Riktlinjer bortom stereotyper : En participatory design-studie om kvinnlig karaktärsrepresentation i hero shooters

Sammanfattning

This study explores the representation of female characters in games with predefined playable characters, focusing on hero shooters. Previous research has largely examined female representation in existing games or avatar customization systems, leaving a gap in understanding how female representation can be explored in games where players choose between fixed character rosters. The aim of the study is to investigate how self-identified female gamers conceptualize and articulate the representation of female characters in hero shooters through a participatory design process. The study was conducted through a workshop in which participants created female characters based on a speculative design brief, completed a Role on the Wall exercise, and presented and discussed their characters. The collected material consisted of visual artifacts, written notes, presentations, and group discussions. The material was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results show that participants did not primarily conceptualize female representation as a matter of visual appearance, but through lived experience, functional coherence, internal conflict, variation, and reflexive use of stereotypes. Based on the analysis, preliminary guidelines for female character design were formulated and subsequently reviewed through 3 separate semi-structured interviews. The study contributes an exploratory perspective on how female gamers can be involved as co-designers in developing more varied and contextually grounded character design.