Action Led- Representations of social and cultural groups

Definition

Action Led-Representations refer to the depiction of social and cultural groups primarily driven by gameplay elements and actions within video games.
In many games, players’ actions and choices influence perceptions and understanding of social and cultural identities.

Impact on Player Perception

The way cultural and social groups are represented in games has a direct effect on players’ impressions and understandings of these groups.
Contrived or stereotypical portrayals can contribute to a distorted, often simplified view of diverse social and cultural communities.

Examples

Games like Grand Theft Auto V incorporate diverse group representations, with characters belonging to different socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic groups.
Assassin’s Creed series represents different historical and cultural contexts, exposing players to diverse civilizations and societies.

Function

Use of action-led depictions helps in engaging narratives and enhanced player immersion. Characters’ identities and backgrounds can provide impetus for action and decision-making in the game.
It can also lead to more varied gameplay mechanics, reflecting different cultural practices or skills.

Issues

The portrayal of cultural and social groups is often a contentious issue due to possible stereotyping and cultural appropriation. For instance, many games default to Western, especially white male viewpoints, leading to under-representation of other groups.
There’s also a risk of oversimplification or misrepresentation, where complex social and cultural identities are reduced to straightforward, binary roles for gameplay purposes.

Regulation

While there’s no formal regulatory body overseeing these representations, an increasing demand for responsibility and inclusivity from consumers and critics alike pushes developers towards more accurate, diverse portrayals.
Player feedback and social discourse around a game can significantly influence developers’ attitudes towards representation in sequels or future projects.

Trend Movements

A significant trend is the emergence of games developed by culturally diverse teams, leading to more authentic representations.
There’s also a growing recognition of games as a medium for social commentary, leading to more complex and nuanced representations of social and cultural groups.