ACM Interactions - Designing Black Children in Video Games

Many U.S. gamers identify as people of color, but mainstream video games often lack avatar diversity. This lack means racial minority players might struggle to design resonant characters. The choices sometimes only touch on basic aspects of minority groups and can perpetuate stereotypes related to attire and hair.

At Carnegie Mellon University, we collaborated with students from two after-school programs. We co-developed a character tool and two video games, "Zillah City" and "Zillah Beats", that allowed students to design representative avatars. Their feedback highlighted patterns related to identity and cultural influences.

Cultural tools are essential for an inclusive gaming atmosphere. Our article, Designing Black Children in Video Games, explores authentic avatar creation for Black children, emphasizing their multifaceted identities.