Today’s Current Affairs: The Need for True Asian Representation in Video Games
In the latest current affairs, Ubisoft has unveiled its upcoming Assassin’s Creed game, set in feudal Japan with two unique protagonists – a ninja named Naoe and the historical Black samurai Yasuke. While the spotlight is on Asian representation in games, the focus on samurai heroes misses the bigger picture of diversity and true representation. Western studios tend to rely on stereotypes of honor and combat, overlooking the depth and uniqueness of Asian characters. It’s time for AAA game developers to break free from the samurai archetype and explore a wider range of Asian protagonists in different settings and narratives. Let’s dream bigger and embrace true diversity in gaming.
1. What is the main concern regarding Asian representation in Western games highlighted in the article?
– A. Lack of diversity in representation
– B. Lack of Asian protagonists
– C. Overemphasis on samurai heroes
– D. Limited imagination in AAA game development
Answer: A. Lack of diversity in representation
2. What is the author’s opinion on the portrayal of Asian protagonists in Western-developed games?
– A. They are portrayed in a nuanced and complex manner
– B. Characters often fall back on tired tropes of honor and stoicism
– C. They provide a glimpse of street-level heroics in Edo Japan
– D. Western studios excel in telling stories with Asian protagonists
Answer: B. Characters often fall back on tired tropes of honor and stoicism
3. What does the author suggest as a solution to the lack of diversity in Asian representation in games?
– A. More games set in feudal Japan
– B. Focus on modern-day settings with Asian leads
– C. Stick to traditional samurai and ninja characters
– D. Embrace more Asian stereotypes in game development
Answer: B. Focus on modern-day settings with Asian leads
4. What does the author hope to see in future game development in terms of Asian representation?
– A. More historical accuracy in Asian characters
– B. Traditional samurai heroes in AAA games
– C. Roles for Asian protagonists beyond stereotypes
– D. Emphasis on Asian mysticism and kung-fu masters
Answer: C. Roles for Asian protagonists beyond stereotypes
What is the main issue highlighted in the article?
The main issue highlighted in the article is the lack of diversity in Asian representation in Western video games, particularly when it comes to Asian protagonists. The focus on stereotypical characters like samurais and ninjas is criticized, with a call for more varied and nuanced portrayals of Asian characters in games.
Why does the author find the focus on samurai protagonists in games problematic?
The author finds the focus on samurai protagonists in games problematic because it limits the portrayal of Asian characters to traditional stereotypes. This narrow representation fails to capture the diversity and complexity of Asian cultures and history, reinforcing tired tropes of honor and stoicism instead of exploring more dynamic narratives.
What examples does the author provide to illustrate the overreliance on samurai protagonists in games?
The author provides examples of various games that feature samurai protagonists, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Ghost of Tsushima, and Way of the Samurai. These games, while individually successful, collectively contribute to the oversaturation of samurai characters in video game narratives, highlighting the lack of imagination in AAA game development when it comes to portraying Asian heroes.
What alternative suggestions does the author offer for more diverse representation in games?
The author suggests exploring alternative settings and narratives for Asian protagonists in games, such as the Mongol Empire, post-revolution China, or the Pacific Theater in World War II. By moving away from the default samurai or ninja character archetypes, game developers can introduce more diverse and engaging stories that showcase the breadth of Asian cultures and histories.
Today's current affairs revolve around Ubisoft's announcement of the new Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan, titled Shadows. This game will feature dual protagonists – a ninja named Naoe and a samurai based on the historical Black samurai Yasuke. While Asian representation in Western games is a known issue, the focus on Yasuke in this game brings up questions about the need for more diverse and nuanced Asian protagonists in AAA games. The industry tends to default to samurai and ninja characters for Asian representation, but there is a call for more varied and complex portrayals, such as those seen in games like Ghostwire: Tokyo or Yakuza. The hope is for future games to push boundaries and feature Asian protagonists in unique and unexpected roles, creating a more diverse landscape in gaming.
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