Video Games: Action Led- Representations of social and cultural groups – A Level Media Studies Eduqas Revision

Definition of Action-led Video Games

Action-led video games are video games that focus on real-time combat, where players must dodge, strategise, and attack in personal or tactical battles.
These games primarily engage player’s physical challenges, including hand-eye coordination and reaction-time.

Representations of Social and Cultural Groups

Action-led video games often feature diverse representations of cultural and social groups. This can range from their portrayal of gender, race and ethnicity, to social class and nationality.
There has been criticism over the portrayal of certain groups, with some suggesting that these games often recycle stereotypes.

Gender Representation

Action-led games historically have been accused of including predominantly male characters, often presented as muscular and aggressive, perpetuating traditional masculine stereotypes.
Female characters, if included, were often highly sexualised or portrayed as victims. However, this trend is changing with stronger and more varied female characters appearing in games.

Race and Ethnicity Representation

There have been concerns about racial and ethnic stereotyping. Non-white characters are often sidekicks, villains or exoticised figures, and there is underrepresentation of certain racial groups.
It is important to critically examine these games, as they can reinforce cultural biases and prejudiced beliefs.

Social Class and Nationality Representation

The portrayals of social class and nationality can perpetuate stereotypes, with working class characters often presented as thugs or criminals and the upper classes as sophisticated but cold villains.
National stereotypes can often be overemphasised, with other nations often depicted in broad, simplistic terms.

Impact of Representations in Action-led Video Games

The representation of social and cultural groups can have real-world impacts, shaping how players perceive and understand different individuals and groups.
These video games also have the power to challenge and subvert stereotypes, providing a platform for more diverse, inclusive and varied representations.

Media Studies Angle

To study these games effectively, it’s vital to explore the cultural, political, and industrial contexts in which they are created and distributed.
You should also understand the ways in which audiences may interpret these representations, which may vary based on their own cultural and personal identities.

When revising, note that a comprehensive understanding of the representation of social and cultural groups in action-led video games not only involves awareness of the content, but also the ability to critique and question the wider implications of these portrayals.