Video Games

I think it is important, when talking about this issue, to remember that it is possible to create computer games that are actually inclusive to everyone, and have no possible bias in the actual play material. An example of this is M.E.N.A.C.E., or Machine Educable Noughts and Crosses Engine. It is a “manual computer” which means that it is not a digital computer. It is actually a pile of matchboxes with colored beads, that will learn how to play tic-tac-toe (noughts and crosses in England). Now, this is technically a “cheat” when talking about “computer” games, but I personally prefer face-to-face tabletop games myself, so that is why I begin here. I also don’t have loads of experience with traditional “video games.” I will include a link to an article about M.E.N.A.C.E. if you want more info. I will also include another link to an article about other types of “matchbox game learning machines”.

http://chalkdustmagazine.com/features/menace-machine-educable-noughts-crosses-engine/

http://www.mscroggs.co.uk/blog/52

Now, into the realm of “video games” in the most commonly thought of sense.

I think something to consider when dealing with the issue of diversity in video games, specifically in the development of games and hardware, is that every person is a collection of unique experiences. I think the best way to illustrate what I mean is to share a story.

I was once standing in the hallway outside a mentors office, and he asked me “From where you are standing, what is the first book on the shelf?” When I answered he said “Ah, but I can see the real first book on the shelf, and there are 4 books being hidden from your view. Just as you can see the true last book on the shelf, and I have books hidden from my view.”

We all, because of where we are approaching a problem from, have different blindspots. Having a team that is diverse in many ways, is the best way to insure that your own ignorance is not causing you to have a major blindspot. Not to be too cynically capitalistic, but these blindspots can cause massive losses in revenue. To be honest, it is funny to me that companies are not more actively pursuing diversity for diversities sake, even to the point of starting scholarships to send minority High School students to tech colleges to learn code. Like, why is there not a $2 million “Nintendo Diversity Scholarship” that is being actively promoted?

I also see huge potential for hardware development to be more inclusive to people with disabilities. I loved the “co-pilot” development. That is an amazing option, and I think it being popular in the community of kids with disabilities will help drive more development in this area. I also think there are a lot of stories you could tell through the medium of video games that explore what it is like to live with a disability.