This week we discussed how harmful rhetorics, such as with the Alt-Right movement, can be spread in gaming communities, as well as what impact user generated content has on video games. While we discussed social justice in video games and its many benefits last week, we explored the opposite side of this discussion this week. Many movements begin on the internet and in video games due to how quickly information and word of mouth can spread, in addition to the amount of impressionable users in virtual worlds on the internet, such as “Fortnite”. A common ground is found in these games, in adoration of the game, and is used to the advantage of people who want to push their beliefs onto others. For example, if a rumor is started that the lead developer of a game hates a mechanic that many players love and is looking to change it, many players would get upset and rally for the game to stay the same. This vulnerability is exploited by those who want to push their own political beliefs, and helps further the agenda of whomever wants to take advantage of impressionable or young players. An example of this is with the satirical presidential candidate, Ace Watkins, who touts himself as “The first gamer president”. While many political candidates scapegoat violent video games as the cause for domestic terrorism, violence in schools, and crime, Ace Watkins joyfully posts on his Twitter about political and gaming issues, such as that healthcare should receive more funding, and that loot boxes “should at least tell you the drop rate before you open them”. While this example is humorous, it shows the potency that a community as large as the gaming community can have on the political climate, as Ace Watkins started to surpass the follower count of actual politicians in mere days after his tweets first began. This issue of video games being politicized ties in loosely to the topic of User Generated content, as some use the creative functions of games such as “Minecraft” or “Fortnite” to push their agendas further in subtle ways, such as by making a large shrine to Ben Shapiro in “Minecraft” or putting “MAGA caps” in “Garry’s Mod”. While these cases are minimal and most are satirical in nature, the free speech and use of self generated content can be used in this context. In most cases, user generated content can range from elaborate and masterful creations, such as the building of world scale replicas of Disney World in “Minecraft”, or the weird and wacky, such as with Pickle Rick character mods in “Grand Theft Auto”. Creative outlets such as extensive editors and modding tools allow for players to send any message they want to other like minded players around the world, whether these messages be lighthearted or loaded with political statements and calls for change. The gaming space has certainly become vastly different with the introduction of online multiplayer and modding, allowing for anyone to spin their own stories and find their own voices in the worlds made by developers.