Intel issues apology regarding its advertising and 'GamerGate'

Microprocessor-maker Intel issued a statement late Friday regarding its decision to pull advertising from the industry journal Gamasutra, a decision made under pressure from the movement calling itself GamerGate.

Intel removed advertising from Gamasutra on Wednesday, a decision that attracted a great deal of attention, including from mainstream non-gaming media. The chip-maker had been targeted by an campaign against Gamasutra and its editor-at-large Leigh Alexander, who has been critical of the treatment of women both in video games and in the industry developing them.

GamerGate arose this summer out of a series of controversies involving members of the games media and abuse directed at some independent games developers. Though it claims to be a protest against corruption in the gaming press, some of its loudest voices have attacked the work and legitimacy of Alexander and other women involved in games criticism and development. She and others such as Anita Sarkeesian, the creator of the "Tropes vs. Women in Video Games" documentary series, also have faced online harrassment and threats.

Critics of Intel called its removal of ads from Gamasutra an endorsement of antifeminist bullying; Intel's statement Friday insisted it is not, though it has not resumed advertising with Gamasutra.

"We recognize that our action inadvertently created a perception that we are somehow taking sides in an increasingly bitter debate in the gaming community," Intel wrote. "That was not our intent, and that is not the case. When it comes to our support of equality and women, we want to be very clear: Intel believes men and women should be treated the same.

"And, diversity is an integral part of our corporate strategy and vision with commitments to improve the diversity of our workforce," Intel continued. "And while we respect the right of individuals to have their personal beliefs and values, Intel does not support any organization or movement that discriminates against women. We apologize and we are deeply sorry if we offended anyone."