Expanding Horizons: Diversity and Inclusion in the World of Games and Toys

17 2 月 2024
Czy świat gier wideo i sektor zabawek stają się coraz bardziej inkluzywne?

In a groundbreaking transformation, the landscape of video games and toy industries is undergoing a profound shift towards inclusivity, challenging the conventional portrayal of white, heterosexual male protagonists. Within this evolution, characters are embracing diversity, offering a true reflection of human uniqueness that transcends traditional stereotypes. Are the realms of video games and toys collectively steering towards greater inclusivity? Amidst a backdrop of societal challenges, both sectors have been compelled to adapt their content to align with the evolving expectations of contemporary consumers.

Partnering with model Winnie Harlow, known for her vitiligo condition, the game The Sims 4 recently unveiled characters featuring this skin condition. Vitiligo, characterized by depigmentation leading to white patches on the skin, has been authentically portrayed in various degrees within the game, echoing real-life diversity and fostering greater representation in the virtual world.

In a pioneering move, Electronics Arts upgraded their game in 2023, empowering players to customize characters with disabilities such as hearing impairments or diabetes. Furthermore, players can now also design non-binary or transgender characters, complete with post-operative scars, underscoring the gaming industry’s commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of diverse identities.

Diversity in Motion

Barbie has amplified its range by introducing dolls with vitiligo, alopecia, and disabilities. The brand now showcases dolls in wheelchairs, with hearing aids, and depicting Down Syndrome, embodying a celebration of diverse characteristics that resonate deeply with consumers. Kandi Pickard, President and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), emphasizes the significance of this inclusive approach, asserting that such dolls serve as empowering symbols of representation and inclusivity, heralding a landmark progression towards embracing diversity.

Beyond physical diversity, the narrative of representation in video games and toys is broadening to encompass a wider spectrum of cultures, professions, and sexual orientations, resonating positively with consumers. This trend is notably exemplified in the popular TV rendition of The Last Of Us video game, which features an openly gay character, Ellie, portrayed on screen by non-binary actress Bella Ramsay.

Toy powerhouse Mattel has pledged its commitment to creating inclusive and inspirational dolls, with offerings paying homage to icons like Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong. Moreover, the brand is dedicated to spotlighting exceptional women across diverse domains, evident in their “Career of the Year” lineup for 2023, which spotlights female athletes.

FAQ Section

1. 什么是白癜风 (Vitiligo)?
– 白癜风是一种自身免疫性疾病,其特征为皮肤脱色,导致白色斑块形成。

2. 《模拟人生4》是否引入了白癜风角色?
– 是的,《模拟人生4》引入了白癜风角色。

3. 谁对《模拟人生4》中的白癜风角色进行了添加?
– 该角色是与自小便患有白癜风的模特温妮·哈洛(Winnie Harlow)共同合作创建的。

4. 白癜风角色添加是付费的吗?
– 不,这个新的角色添加是完全免费的。

5. 《模拟人生4》还引入了哪些其他角色定制功能?
– 《模拟人生4》此前还引入了创建残疾角色以及非二元或跨性别角色的功能。

6. 哪些产品还引入了多样性代表?
– Barbie推出了各种不同版本的娃娃,代表着多样性,包括白癜风、脱发症、坐轮椅的娃娃、戴助听器的娃娃以及唐氏综合症患者。

7. 为什么视频游戏和玩具中的代表性很重要?
– 在视频游戏和玩具中的代表性至关重要,因为它为顾客提供了更广泛的代表性,使他们能够认同角色,感受到被看到和被重视的重要性。

推荐相关链接:
– [模拟人生4官方网站](https://www.thesims.com/)
– [Barbie官方网站](https://www.barbie.com/)
– [艺电官方网站](https://www.ea.com/)
– [Mattel官方网站](https://www.mattel.com/)

![视频展示](https://www.youtube.com/embed/m0-EP5F4HfA)

The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk

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