Ctrl+Alt+Resist: understanding activist movements in gaming

Abstract

Video games, once viewed as just a form of entertainment, have since emerged as a platform for social activism. In response, this paper explores the role video game creators play in activism and forms of protest, examining how developers embed themes within their works to address social issues. Integrating case studies and semi-structured interviews, this study seeks to understand the motivations, methods, and impact video game creators have in terms of activism. Despite a wealth of literature already existing on this subject, a great deal of it focuses on player impacts rather than on the developers of such games. Thus, by focusing on small, marginalised creators, it is the aim of this paper to develop a foundational framework through which the following can be understood: 1) What makes games a desirable medium as an emerging form of activist art? 2) What are the commonalities amongst activist creators and their works. 2a) how do these factors foster community and/or action? Further, by focusing on developers and their role within their respective communities, audience engagement and participation may also be studied, illuminating the intersection between consumption and production. Ultimately, this paper argues that video game creators are not just entertainers but also possess strong capabilities to foster change through their ability to reach a global audience, start discussions, and evoke emotional responses. As the boundaries between art and activism continue to blur, this study contributes to understanding the evolving role of video games in shaping perceptions and promoting social change.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English