Disability in Video Games—An Overview Based on Selected Virtual Characters Cover Image

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Disability in Video Games—An Overview Based on Selected Virtual Characters

Author(s): Damian Gałuszka, Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Media studies, Visual Arts, Behaviorism, Studies in violence and power, Health and medicine and law, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Uniwersytet Łódzki - Wydział Ekonomiczno-Socjologiczny
Keywords: video games; disability; stereotypes;

Summary/Abstract: Images of disability present in the media have a significant impact on the perception of people with disabilities. They shape stereotypical ideas that translate into the attitudes and expectations that a large part of society has for people with disabilities. Previous research has focused on showing images of people with disabilities in traditional media. Meanwhile, in modern popular culture, new media, including video games, play an increasing role. Today, it is important to examine the ways in which characters with disabilities are portrayed in video games. The main aim of this article is to reconstruct typical images of disability in video games. This will show how the built-in images fix or change existing stereotypes. Video games were selected in which disabled heroes appeared. The study was based on the analysis of cultural codes. This method was adapted for the study of a specific medium—video games. They engage the user in the process of creating the hero and the actions he takes in the game world.

  • Issue Year: XIV/2018
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 92-112
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish