Embracing Diversity: The Evolution of Representation in Video Games and Toys
In a significant shift, the world of video games and the toy sector are becoming more inclusive, challenging the long-standing dominance of white, heterosexual male characters. Characters are now more diverse, offering a representative reflection of human individuality beyond the traditional stereotypes. Are the video game industry and the toy sector as a whole striving to become more inclusive? Faced with various societal issues, video games have had to adapt their products to meet the expectations of today’s consumers.
Collaborating with model Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo since childhood, the game The Sims 4 recently introduced characters with the condition. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes depigmentation of the skin, resulting in white patches. This new add-on, created in partnership with Winnie Harlow, presents various degrees of vitiligo with depigmented patches that can be placed on different parts of the body for free.
Electronics Arts previously updated their game in 2023, allowing players to create characters with disabilities. Players can personalize their Sims by adding hearing aids or glucose meters. They also have the option to create non-binary or transgender characters, including post-operative scars on the torso. The goal of these customization options is to ensure that as many players as possible feel represented, seen, and valued.
### The Narrative of Representation
Barbie has already introduced dolls with vitiligo and alopecia. There are even Barbies in wheelchairs, with hearing aids, or with Down Syndrome. These conditions and disabilities are increasingly embraced and celebrated, offering customers a wider range of representation. Representing various groups means a lot to our community, allowing them to play with a Barbie doll that looks like them for the first time,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). “This Barbie is a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of representation. It’s a significant step forward for inclusion, a moment we celebrate.”
In addition to physically diverse characters, video games and toys are also focusing on more inclusive representations, highlighting a broader range of cultures, professional perspectives, and sexual orientations. This inclusivity is gaining popularity among consumers. This is reflected in the success of the TV adaptation of the video game The Last Of Us, featuring openly gay character Ellie, played on screen by non-binary actress Bella Ramsay.
Toy giant Mattel has committed to creating diverse and inspiring dolls. In addition to paying tribute to Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong with a Barbie doll in her likeness, the brand is shining a spotlight on outstanding women in various fields. For example, in their “Career of the Year” collection for 2023, they focus on women in sports.
### FAQ Section
1. What is vitiligo?
– Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by depigmentation of the skin, resulting in white patches.
2. Did The Sims 4 introduce characters with vitiligo?
– Yes, The Sims 4 introduced characters with vitiligo.
3. Who was responsible for the vitiligo character add-on in The Sims 4?
– The add-on was created in collaboration with model Winnie Harlow, who has vitiligo since childhood.
4. Is the vitiligo character add-on paid?
– No, this new add-on is completely free.
5. What other character customizations were introduced in The Sims 4?
– The Sims 4 previously introduced the ability to create characters with disabilities and non-binary or transgender characters.
6. What other products have introduced diverse representation?
– Barbie has introduced various versions of dolls representing diversity, including dolls with vitiligo, alopecia, in wheelchairs, with hearing aids, and with Down Syndrome.
7. Why is representation in video games and toys important?
– Representation in video games and toys is vital as it offers customers a wider range of representation, allowing them to identify with characters and feel seen and valued.
Suggested Related Links:
– [The Sims 4 Official Website](https://www.thesims.com/)
– [Barbie Official Website](https://www.barbie.com/)
– [Electronic Arts Official Website](https://www.ea.com/)
– [Mattel Official Website](https://www.mattel.com/)
The source of the article is from the blog crasel.tk