The role that games play in society is often underestimated; however, they are an important part of modern culture, influencing how people think about social issues, including morality and ethics. One area where this impact can be seen is in queer games, which feature non-heteronormative protagonists, themes, and narratives. These games have been credited with helping to destigmatize LGBTQ+ identities and fostering empathy among players who may not identify with these experiences themselves.
Their design also has implications for moral reasoning and ethical reflection. The way choices are presented to players and the consequences that follow those choices shape how they view their actions and make decisions in real life. This article will explore what defines "queer" games and examine how player choice influences moral reasoning and ethical reflection in this context.
What is Queer Gaming?
Queer gaming refers to video games that feature characters or narratives that challenge heterosexual normativity or traditional gender roles. These games often present alternative forms of sexuality, romance, family structures, relationships, and other aspects of identity. Examples include the visual novel 'Sissy Boyfriend Simulator', where players must navigate a relationship between two men as a teenage boy coming out to himself, and the dating sim 'Monster Prom', where players choose from a diverse cast of characters and decide whether to pursue monsters, robots, aliens, or humans. While some games have been criticized for fetishizing queerness or promoting negative stereotypes, others offer a nuanced representation of LGBTQ+ identities that challenges societal expectations.
Player Choice in Queer Games
In queer games, player choice can take many forms, including dialogue options, character development paths, and gameplay mechanics.
In 'Gaymer's Paradise', players navigate a virtual world as an avatar who chooses their own pronouns, dress code, hairstyle, and romantic interests. In 'Katawa Shoujo', players control a high school student with a disability who navigates his relationships with classmates while exploring his feelings for another student with a physical impairment. The choices made by players have direct consequences on how they progress through the story, affecting their ability to build friendships, find love, and make difficult decisions. Some games also allow players to customize their appearance and behavior to fit their personal preferences, such as changing clothing or body shape in 'Night in the Woods'.
Moral Reasoning and Ethical Reflection in Queer Games
The design of player choice in queer games influences moral reasoning and ethical reflection in several ways. Firstly, it encourages empathy towards characters who may be marginalized or oppressed in real life. By putting themselves in someone else's shoes, players are forced to confront their assumptions about identity and explore perspectives outside of their own experience. This can lead to greater understanding and tolerance, which is crucial in today's society. Secondly, the choices available to players encourage critical thinking about morality and ethics. Players must consider not only what is right or wrong but why it matters, and how those decisions impact the wider world around them.
The rewards and punishments associated with certain choices reinforce specific values and behaviors, shaping players' attitudes and beliefs over time.
Choosing to pursue a relationship with a character of a different race or gender may earn bonus points in some games, reinforcing diversity and inclusion. Conversely, making destructive choices that harm others may result in penalties, highlighting the importance of kindness and compassion.
Queer gaming has become an important part of modern culture, influencing how people think about social issues and promoting empathy among gamers. The way choices are presented to players and the consequences that follow those choices shape how they view their actions and make decisions in real life. While there are challenges to address, such as stereotypes and fetishization, the benefits of exploring alternative identities through video games cannot be underestimated. As designers continue to push boundaries and create new experiences for players, we should expect to see more nuanced representations of queerness in the future.
In what ways does the design of player choice in queer games influence moral reasoning and ethical reflection?
The design of player choice in queer games influences moral reasoning and ethical reflection by creating an environment where players can explore complex issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity in a safe space that is free from judgment or prejudice. Queer games often feature characters who are non-binary or transgender, allowing players to experience what it might be like to navigate through life as someone with a different identity.