Featured News
Video games have evolved in countless ways, but one aspect remains largely overlooked: age representation. Despite a diverse player base that includes millions of older adults, age in video games remains a blind spot. A new study by AARP and the Geena Davis Institute finds that while nearly half (45%) of adults 50 and older play video games, yet characters over 50 are rarely represented.
From the lack of older playable characters to stereotypical portrayals of aging, the study highlights a gap between the real-world gaming audience and how age in video games is depicted.
📖 Read the full report: Aging in Play: Representations of Age in Video Games
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I created this research Institute 20 years ago because when I first saw kids’ shows and movies through my toddler daughter’s eyes, I was stunned by the lack of female characters and diversity. Back in 2004, only 11% of family films had female leads. Our latest data show we’ve reached gender parity for leads in family films and kids’ TV in the U.S.
But urgent attention is needed for race and ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, older characters, diverse body types, and disability representation. My institute works with creatives all over the world to enhance on-screen diversity and ensure nuanced portrayals.
There’s a lot of inequity in the world, but we have the power to fix representation in media overnight. Tomorrow, take a look at your projects and make sure they reflect the real world.
No more missed opportunities! And give us a shout – we’re here to help!
Spotlight
Retro video gamers learned long ago that a little inclusivity goes a long way. Pac-Man set arcades ablaze in the early 1980s, then soared again when developers launched a sequel featuring a female protagonist.
Ms. Pac-Man endures as a classic once hailed by a trade publication for having “the broadest appeal of any game this magazine has ever seen. … Women love it. Men love it. Children love it.”
The power of that universal appeal serves as a reminder that inclusive design connects with new audience segments and creates a more dynamic and engaging experience for all players. Read more.
Weekly highlights on diversity, equity, and inclusion in media
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