diversity in computer games - problems and best practice

[petermiller12]

hi there, touching on the articles here in The Escapist I would like to know more about

- how the actual bodies of the game characters get designed, particularily regarding the race/ethnicity and gender of the figure? I'm looking for examples such as Laura Cruz was turned into Lara Croft (that is made white)

- I am also looking for best practices such as FABLE, where you can choose a gay protagonist to identify with. Or where inter-ethnic group dynamics can be experienced?

- are there any activists/protest groups who fight for more diversity in computer games?

Thanks, Peter

 

[Spaceman_Spiff]

I am totally for diversity in games but I hate it when people kick up such a fuss for the lack of it.

 

[Torque669]

Hello Peter, Welcome to the Escapist.

Question 1: Bodies of game characters are designed using either a completey drawn out sketch from a professional artist or using a real person to figure out how a character moves and such. Maybe even both. Then they are used in some graphic computer software to mould the acts together and into the levels.

Question 2: There isnt many games like this because alot of people cannot identify with a gay main character or any inter ethnic groups as they are a minority. Game Main character will always be like the people they hope to buy the game.

Question 3: There are plenty of them. However I do not know their names. I suggest doing some more searcing here or on Wikipedia and the like.

 

[Casual Shinji]

I fight for more diversity in games, but not in terms of ethnicity or sexual oriantation.
More in terms of diverse genres and gameplay.

 

[WrongSprite]

You have the same name as my Dad O.O

On another note, diversity isn't important in games. I dont find it matters, or affects my judgement whether I'm playing as white, black, male, female. I barely notice to be honest.