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- November 6, 2023
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Black in Gaming and Online Communities
There are millions of players playing virtual worlds from all over the world, with a diversity of backgrounds and cultures. But within this vast gaming world, Black in gaming are often show a duality that mirrors society’s racial challenges. Despite being a welcoming and inclusive place for many, the gaming industry can sometimes be marred by prejudice and discrimination.
We need to acknowledge the positive aspects of being Black in gaming spaces before we can truly understand the duality. Thousands of Black gamers turn to gaming as a refuge from discrimination and racial bias on a daily basis. They can be anything and everything, free from their real-world identities, in the digital realm. As a result of anonymity, people can make connections and build friendships based on their shared interests and skills rather than their race.
We now see more diverse characters and storylines in games that appeal to Black gamers. It’s fun playing games like “The Last of Us Part II,” “Red Dead Redemption 2,” and “Cyberpunk 2077” because they have well-developed Black characters. Black players can feel like they belong when they feel like they’re represented in games, not just visible.
In addition, gaming has given Black content creators and streamers a chance to make money and get recognition. People like Ninja,The Texas ChainSaw Massacre , Pokimane, and DrLupo have built huge followings, displaying their talents in all kinds of games. But they’re not the only ones grabbing attention. Markiplier, TSM_Daequan, and IamBranden are just a few of the other black content creators who are gaining a lot of attention. Their work transcends racial boundaries to entertain and educate while representing the Black gaming community.
In spite of all of these positives, being Black in gaming spaces still has challenges. Racist bias and discrimination still persist in the game industry. Online, black gamers are often subjected to racial slurs, hate speech, and harassment. Internet anonymity lets some people spread bigotry without any consequences.
The disparities in how Black gamers are treated in online gaming communities are evident in numerous instances. A study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League found that 41% of Black gamers have experienced severe harassment, which is significantly higher than the 34% reported by White gamers. Furthermore, 63% of Black players have reported experiencing racism while gaming. Such experiences can be disheartening and create a hostile environment for Black gamers, affecting their enjoyment and participation in the community.
This discrimination extends to the competitive scene as well. Many Black esports players face barriers to entry and limited opportunities for success. While esports is a booming industry, the lack of diversity is a glaring issue. Teams and organizations predominantly comprise White players, and Black players often find it challenging to break into the professional scene. This lack of representation not only deprives Black gamers of opportunities but also perpetuates stereotypes that gaming is not a viable career for them.
Being Black in gaming spaces also affects game development. It’s been criticized for the lack of diversity in its workforce, so games aren’t authentic. Despite the progress we’ve made, there’s still a lot to do. Black developers and designers are underrepresented in the industry, so they can’t create games that accurately reflect Black experiences.
There’s a need for the gaming industry to address these issues and make it more inclusive. Platforms and developers need to take an active stance against hate speech and harassment to combat racism and discrimination in the community. We can mitigate these issues by implementing stricter reporting systems, moderation tools, and consequences for discriminatory behavior.
A priority should also be given to diversity and representation. Game developers should create authentic, relatable Black characters and storylines, which make the gaming experience fun for everyone. You can’t just feature Black characters, you have to portray them respectfully and nuanced, so you don’t get stereotyped.
Moreover, the gaming industry should actively support and promote Black talent. That includes creating opportunities for Black game developers, streamers, and esports players to succeed. By promoting diversity in the gaming community through mentorship, scholarships, and career development, we can help level the playing field.
The duality of being Black in gaming is ultimately a collective responsibility. It requires everyone’s active participation, including gamers, content creators, and developers. Black gamers have made some great strides; there’s still much to be done to create an environment where they can play without discrimination.
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