Should Video Games Ever Address Politics and Diversity?

Video games have long been a subject of political discussions and debates. While some believe that integrating political themes or diverse representation brings in depth and relevance, others argue that it goes against the core pleasures of gaming. This article explores the benefits and challenges of incorporating political and diverse content in video games, using several games as examples to illustrate the points made.

The Case for Political and Diverse Content in Video Games

Games such as Ratchet and Clank have successfully intertwined political themes with their narrative, providing more than just fun. In the second installment of the series, a character named Angela Cross was introduced, leading to confusion about her race and gender. Later developments revealed that she was indeed a Lombax, but the team avoided the situation by adding a twist: Lombax females do not have tails. However, a recent event in the series, Rift Apart and the character Rivet, sparked controversy. Some players were upset because Rivet, a Lombax woman, had a tail, implying that she was trans, despite the developers not making this explicit. This incident highlights the delicate balance between representation and inclusivity in gaming.

It's important to consider the impact of such decisions. The first Ratchet and Clank game included themes of socio-economic disparity and a villain who was exploiting his own species for personal gain. These elements, while politically charged, offered a nuanced narrative that resonated with players. However, some argue that such games are "too political" and "inappropriate," especially for younger audiences. Yet, as Ratchet and Clank softens its narrative with the movie adaptation, it’s clear that the original game’s themes were already there, just not as overtly presented.

Overall, incorporating political and diverse content doesn't necessarily detract from the fun or entertainment value of games. Instead, it enriches the gaming experience and allows for a more authentic and relatable representation of the world. Characters like those in She-Ra, with characters explicitly coded for certain characteristics, have received positive reception from fans. On the other hand, when allegory and representation are mishandled, as seen with certain fantasy games that use Orcs as a stand-in for specific ethnicities, the result can be damaging and unenjoyable.

The Dilemma of Gaming Audiences

While integrating diverse and political content in video games is a step towards inclusivity and authenticity, it also presents challenges. Some players feel that making the narrative too political can detract from the enjoyment of the game. Others, however, argue that gaming should reflect reality and include diverse characters and stories that resonate with a wide range of players. The Ratchet and Clank controversy highlights how sensitive these issues can be, with some players viewing it as inappropriate, while others see it as a positive step towards representation.

Conclusion

Video games have served as reflections of society, and as such, they should reflect the diverse and complex realities of the world we live in. While games that avoid political themes or diverse representation have their place, they should not be the default or the only option. Games like the Ratchet and Clank series show that incorporating political and diverse content is not only possible but can enhance the gaming experience by providing more meaningful and relatable narratives.