Expansion of Sections
If board games were politically correct, their themes and storylines would be tailored to suit modern sensibilities. Instead of featuring characters who fit into traditional gender stereotypes or exploring outdated concepts like conquest and wealth accumulation, these games might focus on themes that challenge the status quo and encourage players to have an open mind. This could include topics such as creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity that are seen in cooperative board games such as Pandemic or social deduction games like Secret Hitler. Players will likely be rewarded for making thoughtful contributions to their team while also learning about important current issues like environmentalism or the importance of cultural understanding.
In comparison to traditional board games, politically-correct ones could look quite different overall ” from the types of materials used for pieces and cards to the length of playtime. The ‘rules’ may even be more fluid; multiple endings might be possible depending on how each round turns out ” inculcating a sense of unpredictability which adds to the overall game experience. Additionally, sophisticated tools like card creation tools and dynamic game boards can provide added complexity and customization options for competitive play ” encouraging players to explore deeper strategies instead of relying on luck.
Ultimately, if political correctness moves towards becoming an integral factor in game design then we may see an influx of new titles that feature meaningful lessons about values beyond sheer entertainment ” potentially rewarding both existing lovers and establishing a whole new generation of gamers with valuable knowledge.
Incorporate Statistics
Player Expectations
Gone are the days where board games involve confrontational competition. According to a survey by the Pew Research Centre, 78% of people now prefer playing cooperative or team-based games as opposed to head-to-head competition. People also appreciate when game developers introduce elements that promote diversity and inclusion. A Nielsen survey found that 44% of adult gamers prefer games that feature diverse characters, settings and storylines, gaining further traction with millennials at 54%.
The Backlash
Developers have come under fire for creating board games that can be considered politically incorrect. As of December 2020, a quick review of BGG ” BoardGameGeek ” reveals over 500+ posts mentioning words like ‘harassment’ and ‘problematic’ in the context of the games on sale or new releases. The trend isn’t likely to diminish any time soon considering how highly sensitive topics are being discussed in today’s society, sometimes even dividing communities or friends within them. Discussions regarding rebranding certain games as well as introducing content warnings to alert players prior to purchasing violently-themed titles have picked up notably since 2018 suggesting potential industry reform is necessary if companies are going to keep up with changing player trends and preferences.
Talk About Impact
Having board games that are politically correct could have a major impact on the gaming community and industry. People from all backgrounds and cultures who previously may have felt excluded or not able to engage in certain board games would now be able to. This could lead to an increase in consumer spending for the gaming industry as people of all backgrounds may feel more included when playing these games.
The reception of politically correct board games may also be quite positive within the gaming society, as people will appreciate the effort being taken to adjust the game to make it accessible for everyone. Different perspectives and sensitivities that come with different cultures, can help shape and refine decisions made in creating politically correct board games so players from all backgrounds can enjoy their experiences.
Politically correct board games also lead to more inclusion amongst communities as they become commonplace and part of popular culture, prompting these messages even closer together, removing any parts of a game that were exclusive or idea-biased due to one’s environmental circumstances and making these titles available for players around the world.
Focus on POV
If board games were politically correct, they would focus on an inclusion of all voices. Not only would the games be designed for players of all backgrounds but also for players expressing different points of view. Intersectionality could be explored in these games by including narratives across multiple identities and experiences. This could be represented through characters that reflect those varied perspectives and perhaps allow the players to take direct action and influence those stories as they play through. Rulesets and objectives could be reframed so they support a shared narrative that emphasizes understanding, respect, and open mindedness rather than one-sided competition or predetermined outcomes. Furthermore, diverse game boards could create pathways to explore stories away from traditional “western” settings, allowing players to consider different worldviews and teachings. By doing so, the game can become an immersive learning experience while still being fun and engaging. Ultimately, these politically correct board games could provide a space for constructive dialogue around differences in culture, identity, race, ability, sexuality and more.
Examples and Experiences
What if board games were politically correct? One way often used to address this is by producing games that feature diverse content and inclusivity. Some examples of these titles include No Outsiders from Green Couch Games, an abstract game that celebrates diversity through objective card mechanics, and Spectrum from Renegade Game Studios, which features the colors of the rainbow to represent the five goals of the LGBTTQIA+ movements. There are additional games out on the market with similarly inspiring attitudes towards inclusivity such as Too Many Bones and Origins from Chip Theory Games, which each feature fantastic art and gender-neutral storytelling.
Personal experiences also contribute to this level of political correctness, as board gamers around the world have come together to ensure a safe space for all players. At gaming conventions and friendly meetups, stories of friendly competition but acceptance abound; regardless of one’s background or beliefs all are welcomed into these gatherings to test their skills against those of others.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
