Game On by Seressia Glass (The Love Con) introduces readers to Samara (Sam) Reynolds, consultant, gamer, and social activist, and Aron Galanis, CEO of Artemis Games. Sam makes a name for herself in the online gaming community, calling out games and gaming companies for their lack of in-game diversity; Artemis Games is her newest focus.
Aron wakes one Saturday morning to see Legendsfall, one of his company's popular games, trending with the hashtags "#LEGENDSFOUL" and "#MISOGYNOIR." He takes the claims seriously and launches an investigation into how a racist character made it into his game. He also sets out to hire somebody to keep it from happening in the future, and he wants Sam. The pair meet at a large gaming conference and sparks fly.
Sam, a Black woman, clearly describes--to both Aron and readers--the racism and sexism of the gaming industry from a player's point of view. She demonstrates what happens all too often to Black women playing games online when the trolls descend, and explains the very real consequences when this online vitriol escalates offline. The sweet romance between Sam and Aron is a counter to this tough narrative. Aron is understanding, a fast learner, and does everything he can to make Sam's life easier and happier. Aron would make a fantastic partner in real life, something that cannot be said for many other book boyfriends. Readers will cheer the couple as they navigate their relationship. --Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller