Cultures of Experimentation: Role-Playing Games and Sexual Identity

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.

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