Abstract
The games industry is growing rapidly, yet developers are not always inclusive and appropriately representing those who are diverse in their video games. Previous research shows that excluding diversity and/or stereotyping representations of diversity perpetuate negative perceptions towards marginalized communities, ethnic minorities, and people of colour. This practice-based research focuses on reversing that notion by creating a visual novel with diverse characters to normalize them within a fantasy setting. Multiple sources from professionals in the gaming industry and previous studies help create the story, plot, and characters for the game. Following this, a focus group and consultations were held to acquire feedback and ensure appropriate representation of both culture and diversity. These processes defined character creation criteria and two ways of adequate representation of diversity: one, portrayal of diverse characters with problems that emphasis their humanity and the challenges the world gives them, unrelated to who are they and how they identify; and two, diverse characters within a plotline with problems related to their identity to challenge real-world societal issues. This research focused on the first type of representation. Final findings show that consultation is crucial to all appropriate representation, and the criteria created and followed are a good basis to specifically normalize diversity without problems that are defined by that diversity.
