Devlog 1: Conducting Research for Game Design

Research prior to the development of a game is essential, especially if one wants to explore social issues. This was more apparent through my specific research topic: how you can differentiate between good representation and misguided representation in American cinema. Like how authenticity is the pathway to good racial representation in films, games also require a level of validity in its delivery.

Overall, I find my research topic difficult to translate into the literal premise of a game, unless done through a narrative perspective. I was mostly able to find criticism, both good and bad, on films based on this. I looked into audience responses, especially audiences who were able to culturally relate (or not relate, depending on how well these films were able to deliver their message) to certain films. Understanding this, I had come to the conclusion that in order to develop a game centralizing this topic, it would make sense to adopt the same practices utilized for the success of a film with authentic representation. (I do find that anyone with a bit of sensibleness will already be aware of this issue with American cinema.)

Despite my prior apprehension, I believe racial injustice is a very important topic to become deeply educated on, no matter who the audience is. To design a game of this nature, a sure way of creating misguided representation is by lacking that authenticity both on and off the screen.