There’s a list that ranks video games by wokeness, and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry

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As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant, diverse world of video games, I find it utterly absurd and disheartening to see the existence of such a regressive and narrow-minded list as the Woke-Ranking List by the Woke Content Detector Steam Group.

The world is a cruel and dangerous place. Around every corner, there could be a climate activist, a non-binary person, or a strong woman waiting to ambush you. Of course, it’s only logical to escape into imaginary worlds – but wait, what’s that? Body types 1 and 2 instead of male and female? Different skin tones? A RAINBOW FLAG?

The absurd panic about rainbow flags and empowering women

Take it easy! No longer do you need to suffer through this ordeal, thanks to an ideal solution: the authentic Woke-Ranking List by the Woke Content Detector Steam Group. Parents who were anxious about their children with Fortnite-induced tantrums encountering diversity, climate change advocates, or gamers with questionable political views can now let out a contented sigh.

By glancing at this comprehensive 76-page roster, you can confidently avoid encounters with empowered females or portly scuba divers in your future gaming sessions. Rest assured, this isn’t intended as a joke.

The list separates more than 1,500 video games into three categories: “not progressive,” “somewhat progressive,” or “progressive.” Each category has a detailed explanation. Games tend to receive lower ratings if they don’t distinguish clearly between male and female physical appearances, portray women in powerful roles, exhibit diverse character skin tones, or permit same-sex relationships and interactions – which is often seen as undesirable.

However, it doesn’t stop there: Climate activism, use of rainbow symbols, representations of overweight individuals, characters with disabilities or the inclusion of wheelchair users, and even those with vitiligo are all marked as contentious issues.

Diversity in games is not a problem, but a strength

For me, the main question is: Are there really people who are so triggered by a rainbow flag on a train in Train Sim World, a woman who can fight dinosaurs despite being a woman, or a character who deals with depression that they have to check this list before buying a game? Where’s the fun in that? I can happily play as a humanoid lizard who shoots lightning from his scaly hands and rides a giant deer through the wilderness, but heaven forbid I decide to romance a same-sex iguana.

It seems confusing to me that gaming, where anything can happen, also has restrictions on representation. For instance, a bright green orc isn’t an issue, but a black half-elf is? A disabled raccoon character is considered too politically correct? Don’t you realize how contradictory this sounds? In my view, this list appears more like a jest than a serious attempt at diversity. Or maybe I’m just overly sensitive to these issues myself.

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2024-11-20 19:39