Have you ever stopped playing a game because it just didn't connect with you in the first few hours? Even games with great overall diversity can suffer if the beginning is dominated by cis white men. Well written diverse characters should be on display throughout an entire game, not just shoved in during the middle or end. Using clips from small indie games as well as big budget AAA releases , the timing of diverse character placement is discussed. Can this ruin or enhance a gaming experience?

1. The Timing of Diverse
Character Placement
SHAREEF JACKSON
ALTERCONF CHICAGO
AUGUST 8TH, 2015

2. Have you ever stopped playing a
game early?
 Immersion fail!
 Boring
 Broken
 Intimidating
 Just not your taste
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3. The timing of diverse character
placement can affect immersion
 WHO is being marketed?
 WHEN do characters show up?
 HOW nuanced are they?
 “The more emotion I put into it / the harder I rock”
 – O.C. “Time’s Up”
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4. In Splatoon, who is being marketed
to?
Are we accessories, or not?
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5. In Battlefield Hardline, when do
diverse characters show up?
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6. In Watch Dogs, how nuanced are
they?
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7. Getting the timing right doesn’t
mean you’re always perfect
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8. Getting the timing wrong isn’t a
death sentence …
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9. … but it can definitely make your
game look silly
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10. Timing also matters in games that
you wouldn’t expect
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11. Check out wonderful podcasts that
support diversity in gaming
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12. Follow my work!
@ShareefJackson
@GamingLooksGood
ShareefJackson.com
GamingLooksGood.com
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