Designing Character Customization Tools for Gender Inclusivity

At the recent Devcom event, freelance narrative designer Arden Osthof presented a talk titled 'Playing with gender: A design framework for character customisation,' focusing on strategies for game developers to enhance their character creation tools and make them more inclusive of diverse gender identities. Osthof, who has worked on several notable projects including the Anno series and Tom Clancy's The Division 2, emphasized the importance of considering gender inclusivity in game design. They highlighted common issues with traditional character customization systems, where players are often limited to binary gender choices that can be restrictive and exclusionary. Osthof suggested alternative approaches, such as allowing players to select their pronouns or using ambiguous protagonists that remove gender signifiers. They also discussed the value of providing players with more freedom to express themselves through character customization, citing examples like MidBoss' 2064: Read Only Memories, which offers a range of pronoun options, and BancyCo's Alone with You, where the protagonist's appearance is left intentionally vague. To help developers create more inclusive character customization systems, Osthof posed a series of questions to consider, including whether gender is relevant to the game's theme, how it impacts gameplay, and how to provide players with more nuanced and detailed customization options. They also emphasized the importance of avoiding unintentional introduction of gendered language and ensuring that localization is carefully considered. Osthof presented several potential solutions for creating more inclusive character customization systems, including using blend shapes, offering archetypes, or allowing players to create their own silhouettes. They encouraged developers to think creatively about how to provide players with more options for self-expression, such as through fashion and accessories, and to consider how to create meaningful interactions between players and non-player characters (NPCs). Ultimately, Osthof's talk provided valuable guidance and inspiration for game developers seeking to create more inclusive and engaging character customization experiences.