New Study Finds Minorities, Women to be Underrepresented in Games
Are video games disproportionate in their depiction of demographics? A recent study by the University of Southern California analyzed 8572 characters across the top 150 games spanning 9 consoles, with the intent of determining the ethnic and gender makeup of this console generation and the last. While the study is a bit vague on some of its methods, the subject matter still stands out as something worth looking at.
One thing to note is that most of the results of the study reflect those found in most forms of contemporary media, which is to say that white males are noticeably overrepresented in America. Also, while there was not a list of all the games used, more than a few sports titles were used (as they are often high sellers) so the percentage of male characters in popular video games reflects the inclusion of several men’s sports leagues. Finally, the study mentions that the numbers are weighted to reflect the sales of individual games so likely the percentages are a bit high.
Nevertheless, it stands that the study reports that under its system it found that 85.23% of characters were male. This is in light of the ESA’s findings that about 40% of gamers are female. Additionally it found that Caucasian and Asian characters were overrepresented (by 6.59% and 25.75% respectively) while all other ethnic groups were underrepresented by anywhere from 12.68% to 90%. It also showed children and the elderly to have a similar but less severe lack of representation in games.
But, does this represent a problem with the games industry or rather a problem with society? The study offers up that the industry itself reflects most of these numbers quite well, with game makers in America being predominantly male, Caucasian and between the ages of 20 and 40. What is most likely is that this demonstrates a cycle, in which young gamers are influenced by games built with their demographic in mind, which in turn causes them to consume more of the same kind of game and become more interested in working for the games industry. In any case, it would be nice to see a company to take these numbers to heart and perhaps explore some cultural alternatives for video game characters and settings.
Via: EurekAlert
People will never be happy. When you put any minority in video games someone will attack you for it.
http://negativegamer.com/2009/07/15/black-zombies-make-left-4-dead-2-racist/
http://www.destructoid.com/feminists-sh-t-all-over-fat-princess-real-people-laugh-96594.phtml
I understand a lack of representation of racial minorities is a valid concern to have in video games, but why is having very few elderly characters an issue. Most people over 50 have a skewed perspective of video games being brainwashing murder factories that by all means will not play video games. Of course there are the minority who play Wii Fit with their grandkids but I don’t think thats enough to change the majority’s mind.
Why include a demographic that is mostly out to demonize and constrict an entertainment medium they have nothing to do with?
@P Marsh: I think for the most part it’s just included to be thorough. Almost none of the discussion brought up the elderly.
This is a great article. I’d hate to be a developer mind you, because of the kerfuffles around what some see as racist imagery in games. It’s probably easier to just avoid the entire subject altogether.
Most male video game characters are hot. KEEP EM COMIN!