Nights Entertainment Magazine Issue 1

Representation in Gaming: Let’s start a conversation!

This was a huge theme at MCM’s London comic con, this year. Gaming legends like Mc Fixer debating the subject on panels. We were both grateful and impressed that comic con chose to open up the conversation. Although it should be a larger ongoing conversation. One that all industries get involved in. There’s no debating that representation in gaming is improving. Technology and developer software is growing. The options for widening customization options become a reality. Better representations of the community that supports the industry are viable. Our take on the lack of diversity within representation is due to oversight. Gaming is about storytelling and unless you set out with the main storyline that has diversity at its focus. It is possible to understand how you might overlook it. It’s also in how the industry views characterization and storylines. For a gamer, the ability to design a character to reflect themselves in a game is equal to a child personalizing their bedroom.

We need appropriate representation. It’s a conversation we should be having until there’s no longer an issue.

According to Techradar, 45% of gamers in the US are female yet only 19% of employees are female. Although this may be part of the problem. As we’re seen with publishing. It takes quite a while to get results by trying to deal with the problem on a corporate level. You also run the risk of ending up with a system of token employees but nothing within the games changes.

Another part of the puzzle is: it is claimed that a player is unable to immerse themselves in a game. If they can’t see themselves represented in the game. Honesty although the premise is reasonable. The first game I immersed myself in was Need For Speed (PC version). I wasn’t represented, and could not drive in reality. Yet, I love fast cars! It had nothing to do with representation and at the time I didn't realize I loved fast cars. But had everything to do with the fact my ex-husband was stupid enough to believe when I said “I’ll just set up for you,”. According to Mordor Intelligence, China has 665 million gamers (2021). I wouldn’t say that Chinese representation in gaming characters is any better or worse than other ethnic groups.

Nights Entertainment Magazine11