Video game discriminates against disabled people - Page 2

Dodger67 · #11 07-27-2010, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Kate

It maybe just never occurred to the designers.

Well that is exactly my point - it never occurs to games, tv show and movie makers to include disabled people unless the story specifically needs one - and then they almost always use a non-disabled actor anyway.

Gymp · #12 07-27-2010, 02:25 PM

Change is slow...100 years ago most people born disabled died shortly after birth.With all the medical advancements we're now living well into old age and mainstreaming into society better than ever before.As more disabled people live and hold jobs of importance their voices become louder and the barriers we see will become less distinct.Here at the forum we have Lisa Joy (a history professor), Technovicki (in the gaming industry),Dodger (a gonna be a teacher soon),and others,plus all the kiddies who have yet to grow up giving voice for the disabled population.The more we are seen and heard the more we'll become part of the mainstream and we will see wheelchairs put into video games.

It' may not happen in our lifetimes but it is happening...ever so slowly. :-)

Gymp

XoBLoNDiE85 · #13 07-27-2010, 02:33 PM

I think Gymp totally hit it on the head!! =)

misty · #14 07-27-2010, 02:56 PM

I agree that your niece should call Nintendo and say how upset she is about not being able to make her Mii as she wants it. Not sure how much difference it will make, but at least she will have gotten to have her voice heard.

technovicki · #15 07-27-2010, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by XoBLoNDiE85

yea it would take alot more programming and graphics which takes more time a much more money and they just wanna make money so...it would be cool to have that choice but money is money and thats what they are all about $$$

It definitely shouldn't be an excuse but it is a reason. The cost to have such custom animations to accommodate the gameplay would be very difficult and costly. And while Nintendo is a big company the actual game developers could be very small companies. Again, a reason and not a excuse. When I worked for an educational gaming company we had more inclusion of all types of people. It may be hard to believe but a lot of work and thought goes into having a variety of races and genders without being stereotypical or offending is a challenge. I agree with Gymp, we will get there...it's just a matter of when.

Nettie · #16 07-28-2010, 08:39 PM

I agree with Gymp. Well said!

As an IT (information technology) developer myself, I totally understand the difficulties involved for Nintendo. But adding at least braces/AFO's, etc. would be very easy (just add them in the pants shop as an option). So they could at least start there?

NerdaliciouS · #17 07-28-2010, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Nettie

I agree with Gymp. Well said!

As an IT (information technology) developer myself, I totally understand the difficulties involved for Nintendo. But adding at least braces/AFO's, etc. would be very easy (just add them in the pants shop as an option). So they could at least start there?

I was interested in graphic design at one point! It really would be easy to put braces in. Or some form of... well, you know, lol. But I think it's still more or less a "taboo" subject. People often think "hmm... No one will play because ____", or "will this offend anyone if we do this?" It does get kind of annoying. But what can you do, I guess. I still love games either way! I just think it'd be nice if they did add something a little different in. But watch... If they ever did (I have an xbox, bro has the wii)? It'd be a special thing that you'd have to buy for 5 bucks. -_-

But I think that's one of the reasons. With TV and movies as well. 'Cause even though it's more common in day to day life, people are still more interested in "normal". I hate going out and having people give me dirty looks. And so... Yep. Time to hold people at gunpoint!

Dodger67 · #18 07-29-2010, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by NerdaliciouS

But I think that's one of the reasons. With TV and movies as well. 'Cause even though it's more common in day to day life, people are still more interested in "normal". I hate going out and having people give me dirty looks. And so... Yep. Time to hold people at gunpoint!

Would it be useful to force, by legislation or other means (government funding policy?), film and tv show makers to include a certain "quota" of visibly disabled actors and extras?
I think this question needs some research.

LisaJoy · #19 07-29-2010, 10:19 PM

I agree that it needs more research -- what sorts of movements are afoot already? (But I don't have time right now to do it myself!)

But I think that a push for legislation would backfire big time, especially in the US, where there's a lot of backlash against the reach of government into everyday life.

The "better" way is education -- which, as Gymp remarked, is slow. Also, keep in mind that film & tv producers have always projected completely unrealistic views of what constitutes "normal" in today's world. It is a fantasy world. It used to be a fantasy world without people of color. Now it is a fantasy world that is more racially diverse, but still lacking in representation of people with disabilities.

To be honest, I've never had much use for a lot of TV & movies. However, I do recognize (and deplore) what a culturally powerful force it is.

Does anyone know much about Second Life? Can avatars in Second Life represent disability? I bet so, or if not now, soon. The "new wave" in Second Life is its use in educational settings, which is bound to force diversity. Maybe from there, it will spill over into gaming.

Definitely tell Emma to write Nintendo!

Emm · #20 08-01-2010, 11:05 PM

There has been quite a lot of dramas etc on our tv with either Downs Syndrome people or disabled. Also, our Question Time always has wheelchair persons in the audience.
I was interested in the questions that were posed at the beginning of this subject. Firstly, well educated or the less educated are all the same as regards their attitude toward disabled people, it's really down to their own inability to cope with acknowledging the "unusual" appearance of someone in that situation.Anything out of the norm makes some feel very uncomfortable.
As with the second point. Bosses don't know how to respond and for the same reason. The fact of having wheelchairs in films etc. means that they have to make special efforts to accomodate them and working on a tight budget, as they often are, doesn't allow much leeway.
One thing that I feel strongly about is the fact that so many businesses have had to put in access for wheelchairs etc.,such as electronic doors and yet my doctors surgery doesn't have one and the door is quite difficult to open.