The Woke Mafia: How Ideology is Undermining Entertainment and Gaming

R.A. Sterling
5 min readJan 9, 2025

The entertainment and video game industries, once havens for artistic creativity and innovation, are now under siege by what can only be described as a “Woke Mafia.” This influential circle, comprised of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and their Corporate Equality Index (CEI), BlackRock, the United Nations, GLAAD, CSR initiatives, DEI programs, and BRIDGE, has fundamentally altered the trajectory of these industries. Alongside them are consultancy firms like Sweet Baby Inc., whose interventions have, time and again, led to disappointing results.

Photo by Warren Umoh on Unsplash

Narcissism and Ideological Domination

At the core of this movement is a cadre of narcissists driven by a hunger for power and an obsessive desire to inject ideologies into realms where they do not belong. These individuals thrive on control and manipulation, forcing industries to bend to their will regardless of the consequences. This group has little to no respect for art or creativity. Instead, like parasites, they latch onto successful products and industries, draining them of originality and leaving a wake of chaos before moving on to their next target.

This insidious behavior stems from a broader societal trend where virtue signaling has replaced genuine progress. The industries that once celebrated boldness and innovation are now shackled by fear of offending these power-hungry ideologues. A poignant example of their destructive influence is the failure of Dragon Age: The Failguard. This game, once a beacon of hope for storytelling in video games, fell victim to ideological overreach and the prioritization of political messaging over quality. Once loyal fans turned away in disappointment as the franchise strayed far from its roots.

The Cost of Pandering

The consequences of pandering to the Woke Mafia are evident in the declining quality of entertainment products. Companies often find themselves sacrificing originality, creativity, and craftsmanship in a desperate bid to appease a vocal minority of activists. This approach is not only alienating their core audiences but also undermining the very essence of art and entertainment.

For instance, when diversity becomes a checkbox rather than a meaningful aspect of storytelling, characters feel shallow, narratives fall flat, and audiences lose interest. Art is reduced to propaganda, and entertainment becomes a platform for ideological preaching rather than escapism or inspiration.

Examples of Success

In stark contrast to these failures are success stories that demonstrate what is possible when companies prioritize quality over pandering. For video games, titles like Stellar Blade and Black Myth: Wukong stand as shining examples of excellence. These games showcase a dedication to artistry, technical prowess, and compelling gameplay that resonates with audiences worldwide. Despite unwarranted criticism from woke media, these titles have captured the imagination of players by staying true to their creators’ visions and refusing to compromise on quality.

In the realm of film, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy exemplifies the triumph of storytelling and artistic integrity. By remaining true to the source material and focusing on delivering an exceptional cinematic experience, Jackson’s work continues to be a benchmark for success. It serves as a reminder that respecting the audience and the craft leads to timeless achievements.

Hope on the Horizon

Amidst the gloom, there are glimmers of hope. Companies like Rebel Wolves, born from disillusionment with the industry’s direction, offer a promising alternative. These developers are driven by a passion for their craft and a desire to return to the roots of what makes entertainment great: creativity and innovation.

Similarly, the rise of Chinese and Korean developers, who are not bound by the woke ideology gripping the West, has introduced fresh competition. Their projects, such as Stellar Blade and Black Myth: Wukong, highlight the potential for a global reset in gaming excellence. These developers are setting new standards by focusing on compelling narratives, rich worlds, and engaging gameplay, free from the constraints of ideological interference.

Strategies for Western Companies

To reclaim their industries and secure their future, Western developers and entertainment companies must take decisive action. The following strategies can help:

  1. Reject the Woke Mafia: Companies must prioritize artistic integrity and quality over pandering to activists. They need to focus on creating products that resonate with their core audiences rather than catering to fringe ideologies.
  2. Seek Strategic Partnerships: Exploring partnerships with Chinese and Korean investors can provide the resources and support needed to create groundbreaking content. These investors often prioritize results and artistry over ideology, offering a refreshing alternative to Western corporate pressures.
  3. Maintain Independence: Staying private, as companies like Valve have, can provide the freedom to innovate without external pressures. Independence allows creators to focus on their vision without being subjected to shareholder demands or activist scrutiny.
  4. Unite for Change: Western developers should collaborate to create a unified front against ideological overreach. By pooling resources and expertise, they can build a resilient industry that values creativity and quality above all else.

Cultural Reclamation

Beyond these strategies, there is a pressing need for a cultural reclamation within the entertainment and gaming industries. Creators must be emboldened to stand up for their artistic visions and resist external pressures. Audiences, too, have a role to play by supporting creators and companies that prioritize quality and authenticity. The success of independent projects and non-Western developers demonstrates that there is a strong demand for art that is free from ideological constraints.

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The Woke Mafia’s influence has eroded the foundations of the entertainment and gaming industries. However, by rejecting their destructive agenda and embracing creativity, quality, and independence, companies can pave the way for a brighter future. The rise of companies like Rebel Wolves and the success of projects like Stellar Blade and Black Myth: Wukong show that it is possible to thrive outside the confines of ideological conformity. It is imperative to act now, before more art is lost to the clutches of this ideological machine. By standing together and championing artistic integrity, the industry can reclaim its rightful place as a beacon of creativity and innovation.

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R.A. Sterling
R.A. Sterling

Written by R.A. Sterling

My name is Rhodes Ansel Sterling, author name R.A. Sterling. Themes: space colonization, the environment, and women’s rights. amazon.com/author/rasterling

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