Cultures of Experimentation: Role-Playing Games and Sexual Identity
Communication and Information Technologies Annual
ISBN: 978-1-78560-785-1, eISBN: 978-1-78560-784-4
Publication date: 23 February 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This study uses the ‘Dragon Age’ series by BioWare as a case study to examine the impact of video game player diversity on the inclusion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) content in mainstream games. It explores the degree to which the perception of video games as ‘hegemonically masculine and heteronormative’ accurately reflects gamers’ own experiences.
Methodology/approach
The study is based on an online survey in the Dragon Age community forum, including open-ended qualitative questions.
Findings
The main findings show that male and female respondents widely believed in the presence of heterosexual (male) privilege within gaming culture at large. However, respondents’ own personal views and experiences demonstrated that they largely accept the inclusion of LGBT content in games. Finally, respondents showed considerable ‘disinhibition’ when it came to experimenting with sexuality and sexual identity in video games as compared to in real life.
Research limitations/implications
This was a small exploratory study and was limited by its size and a possible self-selection bias.
Originality/value
The findings indicate that gender diversity, diversity of sexualities and acceptance of LGBT content are all greater than previously thought. Moreover, role-playing games are fertile ground for experimentation with sexual identities among gamers. These results call for more research in this area.
Keywords
Citation
Devlin, C. and Holohan, A. (2016), "Cultures of Experimentation: Role-Playing Games and Sexual Identity", Communication and Information Technologies Annual (Studies in Media and Communications, Vol. 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 109-138. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2050-206020160000011016
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited