Cultural representations in video games

Abstract

This chapter introduces the book and outlines the challenges surrounding the representations of cultures in video games. The book introduces the definition of culture and presents the book's intent of exploring and responding to the issues of cultural representations in video games. The chapter considers the theoretical origin and basis of the issues around cultural representations in video games, while drawing on examples to further illustrate the issues. The chapter suggests game design centred around meaningful engagement with culture and community as a response to cultural misrepresentations and to create deeper cultural representations in-game. Read this chapter for an introduction to the book and to understand the basic issues about cultural representations in media, including in video games.