The world of video games is becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive, with developers striving to create experiences that reflect the diversity of society.

Introduction

However, some games still fall short when it comes to representation, such as Final Fantasy XVI.

Lack of Diversity in Final Fantasy XVI

When it comes to representation in video games, diversity is often measured by the variety of characters, cultures, and backgrounds present in the game. Unfortunately, Final Fantasy XVI fails to deliver on this front.

The game’s main character, Ardyn, is a white male who represents the ruling elite of the game world. This lack of representation has been widely criticized, with many gamers calling for more diverse characters and cultures to be included in the game.

Criticism of Takayama’s Explanation

Hiroshi Takayama, the game director, has offered an explanation for this lack of diversity. In an interview with Polygon, Takayama explained that the decision to make Ardyn white was based on the idea that he should represent the ruling class of the game world, which is predominantly made up of white people.

He also stated that the game’s focus on storytelling and world-building meant that diversity was not a priority for the team. However, Takayama’s explanation may have some basis in the game’s lore, it has been widely criticized by gamers and industry professionals alike.

Case Studies: The Importance of Diversity in Gaming

Many argue that Takayama’s explanation fails to acknowledge the importance of diversity in today’s gaming industry. In recent years, there has been a growing push for more diverse representation in video games, with companies like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts making efforts to include more diverse characters and cultures in their games.

The Benefits of Diverse Representation in Gaming

To understand the importance of diversity in gaming, it’s important to look at case studies of successful games that have incorporated diverse representation into their storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

For example, Horizon Zero Dawn, developed by Guerrilla Games, features a female protagonist named Aloy, who is a member of the Nora tribe. The game’s world is based on ancient matriarchal societies, with women holding positions of power and influence. This representation was widely praised by critics and gamers alike, and helped to attract a diverse audience to the game.

Similarly, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild features a cast of diverse characters from different backgrounds and cultures, including Link, who is not a traditional hero but rather a protagonist struggling with his own identity and past. This representation was praised for its authenticity and helped to make the game more relatable and engaging for players from all walks of life.

The Benefits of Diverse Representation in Gaming

Incorporating diverse representation into video games can have a number of benefits, both for the industry and for players. For example:

• Increased Audience Engagement: When gamers see themselves represented in a positive light and experience different cultures and perspectives, they are more likely to engage with the game and feel connected to its world.
• Improved Storytelling: Diverse representation allows for more nuanced storytelling, as writers can draw on a wider range of experiences and perspectives to create more authentic and compelling narratives.
• Better Business Decisions: By incorporating diverse representation into their games, companies are better able to tap into new markets and attract a wider audience, which can lead to increased revenue and growth.
• Cultural Appreciation: Diverse representation in gaming can help to promote cultural appreciation and understanding, as players are exposed to different ways of life and beliefs.