Intel: "We are deeply sorry if we offended anyone"
Chip maker issues statement in wake of pulling ads from website Gamasutra
Last week there was another uproar in the #GamerGate debate when Intel pulled its advertising support from developer website Gamasutra, following a string of complaints from #GamerGate supporters about an editorial that Gamasutra had published. A number of people perceived the action by Intel to mean that the company had taken a side and that it doesn't support equality in video games - in fact, some developers urged others to write to Intel about it - but now Intel has issued a statement on the whole situation, proclaiming that diversity is critically important to the company.
While Intel does not appear to be reinstating any ads on Gamasutra, the company did apologize for offending anyone. "We take feedback from customers seriously. For the time being, Intel has decided not to continue with our current ad campaign on the gaming site Gamasutra. However, we recognize that our action inadvertently created a perception that we are somehow taking sides in an increasingly bitter debate in the gaming community. That was not our intent, and that is not the case," the company said.
"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. 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."