Â鶹app
McNair Scholar, 2025
Major: Social Work
Mentor: Dr. Sherri Simmons-Horton
Research Title: Representation Matters in Video Games: Exploring the Perceptions of Latina Women
Abstract:
In the video game industry, Latina women are underrepresented in games and game development. The lack of Latina women in game development can influence the narratives and design of how they are presented. When portrayed in games, they often have hypersexualized characteristics, as criminals, and with heavy accents. These negative stereotypes trickle down to how Latina women are viewed in gaming culture and beyond, perpetuating and reinforcing prejudicial attitudes. The current political climate, which has rolled back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the federal workforce, also pushes private sector companies, including video game developer companies, to roll back their policies, thus contributing to the continued under-representation of Latina women in video game narratives. There remains a significant gap in understanding how Latina women experience their representation within the gaming industry. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, this study will explore the lived experiences of adult Latina women and seek their perceptions on their representation in the video game industry. By utilizing in-depth interviews of Latina women, the lived experience narrative in this study will determine how video game developers and corporations can better represent Latina women and highlight how and why DEI plays a vital role in developing video games.
