Popular video games are changing the way we think about different groups of people. They are making space for everyone and are having a big impact on society today.
More games are starting to include a variety of characters and stories that reflect the calls for representation. For example, a report from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) in 2021 showed that only 11% of game developers were women and just 4% identified as LGBTQ+. This shows there is still a need for more diversity in the gaming world. But things are getting better! By 2022, 35% of lead characters in big-name games were women, an increase from only 15% in 2014. This is a positive step toward including more voices.
Video games also talk about important social issues like mental health, gender identity, and race. For example, the game "The Last of Us Part II" dives deep into feelings of sadness and revenge. Another game, "The Outer Worlds," takes a funny look at capitalism and matches with current social and economic problems. Research from the Pew Research Center tells us that about 70% of players feel that video games can help people understand social issues better.
Online multiplayer games are also helping people connect with each other. In 2020, a survey found that 63% of adults in the U.S. thought video games helped bring together people from different backgrounds. The gaming community is becoming more diverse; in 2021, 24% of gamers in the U.S. identified as part of a racial or ethnic minority, which is leading to more culturally relevant games.
But there are still some challenges. Even though we are seeing more representation, there is still an imbalance in who is making these games. A survey in 2021 showed that while 49% of gamers are women, only 20% of game designers are women. It’s important to fix this gap to make lasting change in the industry.
In short, popular video games are changing old ideas by including different stories, discussing important social issues, and building welcoming communities. As the gaming world continues to grow, pushing for more representation—both in front of and behind the screen—will be key to creating a friendlier gaming culture for everyone.
Popular video games are changing the way we think about different groups of people. They are making space for everyone and are having a big impact on society today.
More games are starting to include a variety of characters and stories that reflect the calls for representation. For example, a report from the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) in 2021 showed that only 11% of game developers were women and just 4% identified as LGBTQ+. This shows there is still a need for more diversity in the gaming world. But things are getting better! By 2022, 35% of lead characters in big-name games were women, an increase from only 15% in 2014. This is a positive step toward including more voices.
Video games also talk about important social issues like mental health, gender identity, and race. For example, the game "The Last of Us Part II" dives deep into feelings of sadness and revenge. Another game, "The Outer Worlds," takes a funny look at capitalism and matches with current social and economic problems. Research from the Pew Research Center tells us that about 70% of players feel that video games can help people understand social issues better.
Online multiplayer games are also helping people connect with each other. In 2020, a survey found that 63% of adults in the U.S. thought video games helped bring together people from different backgrounds. The gaming community is becoming more diverse; in 2021, 24% of gamers in the U.S. identified as part of a racial or ethnic minority, which is leading to more culturally relevant games.
But there are still some challenges. Even though we are seeing more representation, there is still an imbalance in who is making these games. A survey in 2021 showed that while 49% of gamers are women, only 20% of game designers are women. It’s important to fix this gap to make lasting change in the industry.
In short, popular video games are changing old ideas by including different stories, discussing important social issues, and building welcoming communities. As the gaming world continues to grow, pushing for more representation—both in front of and behind the screen—will be key to creating a friendlier gaming culture for everyone.