ORCID

0009-0008-3081-6357

Keywords

Genuine, Black Character Narratives, Historical, Cultural, Afrofuturistic, Equitable

Subject Categories

African American Studies | Arts and Humanities

Abstract

The lack of Black representation in video games reflects stereotypes and hollow narratives. Authentic and meaningful design of Black characters allows Black players a reflection of emotional attachments everyone wants when playing a game. Examining racial identities through avatars, critiquing the notion that customization equates to racial inclusivity, limited options and predominant, white-coded protagonists reinforce systemic biases in games (Dietrich, 2013). My Afrofuturistic content analysis framework explores Black culture with a future of speculative fiction. Reimagining the past, present, and future through Black narratives for alternate futures (Womack). Integrating these ideas enhance culture and aesthetics in this dissertation to highlight a framework assisting game designers when conceptualizing authentic Black narratives. I present a 37- minute video tutorial on Visual Representation (Skin tone, Facial features, Hairstyles) and Cultural Persona (Traditions, Style / Attire, Vernacular). Participants were recruited using a pre-Screening Questionnaire determining eligibility. Participants viewed 4 video clips, 2 genuine and 2 with problematic representations. They rate authenticity and answer open ended questions about Black character portrayal. Participants were presented a link to a 37-Minute tutorial introducing a genuine and meaningful Black character and narrative. The tutorial explicitly references culture to facilitate identification of characteristic traits of most Black people in America. Repeating steps from the pre-framework assessment and completing a post-survey and asked some demographic questions. 20 participants surveyed provided data supporting the research to solidify my theoretical framework. The analysis highlights the need to understand explicit cultural and historical contributions for the design of genuine Black character narratives.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Murray, John

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Texts & Technology

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.