Equal Opportunity Gaming and the Push for Equality

Issues with modern games revolving around the prevalence of the straight, white, male protagonist with big muscles are not a thing in the world of DnD. If you’re a black, lesbian, Muslim, I’m willing to bet there’s never been a character in a video game that you can really see as yourself. However, in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, there is no need to conform to industry norms or even societal norms, as the DM and players define what is normal. In the 5th edition Player’s Handbook (PHB), it is specified that “You don’t need to be confined to binary notions of sex and gender” (121). There is also reference made to Corellon Larethan, an elven god often “seen as androgynous or hermaphroditic” (PHB 121).

 

The push to break the mold doesn’t just include in game changes. The fanbase around the game has become markedly more feminine. Groups like Critical Role that boast a half female cast help to market the idea that girls can be nerds too, and it’s not just pizza-faced losers in some dude’s mom’s basement, like the media likes to depict. There has been a ripple effect that has started to turn DnD “cool” again. As the fan base grows, more and more people become more heavily involved in the community, and now that fan base is making changes out in the world. Critical Role has regular fundraisers to help out charities that focus on bringing the arts and critical reading or performance skills to underprivileged children.

 

The support of liberal ideals such as gender fluidity puts DnD on the leading edge of what is one of the stalest industries on earth – the gaming industry. By instilling ideas of equality and making sure everyone has a space at the table, DnD is pushing towards a setting where all people are treated equally regardless of sexual orientation, race or gender. Certainly in my books, a society without prejudice is a step closer to Utopian.