Lack of racial diversity in video games

Adam Harris

The Problem

Video games are a huge influence on society today, especially for youth.

Many video games today, especially the more popular seem to have a lack of racial diversity.

Typically, the protagonist is Caucasian.

Popular video game protagonists

Why do we need racial diversity in video games?

It helps put a better perspective on equality as a whole

Assists in the emersion of video games

Trend Setting

Although many protagonist characters are Caucasian, there are also some games who differ. Here are examples of some of the more popular trend setters.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

This is one of the sequels to the famous video game Grand Theft Auto. In this game the main protagonist is African American

Sleeping Dogs

This game is about an undercover cop who gets tasked to join a major Asian gang and bring down the leaders. The main character is of Chinese decent.

The Walking Dead

This game is a re-creation of the popular TV show. In this game, the main character is Lee, and is African American.

Racial ambiguous characters

There are also games which decide to have characters who are racially ambiguous.

These characters have no set race, as you never see their face, or skin.

Racial ambiguous characters

This allows many players put themselves in the characters shoes as they have no set racial identity.

Customizable Characters

Another popular option for games Is to allow users to create their own characters. This avoids all racial conflict that may arise.

Non-human Characters

Another example of a solution is games that use characters that are non-human.

Conflict Theories

I believe this social problem relates to my topic well. The conflict theories are related to power struggles, or differentials. This includes class conflict, and racial conflict.This is relevant as it makes video games seem as if all races are not equal. As most of the main characters are Caucasian.

References

• Cato, Mathew. "Widening The Scope: A Look At Racial Diversity in Video Games." N.p., 8 Feb. 2011. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/02/08/widening-the-scope-a-look-at-racial-diversity-in-video-games.aspx>.

• "Complicated Pixels: Lack of Racial Diversity in Video Games?." Games and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://gamecult.umwblogs.org/2013/02/15/complicated-pixels-lack-of-racial-diversity-in-video-games/>.

• "Sociology of Social Inequality." About.com Sociology. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://sociology.about.com/od/Disciplines/a/Sociology-Of-Social-Inequality.htm>.

• Lien, Tracy. "Why racial diversity and authenticity in games benefit players | Polygon." Polygon. N.p., 2 Aug. 2013. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/2/4580624/why-racial-diversity-and-authenticity-in-games-benefit-playerss>.

• Packwood, Damon. "Hispanics and Blacks Missing in Gaming Industry - New America Media." Hispanics and Blacks Missing in Gaming Industry - New America Media. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. <http://newamericamedia.org/2011/09/gamer-to-game-makers-wheres-the-diversity.php>.