The world of video games has long been a mecca for escapism and adventure. However, this digital world often falls short in reflecting the diversity of its audience. Disability representation in video games, in particular, has been a subject of advocacy and debate for years, but remains an area in need of further attention. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the current state of disability and video games, the lack of disability representation, and the incremental changes that are shaping the industry for the better.
The current state of disability in video games
Video games have evolved dramatically over the years, boasting cutting edge graphics, complex storytelling, and unparalleled interactivity. However, when it comes to disability representation, the industry seems to be lagging behind. The majority of video games still lack characters with disabilities, and when they do, they are often relegated to harmful stereotypes or iconic roles. At AbleGamers, we work tirelessly to promote more inclusive gaming experiences and ensure that both players and characters with disabilities are not relegated to the sidelines, but are an integral part of the gaming community.
Problematic metaphors
“Portrayals of disabled characters in video games often fall into simplistic stereotypes and tend to perpetuate harmful societal narratives. The few disabled characters that do appear in video games are often portrayed as objects of pity or villains. Not only does this perpetuate harmful stereotypes, it denies players the opportunity to see nuanced, realistic characters who are defined by factors beyond just their disability.”
Objects of pity: Characters with disabilities are often portrayed as helpless or in constant need of assistance. Such portrayals reinforce narratives of dependency and may contribute to condescending attitudes towards people with disabilities in real life. Furthermore, such portrayals may overlook the agency, resilience, and independence that people with disabilities often display. Villainy: It is not uncommon for characters with disabilities to be portrayed as villains, with their physical or mental condition intertwined with malevolent traits. This association may perpetuate narratives of unfounded fear and distrust towards people with disabilities, further marginalizing this group. Lack of complexity: By limiting characters with disabilities to rigid, stereotypical roles, games often miss opportunities to explore the complexities and diversity inherent in the experiences of people with disabilities. This lack of complexity robs players of the opportunity to engage in more nuanced portrayals and challenge their own perceptions. Overcoming disability narrative: Another common trope is the overcoming disability narrative. In this narrative, a character’s worth or heroism is defined solely by their ability to overcome their disability. This narrative can be harmful because it suggests the only way individuals with disabilities can be valued is by denying or transcending their disability. Inaccurate representation of disability: Inaccurate representation or simplification of disability is also a common issue. Disabilities are often portrayed inaccurately or in a shallow manner, leading to misinformation and lack of understanding. Tokenism: Characters with disabilities are sometimes included simply to check a diversity box, without substantively engaging with the character’s experiences and challenges related to their disability.
The portrayal of disabled characters in video games reflects society’s overall attitudes and misconceptions about disability. Addressing these problematic tropes and advocating for more nuanced and realistic representations can contribute to a more inclusive gaming culture and a more informed society. Through better representation, video games can challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and provide a space for dialogue about the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. But while it’s clear that more progress is still needed, some games have led the way and provided more nuanced portrayals of people with disabilities. Similarly, some developers have also worked to improve inclusion in the gaming community. Let’s look at some of the most promising examples.
Video Game Characters with Disabilities: More than Just a Cliché
Many video game characters with disabilities have been portrayed with sensitivity and respect. Here are some notable examples:
Joshua Graham from Fallout: New Vegas: Severely burned after a brutal betrayal, but still alive, Joshua Graham emerges as a tenacious warrior and capable leader in the Mojave Wilderness. His bandaged burns tell of his past, but they are not his only defining feature. Rather, his character is nuanced, a story of tenacity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Benny from Gears of War: A soldier with a prosthetic leg, Benny showcases his tenacity against the Locust Horde. Tenacity is an often overlooked virtue shared by people with disabilities, emphasizing independence and agency over victimhood and limitation. Alicia from Valkyria Chronicles: A soldier suffering from PTSD due to the horrors of war, Alicia is portrayed as a complex and capable character, highlighting mental health challenges and how such challenges impact (but do not define) an individual’s identity and potential. Max Hass from Wolfenstein: Born with severe brain damage, Max is missing part of his head due to the removal of most of the damaged tissue. Throughout the series, he is shown to excel in a variety of fields and activities, from chess to baking to literary analysis, showcasing the incredible abilities common to people with disabilities, but often overlooked in other video game characterizations and in society at large. Junkrat from Overwatch: After losing his right leg in an explosion, Junkrat is portrayed as a highly inventive and fearless demolition worker. His character shows that while a disability may change how an individual navigates the world, it doesn’t diminish their ability to contribute in a meaningful and impactful way. Through Junkrat, players see a character whose disability is acknowledged but does not define his identity, highlighting a story of ability and resilience.
These are just a few examples of video game characters that feature strong, nuanced portrayals of people with disabilities. Other examples include Diogenes from Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy, Dunban from Xenoblade Chronicles, Viken from Guilty Gear, Kai Blaine from ReCore, Billie Lurk from Dishonored, The Joker from Mass Effect, Sir Hammerlock from Borderlands 2, Tezuka Rin from Katawa Shoujo, Ibaraki Emi from Katawa Shoujo, and Fury from Darksiders III.
These characters contribute to disability representation in video games by depicting a range of physical and mental disabilities. They are not only strong and capable, but also have depth and complexity. They challenge traditional narratives and provide more authentic portrayals of people with disabilities. Through these characters, players can engage with diverse experiences and challenges, fostering a broader understanding and empathy for people with disabilities.
The importance of disability representation in the media
Disability representation in media is not a niche issue, it’s a social necessity. As video games become an increasingly influential storytelling medium, it is crucial that they reflect the diversity of the world we live in. More and more creators and developers are recognizing the importance of including diverse characters not as tokens, but as an integral part of the story. Learn more about the positive impact of video games and how they can be a force for change.
Accessibility features: a step in the right direction
The discussion of disability in video games has extended beyond the characters to the players themselves. Accessibility features such as customizable controls, subtitles, and colorblind modes are becoming increasingly prevalent. These features have made gaming more accessible to players with disabilities, removing barriers that were once insurmountable. How has video game accessibility improved? These are big steps towards inclusivity, but the journey is far from over.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Video Games
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities and promoting an inclusive work environment. This anniversary also impacts the video game industry. As the industry continues to expand, so do employment opportunities. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities. One of the most important disability employment awareness efforts is the AbleGamers player panel.
The AbleGamers Player Panel program aims to include players with disabilities in the game development process to increase accessibility and representation. They advise game companies on various aspects of game development, accessibility, and disability representation in games.
The Player Panel program not only empowers people with disabilities by rewarding their hard work, it also creates a marketable path for them to find work in the games industry: many Player Panel members go on to full-time positions at major games companies, contributing to the industry from the inside.
Through these efforts, the AbleGamers Player Panel program is actively contributing to rebuilding the gaming industry to be more inclusive and accessible, and is a major step towards improving disability representation in media.
While disability representation in video games is far from perfect, there are signs of progress, and now, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, is the perfect time to celebrate the progress being made in video games and continue to advocate for a more inclusive future for all.
AbleGamers’ mission is to create gaming opportunities to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. We know that video games can be the perfect gateway to community engagement, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable shared experiences, which is why it’s important that we develop these experiences with accessibility as a priority and inclusion as a goal.
We work every day to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to have positive experiences through play as everyone else. With nearly 20 years of pioneering inclusive play, thousands of hours working with people with disabilities, and leading developers and engineers, we create opportunities for players to find inclusive play spaces and connect with family and friends. Learn more about our work here, and help us continue our important work by donating or shopping in our shop.