Building Inclusive Character Design: Transforming Representation in Video Games

Table of Contents

Photo by Adam Valstar on Unsplash

Understanding Inclusive Character Design in Video Games

Inclusive character design is a transformative approach in the video game industry, aiming to authentically represent the diversity of humanity. By creating characters of varying backgrounds, identities, and abilities-and by integrating robust accessibility features-game developers can ensure every player feels recognized and empowered. This not only broadens a game’s appeal but also fosters a sense of belonging, engagement, and satisfaction among players from all walks of life [1] [2] .

Why Inclusive Design Matters: Benefits & Impact

Games that prioritize inclusivity demonstrate increased player satisfaction and engagement. When players recognize themselves in the characters they control, or when they see a breadth of experiences reflected, the game world becomes more meaningful. For example, research and industry feedback highlight that games such as
The Last of Us Part II
and
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
have received acclaim for representing LGBTQ+ characters and offering gender options, respectively [1] [2] . This representation fosters a sense of belonging and can positively impact self-esteem and community engagement.

Key Strategies for Implementing Inclusive Character Design

To create truly inclusive games, developers can follow several actionable steps:

Engage Diverse Voices Early in Development: Include people from different backgrounds in your design and writing teams. Consider collaborating with consultants from underrepresented groups to ensure authenticity.
Offer Flexible Character Customization: Games like
OlliOlli World
and
The Sims 4
provide extensive customization, including a wide range of skin tones, body types, hairstyles, and pronoun options. These features allow players to shape characters that genuinely reflect their identities [4] .
Design for Accessibility: Integrate options that support various physical and cognitive needs, such as adjustable difficulty, color-blind modes, subtitles, and alternative input methods.
Celeste
exemplifies this by offering assist modes and customizable controls [1] .
Write Realistic, Respectful Characters: Avoid tokenism and stereotypes. Characters should be multidimensional, with meaningful roles and stories.
Solicit Feedback from Players: Engage with your player community, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to identify areas for improvement.

Examples of Inclusive Character Design in Practice

Many modern games set benchmarks for inclusivity:

The Last of Us Part II features a deaf protagonist and a transgender character, supported by extensive accessibility options, such as customizable controls and text-to-speech [1] [2] .
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla allows players to choose their character’s gender and incorporates a variety of accessibility settings [1] .
OlliOlli World and Forza Horizon 5 enable unprecedented gender expression and customization, with no restrictions based on body type or pronouns [4] .
Overwatch and Streets of Rage 4 present racially and culturally diverse casts, creating a broad spectrum of personalities and experiences [3] .
Celeste and Sea of Thieves offer customizable gameplay experiences for players with different needs, including anxiety-friendly options and visual aids [1] .

These games illustrate how inclusive design is not just about visual diversity but also about ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the experience.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Developers

For studios and independent creators seeking to implement inclusive character design, consider the following process:

Conduct Research: Study successful examples of inclusive games and consult guidance from advocacy organizations. Seek out resources on best practices for representation.
Build a Diverse Team: Recruit or consult with people from a variety of backgrounds. Their lived experiences can highlight blind spots in your design process.
Prototype Inclusivity: Develop early character models and storylines with inclusion in mind. Test these with diverse focus groups to gather feedback.
Iterate Based on Feedback: Remain open to criticism and ready to make changes. For example, when
Mass Effect Andromeda
received feedback about its portrayal of a transgender character, the developers adjusted dialogue to be more sensitive [5] .
Integrate Accessibility Features: Prioritize features such as customizable input, screen reader support, and options for color-blindness or hearing impairments. Use standards from organizations like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) for reference.
Promote and Communicate: Highlight inclusive features in your marketing and community outreach, but avoid overhyping or tokenizing your efforts.

There is no single path to achieving inclusivity. Studios may also consider collaborating with external consultants, using sensitivity readers, or participating in diversity and accessibility workshops.

Challenges and Solutions in Inclusive Character Design

Developers may encounter several obstacles in creating inclusive characters:

Lack of Representation in Teams: If your team lacks diversity, you risk missing important perspectives. Solution: Seek partnerships with advocacy groups or hire consultants specializing in representation.
Potential Backlash: Some audiences may resist change or criticize inclusive efforts. Solution: Clearly communicate the intent and benefits of inclusion, and stand by your values while remaining open to constructive feedback.
Technical Constraints: Adding accessibility and customization features can be resource-intensive. Solution: Prioritize core features, seek out open-source tools, and leverage community feedback to guide development.

Finding Resources and Further Guidance

If you are seeking more information or support for implementing inclusive character design, you can:

Review case studies of successful inclusive games such as
The Last of Us Part II
,
OlliOlli World
, and
Forza Horizon 5
.
Consult with organizations dedicated to accessibility in gaming or diversity advocacy. These may include groups like the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) or AbleGamers Foundation. You can find their official websites by searching for their names online.
Participate in online forums and developer meetups focused on inclusion and accessibility. Look for events listed on major gaming industry sites or conference pages.
Explore published guidelines and toolkits on inclusive design, available through professional associations and academic institutions.

If you want to implement these practices in your own projects, start by researching “inclusive character design best practices” and “video game accessibility toolkits” from recognized industry organizations. Many of these resources are publicly available and regularly updated to reflect evolving standards.

Key Takeaways

Inclusive character design is reshaping the gaming landscape. By embracing diversity and accessibility, studios can create richer, more engaging worlds that speak to the full spectrum of players. Whether you’re a developer, a designer, or an engaged player, advocating for and implementing inclusive practices has the power to transform both games and the communities around them.