wraggster
August 2nd, 2009, 22:18
Researchers at four leading universities have published a report that certifies what most people either knew or suspected for a very long time. Video game characters are mostly white guys.
"The results show a systematic over-representation of males, white and adults and a systematic under-representation of females, Hispanics, Native Americans, children and the elderly. Overall, the results are similar to those found in television research," says the paper's abstract.
Similar, except in one notable way - representations of Latinos. Dmitri Williams, the study's leader, said that while Latinos are making gains in televesion, fewer than three percent of video game characters are identifiably Hispanic, and all of them were NPCs. Said Williams:
Latino children play more video games than white children. And they're really not able to play themselves. For identity formation, that's a problem. And for generating interest in technology, it may place underrepresented groups behind the curve. Ironically, they may even be less likely to become game makers themselves, helping to perpetuate the cycle. Many have suggested that games function as crucial gatekeepers for interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Williams suggested that it's in game publishers' interest to diversify their character lineup. "These are highly underserved groups. It's a missed sales opportunity."
http://kotaku.com/5328363/research-notes-lack-of-diversity-latinos-in-games
"The results show a systematic over-representation of males, white and adults and a systematic under-representation of females, Hispanics, Native Americans, children and the elderly. Overall, the results are similar to those found in television research," says the paper's abstract.
Similar, except in one notable way - representations of Latinos. Dmitri Williams, the study's leader, said that while Latinos are making gains in televesion, fewer than three percent of video game characters are identifiably Hispanic, and all of them were NPCs. Said Williams:
Latino children play more video games than white children. And they're really not able to play themselves. For identity formation, that's a problem. And for generating interest in technology, it may place underrepresented groups behind the curve. Ironically, they may even be less likely to become game makers themselves, helping to perpetuate the cycle. Many have suggested that games function as crucial gatekeepers for interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Williams suggested that it's in game publishers' interest to diversify their character lineup. "These are highly underserved groups. It's a missed sales opportunity."
http://kotaku.com/5328363/research-notes-lack-of-diversity-latinos-in-games