Power to the People: Anti-Oppressive Game Design essay

Addresses how games can practically be designed to address social issues and build social change incorporating an anti-oppression framework. Co-authored by Andrea Gunraj (METRAC) and Susana Ruiz and Ashley York (University of Southern California and Take Action Games), with contributions from Mary Flanagan, Barry Joseph, Wendy Komiotis and Paolo Pedercini. Published in Designing Games for Ethics: Models, Techniques and Frameworks (edited by Karen Schrier, Columbia University and David Gibson, University of Vermont; IGI Global, 2011).

Abstract: “In this chapter, we define basic principles of the anti-oppressive framework and its ethical implications. We position these principles in the realm of game creation and argue for its use — particularly in the development of social issue games that in one way or another seek to spotlight and challenge the typical power imbalances in our society. While we outline some essential theory, we take a practice-based perspective to make a case for and support the incorporation of anti-oppressive principles in game design and development. We feature the work of four game collectives from around the world about their strategies for implementing equity in game/interactive design and development. The chapter closes with broad guidelines to support integration of anti-oppression principles in game creation.”

Released: 2011

Length: 22 pages

Language: English

In Designing Games for Ethics: Models, Techniques and Frameworks (edited by Karen Schrier, Columbia University and David Gibson, University of Vermont; IGI Global, 2011)