Recently, many corporations appear to be quietly moving away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This shift raises the question: is this a collective awakening or are there other factors at play? This article explores the reasons behind this trend, focusing on companies like Take Two, the parent company of GTA.
The Initial Push for DEI
Initially, the intention behind DEI was relatively simple: to ensure that games didn't exclusively feature overly muscular male characters. The aim was to make games more inclusive and representative of diverse ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. This included internal management and public relations, with companies emphasizing DEI during recruitment and even creating dedicated departments.
Take Two's U-Turn on DEI
Take Two, the company behind Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K, was once a vocal advocate for DEI. They publicly stated their belief in the value and efficiency of diverse teams. In 2020, following the Black Lives Matter movement, Take Two established internal units and hired a dedicated person to promote diversity policies. They even investigated internal salary differences to identify potential discrimination.
However, things changed this year. Recent reports submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed the removal of DEI content. The section on diversity now focuses on "diversity of thought" and downplays the importance of DEI. LGBTQ+ employee awards were also removed, giving the impression that they never existed. This abrupt shift has sparked speculation among players regarding Take Two's true intentions.
Beyond Take Two: A Wider Trend
Take Two is not alone in this shift. Many other major companies are also scaling back or eliminating DEI initiatives.
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Disney: Deleted trans plot lines and also changed the website name from Reimagine Tomorrow to MyDisneyToday.
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Amazon, Meta, Walmart, Google, Target: These companies are either downsizing DEI teams or eliminating entire departments, along with related sponsorships.
These adjustments suggest a broader trend among significant commercial giants, indicating that this is not simply a matter of impulse, but is driven by complex underlying causes.
Reasons for the Decline of DEI
Consumer Pushback
A major factor is consumer resistance. Many games, in an attempt to embrace DEI, have incorporated elements that negatively affect the game's quality and gameplay, angering players. These controversial choices even before a game's release lead to negative sentiment and lower sales, such as examples like Assassin's Creed, Star Ocean: The Divine Force, and Dragon Age.
The poor sales performance of these "politically correct" games highlights that players prioritize gameplay over DEI initiatives. This backlash has led some to question whether Take Two's delay of GTA 6 and their softened stance on DEI are connected.
Political Pressure
The actions of former President Trump, including an executive order to eliminate DEI in federal agencies, also played a role. This policy pressure forced companies to reconsider their DEI commitments.
Financial Considerations
Ultimately, the primary driver behind this shift is often financial. DEI policies increase operational costs, requiring investment in recruitment, training, and management. Some companies have hired less qualified individuals to meet diversity quotas. If consumers do not respond positively, it can lead to financial difficulties and investor concern.
Take Two's Strategy
Reports suggest the budget for GTA 6 is massive, making it one of the most expensive games ever made. This financial pressure might be influencing Take Two's decision to avoid controversy and appeal to a broader audience. Take Two hasn't completely abandoned DEI but is instead adopting a neutral position. By doing so, they aim to avoid alienating any potential GTA 6 players.
Conclusion
While the shift away from DEI may be driven by financial motives rather than genuine belief, it could have a positive impact on creative works. There may be a decrease in "in your face" DEI and more focus on just making good games that people want to play. Whether GTA 6 will avoid political correctness remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: if games prioritize ideology over enjoyment, players will express their dissatisfaction with their wallets.