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Consalvo led off with some startling data on depictions of characters in games. 150 games released in '05-'06, across platforms and genres, were studied to record the appearance of every character seen by a player. A total of 8,572 characters were coded, out of which only 10.45% were female. White characters accounted for 85% of the primary characters appearing in those games. Not a single Hispanic or Native American character played a primary role in any of the games studied. Black characters depicted were overwhelmingly athletes and gang bangers.
Consalvo also cited research on children suggesting that characters represented in media play an important role in the construction of self-image and images of others. Additional research indicates that exposures to stereotypes negatively impact how kids perceive minorities.
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Brophy-Warren wondered why the industry seems willing "to leave so much money on the table." Why is there no Tyler Perry or Spike Lee capitalizing on an opportunity to reach an audience that's already there? Why, he asked, in a game like Heavy Rain - set in Philadelphia with a 50% black population - are the only two characters of color "Mad Jack" and a kindly old groundskeeper? It's a glaring and nonsensical disconnect.
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I find it fascinating that Japanese companies, again and again, create games featuring predominantly white characters – or, to put it another way, games where there are no characters that look Asian. This is particularly interesting considering the demographics of Japan, and also their reputation, earned or otherwise, for colonization and nationalism. And as an American gamer who is Asian American, it's also an issue since most American and European game makers also make games where the majority of the characters are white.
i think something that should be pointed out is that many of the video game icons are white, most of these characters were created by japanese developers.
this comparison also translates into anime and manga...apparently, the japanese think it is easier to draw whites.
I don't know if you've noticed, but some Japanese have a big obsession with the western culture. I can't remember what I was watching the other day, but they try to make their eyes look bigger, so that he can look more like, well... us white folks. It's not what the think is easier to draw, is what they think is more attractive, and well... if I have the option to customize my character, of course I want it to look like me, mostly like me. If I can't choose what the hero looks like, then I really couldn't care less what the hero looks like. If the game had someone from a different race or gender than mine, as long as it makes sense with the story, I wouldn't mind. Would you?
This is retarded, who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.
Exactly how I feel.
It annoys me how people complain about there not being enough blacks in video games. Who cares? If they care so much, then maybe video games are not for them.
Assuming that most game directors/concept planners(who ever the hell does it) are not native American or have African roots, they are probably going to have a hard time incorporating such characters in their games. When they make characters and want them to get attention, they are usually going to add unique characteristics, and because they have probably spent more time conversing and interacting with people of their own color, they're going to be unsure and/or feel unsafe about whether or not they are creating something that is politically incorrect, racially offensive, or stereotypical. Being generally nervous about making such a mistake, people of a higher "uniqueness" in ethnicity are probably going to get smaller parts in video games.
Well, that's how I see the situation any-who.
---------- Post added at 10:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------
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Originally Posted by Tenser
Can anyone here name two black main characters that isn't an athlete or a gangbanger?
General Leo and Sigint. (Actually forgot the name of the last one, had to look it up, which really only goes to prove the point)
This isn't shocking to me at all. Mostly white and asian guys buy the majority of games. I have no source for that info but I think it's fairly obvious. I doubt gaming companies are purposely being racist. They just market to who spends the most money.
They play an active role, but they are not lead characters. Trying to call the lead characters for Left 4 Dead is like trying to call the lead for FFVI. Sure everyone says they all have an "equal" place, but everyone knows that Terra/Louis is the one to remember.
Because not making your lead character something other then your predominate skin ton is racist. Anyone here make Lentil Daal soup for dinner this week ? You racist or something ?
who the hell cares if the guy is black white or purple.
Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.
Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.
I don't think it has to do with not wanting to be racist and get something wrong... or marketing. I think it has more with the fact that when you are creating the story, what type of character comes to mind. Not the the creator of the story is racist, he just probably wants the lead to resemble himself/herself or someone he/she knows. I know guys who are a bit uncomfortable playing as a girl, so they are more attracted to games with male leads that have awesome power. Yet, there are games with female leads, and they are not aimed to get more girls to play, I really think it's just how the created of the story pictures it, and if the story writer is a white American, he is very likely to make the lead a white American. (Note the fact that I said likely). I like writing stories, and many times I picture my characters white... not because I'm racist, but because I put part of myself, or people I know into the charters, so I picture them like me. There's nothing wrong with that. I think it's worse make the lead... say an Italian, just because no one is making a game with an Italian as a lead (I know Mario is Italian, doesn't count). It's like Disney making and African American princess because all the other princesses where "white".
Really, I mean, why bother with this Tenser? I think he's just used to posting these articles now. I mean, the one with the girl getting shot with a gun is important to see. But videogames are bad for marrige? Really? Who the heck cares about that? If someone in a marrige is more in love with Videogames than his/her married partner, that's their problem, but you adress it like its a MUST SEE situation! And, with all the other articles you've been posting, especially the marrige one, it seems like your AGAINST some videogames and their componies, more than WITH them! Just saying.
He's posting them to start discussions. I think it's working just fine. Don't blame Tenser these are just the interesting articles he's finding. If you take the time to read the topics he's not against gaming. To even claim that is just ridiculous.
I find it fascinating that Japanese companies, again and again, create games featuring predominantly white characters – or, to put it another way, games where there are no characters that look Asian. This is particularly interesting considering the demographics of Japan, and also their reputation, earned or otherwise, for colonization and nationalism.
He's posting them to start discussions. I think it's working just fine. Don't blame Tenser these are just the interesting articles he's finding. If you take the time to read the topics he's not against gaming. To even claim that is just ridiculous.
Oh. Well, Tenser, I'm sorry. It just looked liked you didn't like videogames, because you kept posting those ridiculous articles. And I never heard the quote Brawlmaster said, you said. And, I also might've posted something in another one of your posts. Just saying, I'm sorry.
Linear Mode
