Video games have always been a powerful medium for exploring social issues, but they are also notorious for their lack of diversity when it comes to gender and sexuality.
Recent years have seen an increasing number of games that challenge traditional norms around sexuality and gender identity, offering up nuanced and empowering portrayals of LGBTQIA+ characters. In this article, we will explore how video games and interactive storytelling can be used to promote empathy, create inclusive spaces, and offer authentic LGBT representation.
Challenging Heteronormativity
Heteronormativity is the assumption that heterosexuality is the default and only acceptable form of romance or sexuality. This means that most video games tend to assume that players identify as either male or female, with the majority of protagonists being cisgendered males who pursue heterosexual romances with other cisgendered women. By contrast, LGBTQIA+ characters are often relegated to sidekicks, villains, or simply do not exist at all. But some games are beginning to change this trend, allowing players to choose from a wider range of identities and relationships.
One example is "Life is Strange", which allows players to control a teenage girl named Max Caulfield as she discovers her own bisexuality and navigates complex relationships with both boys and girls. The game's writers worked closely with queer consultants to ensure that every aspect of Max's journey was respectful and accurate, while still providing a compelling narrative. Another example is "The Sims 4", which allows players to create customized avatars and form same-sex relationships without any additional mods or addons. This kind of representation helps normalize diverse sexualities and shows that there is no one right way to love or live.
Promoting Empathy
Games like "Life is Strange" also have the potential to promote empathy by putting players in the shoes of characters who may be different from themselves. By exploring the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, players can develop greater understanding and acceptance for people outside their immediate circles. As they interact with these characters, they may even start to see them as equals rather than objects of curiosity or fear. In addition, games like "Papers Please" offer a unique perspective on immigration policies and the impact they have on marginalized communities, highlighting the human cost of such laws. Games can be a powerful tool for creating social awareness and encouraging positive change.
Authentic Representation
Some games are breaking new ground when it comes to authentic portrayals of LGBTQIA+ experiences.
"Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear" features an openly transgender character named Mizhena, voiced by actual trans actors. The game's writers worked closely with trans activists to ensure that every aspect of her storyline was respectful and true-to-life. Similarly, "The Last of Us Part II" includes several characters who identify as nonbinary and allows players to choose their pronouns at the start of the game. These kinds of inclusive design choices help to show that gender identity is not binary and should not be limited by societal norms.
Video games and interactive storytelling can play a key role in challenging heteronormativity, promoting empathy, and providing authentic LGBT representation. By offering diverse perspectives and allowing players to explore different identities, games can create more equitable spaces where everyone feels welcome and represented. It will be exciting to see how this trend continues to evolve in the years ahead!
How can video games and interactive storytelling challenge heteronormativity, promote empathy, and provide authentic LGBT representation?
In recent years, video games and interactive storytelling have emerged as an increasingly popular medium for exploring complex social issues such as gender identity and sexual orientation. Through immersive narratives and dynamic characters, these forms of media offer unique opportunities to challenge heteronormative expectations and promote greater understanding and acceptance of LGBT individuals.