Riot has the power to shape the culture of the future

Ethnography·6/30/2015, 10:48:47 PM·2 votes·743 views

It is no secret that non-normative identities (gender, race, sexuality) have been marginalized in popular video games. But League of Legends has the power to completely change how gamers see minority groups. First off, I am thankful that we do get to see some minority groups in League of Legends; Ekko, Lucian, and all the powerful female champions that have gained me elo (thanks Janna and Sejuani), however we have yet to have an openly gay, bisexual, transgender, or pansexual champion. While some may say we have Taric, or Ezreal, this is simply a projection of our own popular conception of gay men that is frankly, a little close minded. With the introduction of a champion that is not heterosexual gamers young and old alike can have a role model that is otherwise never seen in popular media. It is of utmost importance to have representation of diverse groups, and with over a hundred champions you would think we could have at least one champion who has an open relationship that is not hetero-normative. I realize that those in marketing might believe that heterosexuality sells, but you may be surprised at how awesome, and loving our community really is.

13 Comments

Raxicor6/30/2015, 11:05:22 PM2 votes

I'm under the impression that we don't know a lot if any of the champion's sexual preferences especially after retcon. I don't know what it'd bring to the game?

Lugg6/30/2015, 11:38:30 PM2 votes

{quoted}

however we have yet to have an openly gay, bisexual, transgender, or pansexual champion. While some may say we have Taric, or Ezreal, this is simply a projection of our own popular conception of gay men that is frankly, a little close minded.

Taric and Ezreal are pretty much right on in this regard. I have friends that are gay who agree.

DaneMac7/1/2015, 1:54:33 AM1 votes

Pansexual? What SJW hole did you pop out of?

We're playing a video game with monsters, fairies, demons, angels and other fantasy like characters. Why do we need to have this become another media that tumblr can embrace as it's own? For Christs sake, piss off. If they chose to make ONLY white males from now on till the end of time then let them.

Why the fuck do we need to have ''diverse'' characters.