The spasm known as GamerGate has claimed the life of yet another progressive hero. The paragon of androgynous masculinity who helped pioneer transgendered acceptance and inspired several generations of game designers has died today (Confirmed by his son, Duncan Jones). Progressive safe space GiantBomb has compiled an impressive collection of David Bowie’s influence upon the gaming industry.

GamerGate’s long-term campaign of transphobic abuse against game developer Brianna Wu isn’t the first time this racist movement lashed out against those influenced by David Bowie’s legacy. In 1999, Bowie released a game called Omikron: The Nomad Soul which received a less than stellar 74.81% ranking on GameRankings.com from a then predominantly white male gaming audience.

Even his popular song, China Girl, embodies the cringe-worthy futility of GamerGate’s obsession with cultural appropriation decades before its appearance:

I stumble into town just like a sacred cow

Visions of swastikas in my head

Plans for everyone

It’s in the white of my eyes



My little China girl

You shouldn’t mess with me

I’ll ruin everything you are

I’ll give you television

I’ll give you eyes of blue

I’ll give you man who wants to rule the world

David Bowie’s influence on gaming history should never be understated, no matter how badly GamerGate wants his disciples to remain quiet.