Techno-Intransigence: The Resistances to Representation in Video Games

Abstract

Though video games are the new dominant media in entertainment, there is a significant disparity in representation of gender, race, and sexuality. Upon examination of major titles and their supporting texts such as The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part II, Horizon Zero Dawn, Horizon Forbidden West, Battlefield, Assassin’s Creed, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and League of Legends, this disparity is largely attributed to a resistance to improving diversity due to financial risk aversion, technical decisions made for game engines that inadvertently limit capacity for visual representation, a workforce that skews heavily male, and an industry culture that encourages coworker competition rather than work/life balance. I will argue that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility improvements result from implementation of equitable game design practices, improving game studio culture from the top down by hiring diverse talent in leadership positions, and fostering a people-first culture that values collaboration, empathy, and work/life balance.