on the role of advocacy in the gaming industry.

• Website: https://balancepatch.co/
• Founded: 2019
• Notable clients: Microsoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Nintendo
• Controversies: Criticized for its political activism, including its support for gun control and LGBTQ+ rights.

SilverString Media

As a PR firm, SilverString Media helps developers promote their games, but their support for progressive causes has been contentious. Critics argue that their political stance may influence the way games are marketed and perceived, although the firm continues to be a respected name in game promotion.

• Website: https://silverstringmedia.com/
• Founded: 2009
• Notable clients: Bethesda Softworks, 2K Games, Capcom
• Controversies: Accused of using its platform to promote progressive political candidates and causes.

Stone Maiar Games

Stone Maiar Games has focused on creating games with social justice themes. While their titles are praised for their forward-thinking content, there is a segment of the gaming community that finds their approach too overtly political. The studio’s dedication to inclusivity, however, has carved out a niche for them within the industry.

• Website: https://stonemaiargames.com/
• Founded: 2016
• Notable games: The Red Strings Club, Backbone
• Controversies: Criticized for being too preachy and political in its games.

GaymerX

GaymerX, although now-defunct, was a convention that aimed to provide an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ gamers. Its history is marred with controversy, and despite its closure in 2017, the conversations it sparked about inclusivity in gaming continue to resonate.

• Founded: 2004
• Closed: 2017
• Notable events: Hosted gaming conventions specifically for LGBTQ+ gamers.
• Controversies: Plagued by controversy from the start, including accusations of sexual harassment and discrimination.

James Mendez Hodes

James Mendez Hodes has represented game developers in high-profile legal cases and is noted for his involvement in the GamerGate controversy. His advocacy for progressive issues has been a point of contention for some, highlighting the complex interplay between legal representation and political views within the gaming sphere.

• Website: https://jamesmendezhodes.com/https://www.hodeslaw.com/
• Founded: 1993
• Notable clients: Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft
• Controversies: Criticized for his political activism, including his support for progressive causes.

Dragon Baby

Dragon Baby’s focus on diversity has earned both acclaim and criticism. Their efforts to represent marginalized groups in gaming have not gone unnoticed, though accusations of being overly politicized suggest a divide in audience reception.

• Website: https://dragonbaby.com/
• Founded: 2020
• Notable games: If Found…
• Controversies: Criticized for being too political in its games.

Anita Sarkeesian

Feminist media critic Anita Sarkeesian, known for her “Tropes vs. Women in Video Games” series, often faces backlash for her progressive stance. Despite this, her work has sparked important discussions about gender representation in games.

• Website: https://anitasarkeesian.com/
• Founded: 2008
• Notable work: Tropes vs. Women in Video Games series
• Controversies: Criticized for her political activism, including her support for progressive causes.

Weird Ghost

Weird Ghost, a studio with a focus on social justice, has been both praised for its inclusivity and criticized for political undertones. The impact of their games in fostering representation continues to be a point of debate in the community.

• Website: https://weirdghosts.ca/
• Founded: 2019
• Notable games: Perfect Tides
• Controversies: Criticized for being too political in its games.

Infinite Ammo Inc.

Similar to Weird Ghost, Infinite Ammo Inc. has a reputation for developing games that emphasize social justice themes. Their work has expanded the conversation on inclusivity, despite facing criticism for perceived politicization.

• Website: https://infiniteammo.ca/
• Founded: 2020
• Notable games: None yet released
• Controversies: Criticized for being too political in its mission statement.

Gamma Space

Gamma Space is another studio known for its social justice-oriented game development. Their commitment to inclusivity has influenced the indie game scene, although, like others, they have faced scrutiny over the political implications of their games.

• Website: https://gammaspace.ca/
• Founded: 2021
• Notable games: None yet released
• Controversies: Criticized for being too political in its mission statement.

Cozy Comet Games

Cozy Comet Games is celebrated for its inclusive titles, but some argue that their games carry a political message that overshadows other aspects. The studio remains a proponent of diversity in gaming narratives.

• Website: https://www.cozycometgames.ca/
• Founded: 2022
• Notable games: None yet released
• Controversies: Criticized for being too political in its mission statement.

The politicization of games is a complex issue with no easy answers. While some gamers welcome the increased diversity and social consciousness in games, others feel that it is going too far and that it is sacrificing gameplay quality. It remains to be seen how this issue will continue to play out in the future of the gaming industry.

Additional Information

• Sweet Baby Inc. has responded to the backlash against its partnership with Warner Bros., stating that it is “committed to working with companies that are making a positive impact on the world.”
• Some gamers have started a boycott of games that are associated with Sweet Baby Inc. and other consultation companies that politicize games.
• The debate over the politicization of games is likely to continue for some time, as it is a complex issue with no easy answers.