Gaming in Color

Subtitled “A documentary exploring the queer side of gaming,” filmmaker Phillip Jones's Gaming in Color offers an LGBTQ perspective on one of the largest social phenomenons of our time. For many, gaming is not just a cultural touchstone, but a way of life. Drawing on the perspective of people from the organizations GeeksOUT and NYC Gaymers—as well as coders and content creators—the film looks at some of the unique diversity challenges faced by game makers and participants. For many, the gaming world is a sanctuary from the “real world”—a place of escape and solace. But online multiplayer games (with players potentially spread across the globe) also form a “real-time” community. What happens when the online community doesn't reflect your core identity? Gay gamers are exposed to the same sorts of social risks and friction that they experience in the physical world, especially when the majority of popular games are targeted at a male heterosexual audience. Gender issues in gaming are about more than just queer gamers, particularly in the representation or absence of women (regardless of their sexual orientation). One example is the latest entry in the immensely popular Grand Theft Auto franchise, where the only character option is to play as a male, which naturally suits the game's core audience, but alienates others. The interviewees here are actively working through these and many other issues related to diversity in gaming, taking a big step with the first-ever gay gaming conference, hosted by the Gaymers organization. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Block)