[font="Arial"]In another post I discussed the pros/cons of tactical vs hack & slash RPGs in hopes of narrowing down the path that I as a designer would like to explore. Now that I have made some headway regarding play style I wanted to delve into another aspect; one involving the main character and his potentially controversial situation.[/font]

[font="Arial"]I won’t delve into my concept too much here, but what I can say is that it borrows elements from the works of Lovecraft (antagonists) and Robert E Howard (Protagonist). Both authors referenced each other’s mythos in their works and I like the idea of a Conan-esque barbarian getting thrown headlong into a nightmarish world –or worlds that he can’t quite wrap his head around…[/font]



[font="Arial"]Main (Player) Character & Disposition[/font]

[font="Arial"]The main character here is the aforementioned barbarian prince. He is bald, tall, exceedingly well-built, and more importantly black of skin. I first imagined him bronzed not unlike Conan, but came to the realization that there are seldom main characters in games who are black. In fact, I cannot recall any. Long before I even considered the character’s race the plot was established and well underway. The barbarian and his people are captured and enslaved by a space-faring, illithid-like species. Throughout the game the protagonist is put through a physical, mental and emotional hell before the big finale.[/font]




[font="Arial"]Ethical Dilemma-Questions [/font]

• [font="Arial"]What ramifications can I expect from a plot that revolves around a tribe of black-skinned barbarians who are enslaved by malevolent, genocidal aliens (also black, FYI)?
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• [font="Arial"]What elements could I use to justify my story's direction?
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• [font="Arial"]Would it be easier to make yet another white hero?[/font]

Black character who is a barbarian? What are you trying to say that black people are savages?! Kidding of course, but there is no telling what the "politically correct" crowed will read into.

Erm, aren't those the kind of questions you are supposed to answer before you choose a protagonist?

At this point the answer doesn't matter. You didn't make the choice of black barbarians being enslaved as an allegory or a social comment. Whatever justification you pick now will be only that - a justification.

Unless you end up rewriting majority of your story to support deeper meaning.

All action games have conflict revolving around the player/main character to some degree. I suppose whatever said conflict is could be interpreted as grounds for stereotyping or racism. But if that were the case, then in which (action) game could you use a black main character?

Are you designing these characters based around stereotypes?


Why is a savage character textured with dark skin any more or less racist than one coloured with light skin? Or blue skin?



The only racism I see in this issue is the fact that you think it might exist.

Are you designing these characters based around stereotypes?


Why is a savage character textured with dark skin any more or less racist than one coloured with light skin? Or blue skin?



The only racism I see in this issue is the fact that you think it might exist.

You make some good points, Luckless, but I would argue against my making this into a racial issue. I simply wanted others' opinions on the subject; namely if people here personally care or not, and more importantly how the market would react if such a game were released. In the US especially such parallels get blown way out of proportion.

Resident Evil 5 had controversy just because you shot black African zombies. If that can cause a stir, your game definitely can. Keep in mind, however, that unless they're extremely offensive, smaller titles don't generally generate that huge kind of controversy.

Are you designing these characters based around stereotypes?


Why is a savage character textured with dark skin any more or less racist than one coloured with light skin? Or blue skin?



The only racism I see in this issue is the fact that you think it might exist.

Maybe in Canada the PC police aren't as bad... but here practically everything is deemed racist or sexist by someone. There were people complaining about how Left 4 Dead 2 was racist because you were shooting "African American Zombies" in New Orleans. Resident Evil 5 was racist because you were killing dark skinned people in Africa. Same thing in Far Cry 2. It's ridiculous. Hell, even Jar Jar Binks is racist.

If you are actually scared about people calling your game racist based on whether your characters are white or black, then make them all blue blobs of translucence gel. Or better yet, make them constantly shifting colour and spending an equal amount of time in all parts of the visual spectrum.

Oh wait, better go with UV and IR at least a little, or someone might complain that you're excluding that too. To hell with it not being something you can actually display on a monitor,...

[font="Arial"]but came to the realization that there are seldom main characters in games who are black. In fact, I cannot recall any.

Afro Samurai is black.
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