TRABAJAR
Queer representation is crucial in mainstream media, just as it is important in independent media. Independent games are often self-published and self-funded, and as a result, they are highly innovative, risk-taking, and face what the mainstream media dare not. Through the stories, game narratives, and experiences, we curated a collection of queer indie games. The research team’s analysis of this collection formed the basis of a paper about representation in queer indie video games between 2013–2022. It discussed how these games have gone beyond just representation.
COLLABORATORATORS
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Xavier Ho
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Natalie tran
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Remedios Perez
ENGAGEMENT
NOV 2021 - APR 2022
STATUS
Completed
METHODOLOGY
The research project started with literature review, where the research team studied previous academic research and writings about Indie Video Games. At the same time the team curated a sample of Indie Video Games that were used as case studies for the project.
Quantitative and qualitative research was combined to analyze the games and users’ experiences with them. This revealed new mechanics that demonstrate how Queer issues can be treated beyond narrative and character in video games.
The project analysed the representation, queer content, and themes in each of the games. It also categorised the games by: their genre, the design tools utilised, the language, and the platforms where the games were available.
THE OUTCOME
The data and analysis were summarized in academic paper, along with the curated collection of video games. The research team contributed to the LGBTQ Video Game Archive, a curated research collection developed by Dr. Adrienne Shaw that documents LGBTQ content in digital games dating back to the 1980s. The team was able to design a data visualization exhibition, which was displayed in the Melbourne Design Week, the Queer Week at Monash university.
