'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Q. Video games in general and RPGs hardly ever represent an LGBTIQA+ character as the prime focus of the narrative. Cyberpunk 2077 did try to break a few stigmas by allowing the player to customize their character’s gender and sexual orientation in whichever way they pleased. Talk us through the importance that narratives like these hold in sending a more positive message and outlook.
Pranav: I have always believed that true inclusivity lies in freedom. Allowing players to represent their characters as per their identity is the most crucial step towards acceptance.
Giving a 100% character customization opportunity will not only help the marginalized community feel empowered and motivated but also help create awareness and educate cis and hetero communities. We must learn to empathize and value LGBTQIA+ talents.
They are immensely capable of making outstanding contributions to the Indian gaming community, thus making the industry a healthy and positive place for gamers to thrive.
Q. Today’s digital era, with all the social media outlets and content creation platforms, offers a much more accessible podium for people to speak up and voice their own opinions. How significant do you feel are these outlets in helping gender inclusivity, especially in an industry primarily dominated by cis-males?
Pranav: Social media outlets have colossal potential in enabling gender inclusivity. While earlier there was an unspoken taboo on LGBTQ orientations, we had many individuals from this community who were “questioning” their identity.
Social media has not only provided a platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be vocal but also give an equal opportunity to those “questioning” to witness this massive progression, the vociferous voices and self-empowering individuals embracing themselves openly.
This is not only inspiring for the entire LGBTQIA+ community but also for cis-males and cis-females. These self-acceptance stories have motivated individuals from every gender to come out with their own personal and internal mayhem.
Today, social media has been instrumental in breaking innumerable stereotypes attached to all genders, including cis-males. It’s a win-win for all!
Q. When it comes to representing gender fluidity, how do you feel modern video games should develop and adapt to improve inclusivity?
Pranav: The majority of leading games today provide standard heteronormative gender options. The representation of non-binary and LGBTQ+ gender is almost negligible.
Adding to the issue, all these characters have conventional and heteronormative fixed outfits and accessories to create the desired look. But this is not being inclusive. Inclusivity comes with freedom of choice.
Simply put, game developers should focus on creating gender-neutral characters and provide players with the freedom to develop their identities. Each character should have the liberty to choose their physical representation, irrespective of their gender.
For instance, freedom for male characters to choose outfits and accessories associated with the female gender and visa-versa is the way to go.
