Zoe Quinn
Date of Birth: 13.08.1987
Country: USA |
Content:
- Zoe Quinn: Gamer, Writer, and Activist
- Game Development
- Gamergate Controversy
- Advocacy and Activism
- Writing Career
- Awards and Recognition
Zoe Quinn: Gamer, Writer, and Activist
Early Life and CareerZoe Quinn was born in 1987 and raised near the Adirondack Mountains in New York. She suffered from depression as a teenager and was diagnosed at the age of 14. According to Quinn, she received little sympathy or support from school officials who "knew little about teens and depression/suicidality." She identifies as non-cisgender.
Game Development
Quinn's early work includes the game "Depression Quest," which explores the experiences of someone living with depression. The game was published on Steam Greenlight in 2014 and was praised by Playboy for its honest depiction of mental illness. She created the Game Developers' Help List, intended to help connect experienced and aspiring developers.
In 2015, Quinn served as a narrative designer on the iOS game "Framed." She also worked on a video game movie with Greg Sestero and wrote a chapter for "The State of Play: Sixteen Voices on Video Games," detailing her experience creating "Depression Quest" and the subsequent harassment she faced.
Gamergate Controversy
In 2014, Quinn became embroiled in the "Gamergate" controversy. Former boyfriend Eron Gjoni alleged that she had engaged in sexual favors with journalists to gain positive reviews for "Depression Quest." Despite a lack of evidence, the allegations sparked harassment and doxxing against Quinn.
Advocacy and Activism
In response to Gamergate, Quinn co-founded the Crash Override Network, a crisis hotline and resource center for victims of online harassment. She has spoken out about the need for technology companies to provide better moderation and protect marginalized groups, particularly transgender women and victims of online violence.
Writing Career
Quinn began her career as a comic book writer in 2018, collaborating with illustrator Robbie Rodriguez on "Goddess Mode" for DC Vertigo's imprint. She has also written a chapter for "Videogames for Humans" about creating games using Twine.
Awards and Recognition
Quinn has received numerous accolades for her work. In 2015, she and Anita Sarkeesian spoke at the United Nations about online harassment. She has been praised for her advocacy, her contributions to game development, and her resilience in the face of adversity.