Portrayal of Non-Cisgender Characters in Video Games
Kuusrainen, Annele (2023)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121236281
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121236281
Tiivistelmä
The objective of the thesis was to gain information on how non-cisgender gamers relate to the current state of non-cisgender representation in video games and what hopes they have for future inclusion. This information was used to answer how to recognize and avoid harmful narratives related to gender diversity from the perspective of a game writer.
The methods used in this research were qualitative—a questionnaire with open-ended answers to map the thoughts of the target group and a content analysis based on the games that frequently showed in the questionnaire’s answers. The analysis aimed to compare qualities and features specifically fitting the topic of non-cisgender inclusion in these games.
Even representation with good intentions has occasionally ended up suffering from a lack of knowledge on sensitive issues. Despite oversights, the study showed that gender diversity and inclusivity in video games have greatly improved over the decades and that even big game companies are starting to take non-cis representation more seriously. There are, however, still challenges with respectful portrayals and meaningful narratives that serve as more than just tokenism from a non-cisgender perspective.
The methods used in this research were qualitative—a questionnaire with open-ended answers to map the thoughts of the target group and a content analysis based on the games that frequently showed in the questionnaire’s answers. The analysis aimed to compare qualities and features specifically fitting the topic of non-cisgender inclusion in these games.
Even representation with good intentions has occasionally ended up suffering from a lack of knowledge on sensitive issues. Despite oversights, the study showed that gender diversity and inclusivity in video games have greatly improved over the decades and that even big game companies are starting to take non-cis representation more seriously. There are, however, still challenges with respectful portrayals and meaningful narratives that serve as more than just tokenism from a non-cisgender perspective.