Understanding Character Representation in Video Games

When we think about characters in video games, we see an important way to look at social problems about race and gender.

Many video games don't show a variety of characters. They often stick to the same stereotypes and don’t reflect the real diversity we see in the world.

Representation Numbers

1. Race:

   • A 2020 report by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) said that only 20% of game developers are non-white.
   • A 2021 study found that just 17% of main characters in popular video games come from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.
   • In a 2022 study, over 70% of characters in popular game series were white. Black characters made up about 15%, and characters from other backgrounds were around 15%.

2. Gender:

   • The same IGDA report showed that about 30% of game developers are women. This affects how characters are designed and the stories told.
   • A 2021 survey revealed that only 12% of video games had a female main character. Most games focused on male characters, sticking to traditional gender roles.
   • Research from Statista pointed out that female characters usually have fewer roles. They are often seen as sidekicks or goals instead of the main heroes.

How This Affects Stories

The stories in video games often reflect real-life issues about race and gender. Stereotypes are common in character design. For example, women are often shown as overly sexualized, and characters from different backgrounds are presented with simple traits. A familiar theme is showing male characters as strong heroes, while female characters usually take on supporting roles.

Community and Cultural Response

How the gaming community reacts to character representation is very important for making changes. A 2022 survey showed that 73% of gamers think diversity in video games is important, and 89% believe games should show different backgrounds and experiences. This shows a demand for more inclusivity.

Games like "The Last of Us Part II" and "Spider-Man: Miles Morales" have been praised for how they show complex characters from different backgrounds. This shows that thoughtful representation can connect with players and reflect larger social issues.

Conclusion

In short, how characters are shown in video games is like a mirror reflecting social challenges related to race and gender. The gaming industry needs to keep growing and focus on diverse representation. This change will help create a welcoming space for an audience that is becoming more diverse.