Ziona Agyemang's Essay by Ziona

Ziona Agyemang's Essay by Ziona - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Immersing myself in the captivating realm of video games from a young age, I discovered a sanctuary where solace and excitement merge, igniting an enduring passion that reaches far beyond the screen. Whether I was applying my creativity to construct fantastical architecture in Minecraft or memorizing Sans' movements in Undertale to achieve the ending I had worked so diligently for, there was never a dull moment in the games I played. As the pixelated world of my favorite video games came to life on the screen, I couldn't help but notice the glaring absence of diversity in the large realm of video games.
Often, Black and Brown characters in video games are depicted with exaggerated, offensive features and aggressive behavior. From the booming voices of characters like Final Fantasy's Barret to other inhumane visuals, this so-called "representation" was exhausting. I longed to see a character that looked like me in some small capacity. The absence of representation for ethnic and queer identities in video games affected not only me but also my online friends, leading to a disconnect from the games we played and a desire for accurate representation.
Occasional absences of diversity may not be significant, but when they become a constant trend in video games and media, it turns into a glaring problem that must be confronted. It's evident that this isn't just a matter of pure aesthetics; it's a call to address societal biases and celebrate our differences.
I’ve seen so much potential over the years that could greatly change the way that we view inclusivity in the gaming industry. Games like Apex Legends have made significant strides in creating complex narratives within certain communities. I had seen reviews and some gameplay of the game but never got around to playing it. However, I finally had the opportunity when my cousin said that she wanted to play the game with me and inevitably forced me to experience it for myself. This experience opened my eyes to the fact that there is more to a game than just its mechanics; the characters make a game blossom into something greater. Seeing that sparked an interest in doing more for the video game industry.
Discovering the inclusive representation within Apex Legends was an eye-opening moment that ignited my passion for becoming a video game developer. Witnessing how this game embraced many identities, seamlessly weaving them into a complex and engaging narrative, left an indelible mark on me. It was a stark reminder of video games' power in shaping our perceptions and fostering a sense of belonging. From that day forward, I knew that I wanted to be a part of an industry that had the potential not only to entertain but also to bring people from all walks of life together. My desire to create games that reflect the richness of our world's diversity and allow players to connect with characters they could truly identify with was born from this pivotal moment.
My journey towards becoming a video game developer is fueled by a deep-seated commitment to diversity and inclusivity in gaming. I want people to feel the way I do when they're able to relate to a character on screen. I want them to have a feeling of bliss, knowing that there are people like them on screen that they can connect with on some personal level. Being able to help be a part of something that could potentially help someone feel seen in media like video games would give me peace of mind, knowing that my work has the power to create a meaningful connection for someone. By dedicating myself to helping attribute more diverse characters in video games, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic gaming community.