"GTFO" is a documentary film released in 2015, directed by Shannon Sun-Higginson. It explores the world of online harassment and misogyny in gaming culture. The film stars a number of women, who have experienced harassment in the gaming industry, such as game developer Leigh Alexander, punk musician and game designer Jenny Haniver and game designer Robin Hunicke.
The documentary begins by laying out the problem of sexism and harassment in the gaming industry. The women featured in the movie share their experiences of being bullied, threatened and stalked online. The film delves into the history of gaming and how violent games like "Doom" and "Mortal Kombat" contributed to the negative perception of the industry.
The women also discuss their love for video games and how they have found a sense of community through gaming. They talk about the importance of creating safe spaces for women in gaming, where they can play without fear of harassment. However, they also discuss the backlash they have received from male gamers, who believe that women should not be allowed in the gaming world.
As the documentary progresses, it becomes apparent that the problem of online harassment is not limited to women in gaming. Women in other industries, as well as people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, face similar issues. The film highlights the role that social media plays in spreading hate and the limitations of existing laws in protecting individuals from online harassment.
In addition to interviews with women who have experienced harassment, the movie features a number of experts who comment on the issue. These include Anita Sarkeesian, the feminist cultural critic and creator of the "Tropes vs. Women in Video Games" YouTube series, and Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of African-American Studies at Duke University.
The film also explores the rise of the GamerGate controversy, which began in 2014, and which many consider as a reaction against the increasing number of women in the gaming industry. The documentary presents an overview of the various arguments presented by both sides of the debate.
Overall, "GTFO" provides a powerful and thought-provoking look at online harassment and misogyny in gaming culture. It highlights the bravery of women who have endured abuse and have spoken out about their experiences. It also raises important questions about the role of social media in spreading hate and the need for more stringent laws to protect individuals from online harassment.
GTFO is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.