Character Creation Has A Race Problem

[wondergroove]

I've said this before earlier in this post: works of fiction do not need to diverse or represent anyone, respectfully or otherwise. it's solely at the descretion of the creator. I don't say this as someone who's white, I say this as someone who doesn't feel like I need to be "represented" in anything. If this game only had characters who were of African decent, if all characters were female or completely non-human I'd still play it as long as it looked interesting. My identity isn't my skin color or facial features.

Interesting tale bud, but not everyone feels that way. If you don't want more diverse representation because it doesn't effect you in any way, then you don't have to talk about it or advocate it in any way.

For a lot of people, they HAVE to play as the default white dude in games. They HAVE to play as something that isn't like them because it's the only option available. Even when there IS customization available, the options are usually still pretty limited.

Also, you're right; creators don't have to try and respectfully represent people when they create something. Fans of that creation still have every right to criticize it, point out the lack of diversity, and how that may frustrate them, however.

[Seig345]

Pretty sure people offering differing opinions is not the same thing as invalidating the opinions of others.

Pointing out that something isn't practical, however nice/diversifying it would be, is not the same as invalidating or otherwise outright opposing it.

We have every right to criticize the creation we're a fan of; however, when you present that criticism on a public forum, other forum users have equal right to criticize that criticism or otherwise offer differing opinions.

[Theodric]

For a lot of people, they HAVE to play as the default white dude in games. They HAVE to play as something that isn't like them because it's the only option available. Even when there IS customization available, the options are usually still pretty limited.

Many games have a set protagonist and the developers intend to tell that protagonist's story. If people choose to turn up their noses at a particular game because they cannot 'play themselves' then they're missing out on a lot of solid titles. In a game with a character creation system, you can - more often than not - adjust the skin tone of your character to reflect your own look if that is what you are willing to do.

With that said, though, bundling all 'white dudes' together seems rather strange. There is an immense amount of diversity where Caucasians are concerned. To name but a few, there's the Irish, the British, the Scottish, the Welsh, the French, the Croatian, the Polish and so on.

It feels like some people claim that they want more diversity yet in reality they only want 'visible' diversity.

For the record, I'm a guy who likes other guys. I have no issue playing a character that is straight. Is it nice when I can play a character that is gay or bisexual? Sure! Yet it isn't a necessity...because not every story can or will accommodate every possibility.

[MsQi]

Many games have a set protagonist and the developers intend to tell that protagonist's story. If people choose to turn up their noses at a particular game because they cannot 'play themselves' then they're missing out on a lot of solid titles.

I only play characters that are exactly like me.