There has been an increased focus on using interactive media to promote empathy and understanding of marginalized groups, including those within the LGBT community. Video games have emerged as one such medium that offers unique opportunities for creating meaningful connections between players and characters who are often underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream culture. By incorporating LGBT perspectives into game narratives, designers can challenge stereotypes and promote greater awareness and acceptance among both gamers and non-gamers alike. At the same time, video games also offer ways for players to engage critically with issues of identity, power, and privilege through exploring complex social dynamics and interpersonal relationships. This article will explore how video games can be used to enhance empathy, representation, and critical engagement with LGBT experiences.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it is a key component of building compassion and connection. Through immersive storytelling, video games can provide players with rich and nuanced portrayals of LGBT individuals and their experiences.
Games like "Life is Strange" and "The Last of Us Part II" feature protagonists who identify as lesbian or transgender, respectively, and allow players to experience their struggles firsthand. These games go beyond simply presenting LGBT characters but instead invite players to inhabit their lives, challenging them to consider how they would react in similar situations.
Games like "Gone Home" and "What Remains of Edith Finch" use narrative structure to create an emotional connection between the player and queer characters. In these games, players must navigate complex family dynamics and intergenerational trauma while also learning about the history and significance of LGBT experiences. The combination of narrative and gameplay creates a powerful sense of empathy that can lead to deeper understanding and awareness.
Representation refers to the inclusion of diverse perspectives and identities in media, particularly those that have been historically underrepresented or misrepresented. Video games offer unique opportunities for this kind of representation because they are interactive and allow players to inhabit diverse roles.
"Overwatch" features multiple LGBTQ+ characters across different races and cultures, providing a diverse range of perspectives on sexuality and gender identity. This representation not only affirms the existence of LGBTQ+ people but also challenges stereotypes and promotes greater visibility within the gaming community.
Critical engagement refers to the ability to analyze and critique power structures and social norms, which is essential for creating change. Through game mechanics and design choices, video games can encourage players to question assumptions and challenge dominant narratives.
"Undertale" subverts typical power dynamics by allowing players to choose compassionate or violent responses to various encounters. Players who choose the former can experience a more meaningful storyline and gain insight into the consequences of their actions. Similarly, "The Stanley Parable" presents players with a series of moral dilemmas that require them to make difficult decisions about authority, conformity, and individual agency. By presenting complex ethical scenarios, these games prompt players to consider broader societal issues and interrogate systems of oppression.
Video games offer exciting new ways to enhance empathy, representation, and critical engagement with LGBT experiences. They provide immersive storytelling, diverse representations, and opportunities for player choice, all of which contribute to deeper understanding and awareness. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, we must embrace these possibilities and work towards a future where all voices are heard and valued equally.
In what ways can interactive media, particularly video games, serve as instruments for empathy, representation, and critical engagement with LGBT experiences?
LGBT people are often marginalized and discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and gender identity (González, et al. , 2019). Interactive media, including video games, have the potential to represent them positively by creating avatars that showcase the struggles and challenges they face daily. In this way, players can develop a sense of empathy towards these individuals, leading to more acceptance and understanding.