When children hold a video game controller for the first time, they enter worlds filled with imaginary heroes and adventures. For some, rarely do they see characters that look like them or share their cultural heritage ever take center stage. As far as Asian gamers are concerned, that void becomes very palpable. It’s not merely about seeing a familiar face on screen but also about feeling acknowledged within a medium that significantly shapes their youth.
Recently, the industry started to shift more toward authentic and diverse portrayals of Asian characters and storylines. This is part of a growing movement toward representation within the media leaving lasting impacts on players across the globe.
“Sleeping Dogs” was praised as one of the first games to offer authentic representation to Asian gamers. Players assume the character of Wei Shen, an undercover Chinese-American police officer, navigating a true-to-life Hong Kong. The game features teeming night markets filled with characters speaking in both Cantonese and English, immersing players into a world that echoes back out to them in cultural recognition. Critics like Imagine Games Network highlighted how the game’s “authenticity shines through in its setting and storytelling.”
Another innovative title is “Ghost of Tsushima” by Sucker Punch Productions, launched in 2020. It is set in the 13th Century during the Mongol invasion of Japan and narrates the story of a samurai named Jin Sakai, who fights to protect his homeland. While developed by a Western studio, this game was well-received in Japan, paving the way for more respectful approaches to representing Japanese culture around the world.
This immediately resonated with players in Japan—but also opened the door for other gamers worldwide to develop an appreciation and knowledge of a culture different from their own. This kind of authentic representation fosters empathy and breaks down cultural barriers, therefore enriching the gaming experience for everyone.
During an interview with The Washington Post, game director Nate Fox emphasized their commitment to authenticity by working closely with cultural experts to honor the samurai code and beauty of Tsushima Island.
In addition, Taiwanese studio Red Candle Games created “Detention,” a horror game deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and history which explores themes of oppression and identity.
However, attempts at Asian representation are not without its faults. Games like “Cyberpunk 2077” faced criticism for incorporating Asian-inspired aesthetics without meaningful context, leading to accusations of cultural appropriation. Wired highlighted concerns about the game’s use of cultural motifs, noting that “without proper context or respect, such representations can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to a cycle of misunderstanding.”
Industry experts highlight that representation in video games extends beyond characters and settings, focusing on the stories being told and who gets to tell them. According to a 2023 report by the Entertainment Software Association, when players see themselves integrated within games, it fosters a sense of belonging and validation.
“It was new to see a protagonist like Alex Chen, who is Chinese American,” Matthew Ye, a first-year public affairs major and avid gamer, said about Life is Strange: True Colors. “Her struggles with identity and family and finding her place took center stage right before my eyes and truly resonated with me. For one of the first times, I felt actually seen in a game.”
Many gamers from minority backgrounds agree with Ye and wish to see themselves represented authentically in a video game. Characters such as Alex Chen represent progress in creating relatable heroes going through struggles much like any other real person. This may boost self-esteem and serve as role models among the younger players still learning more and more about themselves and the world every day, according to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center.
According to a study by Syracuse University professor Srividya Ramasubramanian, media representation can have important implications concerning self-concept and social identity for members of minority groups. Groups become marginalized when the media fails to accurately represent them.
With the gaming industry continuing to evolve, new releases—such as “Black Myth: Wukong” by Chinese studio Game Science—have garnered widespread acclaim from players and critics alike and achieved significant commercial success internationally. The game is based on a classic novel “Journey to the West” and offers an original Chinese cultural experience.
“We want to bring our stories to the world, showing how rich Chinese mythology is,” Chief Executive of Game Science Feng Ji said in an interview with IGN China. “It’s time for our voices to be represented on the global stage.”
The ESA indicates, with support by studies from the Pew Research Center, that representation in video games is increasingly recognized as a medium that honors the diversity of human experiences. As gaming continues to grow as an industry, the emphasis has increased on telling stories in a more authentic manner from a wide variety of cultures, strengthening the medium even more and engaging a worldwide audience further.
Ji aptly summarizes the ongoing evolution: “Authentic representation not only enriches the gaming experience but also makes for a more inclusive and empathetic world.”
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