Video games have transcended their function as mere entertainment. As the industry grows, so does its power to address social problems and foster meaningful debates. Video games have particularly demonstrated their influence in two key areas: social inequality and activism. Through thoughtful design, the games most often address economic, racial and gender inequalities, inviting players to reflect on these issues and, in many cases, to take action. In addition, the concept of “gamification” is being used in activism to inspire social movements in the real world, connecting people in innovative and participatory ways.
How games address social inequality
1. Making economic inequality visible
Economic inequality is a global problem, and some video games delve into the struggles associated with it, offering players a way to understand the dynamics of wealth disparity. Games such as “Papers, Please” and “Cart Life” explore the harsh realities of financial precariousness by putting players in the shoes of the financially disadvantaged.
In “Papers, Please”, players take on the role of a border immigration agent in a fictional dystopia. The game forces players to make difficult moral choices, often between personal survival and empathy for refugees. In doing so, it draws attention to the broader problem of economic and social inequality and the difficulties faced by those living under authoritarian regimes. The game subtly invites reflection on how financial pressures influence ethical decisions.
“Cart Life”, on the other hand, focuses on the difficulties of small entrepreneurs trying to make ends meet. The game shows the delicate balance between work and personal life, an everyday reality for those facing financial problems. Both titles foster empathy by offering an immersive experience that humanises the challenges of economic inequality, helping to raise awareness of these issues among a wider audience.
2. Racial inequality and representation in games
Racial inequality is another social issue that video games are increasingly addressing. In recent years, diverse character representation has become increasingly important for both developers and players. However, the real challenge lies not only in including characters from different backgrounds, but in authentically portraying their experiences and struggles.
Games such as “Life is Strange 2” and “The Last of Us Part II” have pioneered complex and nuanced representations of race and identity. “Life is Strange 2” follows two Latino brothers on the run from the police after a tragic accident, facing issues such as racial discrimination, immigration and the difficulties of being a minority in the United States. The narrative invites players to reflect on these experiences, encouraging empathy for marginalised communities.
Beyond the characters and their stories, racial and social inequality is also addressed in the way game studios recruit talent and give voice to diverse perspectives. Creating inclusive environments within development teams is a key element in ensuring authentic representation and addressing racial inequality at a structural level.
3. Gender inequality and representation
Gender inequality has been a recurring problem in video games, both in character representation and in the gaming community. Historically, female characters have been marginalised or hypersexualised, but today we are seeing a shift towards more inclusive and realistic representations.
Games like “Horizon Zero Dawn” and “Celeste” feature strong and complex female protagonists who break away from traditional gender roles. Aloy from “Horizon Zero Dawn” is an independent and competent character whose journey focuses on personal growth rather than relationships or female stereotypes. In “Celeste”, Madeline’s story addresses her personal struggles with anxiety and self-discovery, offering a deeply human narrative that avoids gender clichés.
In addition, titles such as “The Sims” and “Tell Me Why” allow players to explore gender identity by including non-binary or gender-diverse characters. These games help normalise conversations about gender identity and provide a space where players can see themselves represented in the digital world. The growing number of inclusive and nuanced characters fuels the debate on gender equality and encourages developers to reconsider how they address these issues in their games.
Gamification of activism: how games drive social movements in the real world
The convergence between video games and activism has gained momentum thanks to the concept of “gamification”, which applies elements of game design to non-game contexts to encourage participation, engagement and problem solving. In activism, gamification has become a powerful tool to educate, raise awareness and motivate people to take action.
1. Activism through serious games
So-called “serious games” are designed to address social and political issues, functioning as educational and activist platforms. Titles such as “Peacemaker” and “Darfur is Dying” demonstrate how gamification can inspire players to act in the real world by raising awareness and fostering empathy.
In Peacemaker, players are tasked with navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, trying to find a peaceful solution. The game challenges players to understand both perspectives, promoting a deeper understanding of political and social inequality. By dealing with such a sensitive issue in an interactive way, players may be motivated to investigate further or engage in activist actions outside the game.
Similarly, “Darfur is Dying” seeks to raise awareness of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan by putting players in the shoes of a refugee who must navigate dangerous environments in search of water and resources while dodging militias. The aim of the game is to evoke empathy and highlight the plight of refugees, motivating players to support humanitarian efforts in the real world.
2. Crowdsourcing solutions through gamification
Gamification is also used to find solutions to global challenges. One prominent example is “Foldit”, a game that turns players into “citizen scientists” by challenging them to fold proteins in ways that could contribute to scientific breakthroughs. By harnessing players’ problem-solving skills, “Foldit” has contributed to real scientific discoveries, including the design of plastic-degrading enzymes.
This crowdsourcing approach can be extended to activism. For example, “Play to Cure: Genes in Space” has gamified the analysis of genetic data, allowing players to help detect cancer-related patterns while playing, thus contributing to scientific research. Gamification in activism not only raises awareness, but also empowers people to actively participate in causes, combining entertainment with real-world impact.
3. Fundraising and advocacy games
Gamer communities have shown enormous potential to raise funds and advocate for social causes. Charity streams, where players raise money for non-profit organisations, have become increasingly popular on platforms such as Twitch. Events such as Games Done Quick have raised millions of dollars for charities such as Doctors Without Borders and the Cancer Prevention Foundation. These events use gamification to incentivise donations, often by offering special in-game achievements or challenges to motivate players and spectators to participate.
In addition, video games themselves have been effective tools to drive promotional campaigns. A notable example is “Minecraft”, which was used by the United Nations through its “Block by Block” initiative to engage young people on global issues such as climate change. In this project, players design real-world community spaces within the game, showing how gamification can be a driver of civic engagement and a way to empower communities to act on significant problems, such as social inequality.
Conclusion
Video games are no longer limited to escapism but have become powerful tools for addressing social inequality and promoting activism. From highlighting economic, racial and gender disparities to using gamification to drive social movements in the real world, games offer a unique platform to engage people on critical issues. As developers expand what video games can do, their ability to inspire important social change continues to grow. In a world where digital media is increasingly influential, the role of games in addressing social issues and sparking activism is more important than ever.