Disturbing the Peace: Diversity in Fiction Part 2 - Video games

So last time we talked briefly about why diversity is important in fiction. The short answer is that the world is full of more than just Straight White Dudes, which means that there are a billion stories to tell in which a SWD doesn't have to be the main character. Video game creators don't seem to get that memo too often, but there are a few who do.

Bioware is one of the best for this. They get a lot of flack for stuff, deservedly, but they do manage to do a few things right. The relationship systems in both Dragon Age and Mass Effect are evidence of what they do right.

When Bioware released Mass Effect in 2007, they took a lot of criticism for featuring an alien character named Liara T'soni who can be romanced by both genders. Not only because she can be with MaleShep or FemShep but also because there is a love scene.

You slut, you.

All of Bioware's games, from Knights of the Old Republic to the most recent Mass Effect installment, feature same-sex relationships. Mass Effect 3 features the first strictly gay romances with Samantha Traynor and Steve Cortez. And those are actually my favorite romances out of the entire series. 

LOVE IT. SO MUCH. 

*Ahem* Sorry. So anyway, Bioware is awesome for that much at least. Although we still have yet to have a gay main character, but they seem to not care about having same-sex relationships.

They did pretty well in Dragon Age: Origins with giving the player different race options, which I discussed here. But primarily, except for Sten, all your companions are white.

So let's move on to a game that gets it right. I've espoused the awesomeness that is Telltale's The Walking Dead plenty of times, but I haven't quite gotten into quite how it corresponds with the diversity issue. The main character, Lee Everett, is amazing. He starts out as almost stereotypical, as he's on his way to prison at the game's start, but by the end of episode 5? He's one of the most well-rounded characters there is. He's at times ruthless, and at others incredibly compassionate. You can play him a number of different ways due to the game's choice system (similar to the conversation wheel in Dragon Age and Mass Effect), but regardless of what you choose, Lee isn't the same by the end of the game. And for that matter, neither is Clementine, who becomes the protagonist of the 2nd game (I REFUSE TO GIVE YOU SPOILERS). Both characters are African American. The game also features two other non-white characters who, depending on your choices, become Clem's caregivers. It's....pretty awesome.

OMG THE ADORABLE IS TOO MUCH

Would the experience been the same had the characters been another race? Probably not. The game creators chose Lee, Clem, Christa, and Omid for a reason. 

For another fantastic and exciting development in gaming diversity, check out this piece from the Mary Sue about an upcoming and awesome-sounding game and the statement from the game's creators about what they're doing and why. Pretty uplifting stuff. Also, they've done a great piece on storytelling in video games in general.

Next time on Disturbing the Peace - Diversity in TV and movies.

Why I love my Xbox AND an award!

As many of you know, I've entered into a loving relationship with my Xbox360. I tweet about it, I spend every night with it (unless I have to work early), and I quite enjoy the company. The hum while it works; the worlds it takes me to; the joys we share when killing aliens; the men it introduces me to and doesn't get jealous of... It's a beautiful relationship.

It also helps me cultivate new ideas by introducing me to new ideas and ways of thinking. Xbox (and video games in general) facilitates creativity like a mofo. Like books, video games transport us to places we aren't able to go ourselves.

For the last several weeks, I've been playing the Mass Effect games (like a BAUS), and it's sparked a totally unrelated idea. If you're not familiar, Mass Effect takes place 150 years into the future. Your hero/heroine is Shepard, a soldier tasked with saving the universe from a threat known as the Reapers, a race of sentient machines (that, yes, look like shrimp) that destroys organic life every 50K years or so. Shepard gathers a team of specialists, miscreants, and other some-such who all have different talents and abilities that aid you on your journey.

The real gem of the game is the story and, most importantly, character interaction. You have the chance to get to know your companions through different dialogues (unless it's Garrus, and he's always EFFING CALIBRATING. I'm better now). You learn their histories, get a feel for their personalities, and there's the option of starting a romance. Plus, you can shape Shepard in the way you want him/her to be. Do you want to be the nice one? Then go for it. Want to be the hardass you're incapable of being in real life? Push a guy out of a window and watch him plummet to his death.

Unfortunately not every game is Mass Effect or even Dragon Age (dear Bioware...you are teh awsums), but then again, not every book is the best book EVAR. However, it's all a learning experience. Through reading (and in my case, through reading + gaming), I'm learning what to do and what not to do, how to help characters behave in a more natural way as well as how to shape them so their personalities and their actions make sense. Characters and dialogue are one of the most important aspects of your writing--right up there with plot. Believable characters, believable dialogue, all extremely important.

**This is totally intended to make my video gaming hours valid. Someday, I'll figure out how to write VG purchases off on my taxes.**

And now for an award!

Jackie over at Bouquet of Books is awesome and has graced me with the Liebster Blog award. This award is given to bloggers who have less than 200 followers and to help more bloggers find their blog. Thanks, Jax!!!

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
2. Nominate up to 5 others for the Liebster Award.
3. Let said bloggers know via comment on their blog (or Twitter or Facebook).
4. Post the award on your blog.
5. Consider signing up for the A - Z Challenge. It's a great way to find new and interesting blogs.

My choices:

1. Confessions of an Animal Junkie - Animal stories galore from a former vet tech who has a farm of her own and a lot of guest posts from animal lovers.
2. Alison at Adventures of the Cautionary Tale - Where every Saturday is Vladurday
3. Sarah at Blurb is a Verb - An awesome blog for newly published authors who feel like a deer caught in headlights
4. Beckah Rah! - One of my favoritest people in the world. She'll even help you tame your synopsis!
5. Jessica Knauss Famous Writer - Jess is an awesome romantic author who deserves some love of her own.

Please go check out their blogs AND Jackie's! These are some awesomely wonderful ladies.