Once there was a time in game development where characters were added to a game not because they checked a box on the diversity mafia’s list of inclusion, but because they were fantastic characters. Each one added in some small or large part to the overall experience and to this day, retain a timeless status within the wider geek culture. Years from now, people will still pick up their games birthing new fans. While current “diverse cast” games will be forgotten within a year of release, say nothing of half a decade later.
Paradox Interactive once made a very niche but ultimately enjoyable games for those willing to stomach their excessive DLC practices. Now they’re more interested in censoring words they deem political in Crusader Kings 3 while taking the 3-4% of the population that is homosexual and pedophiles and making them a significant portion of the experience.
Now, their upcoming criminal empire building simulator, Empire of Sin, has released a trailer dedicated to how they are putting for “powerful female characters” and have a strong focus on “a diverse cast.”
For the bulk of the trailer, the focus centers on how exciting their ancestor Elvira Duarte was. Detailing how she ran a slew of brothels before selling them and getting out of the business to live a comfortable life with her husband and family. Both of which the developers insult by removing their family name from the game. An offense the real-life Elvira would likely have chastised them for doing as it is a great insult to her husband, children, and extended family.
At the conclusion of the video, the lead game designer makes it known that her focus was on the inclusion of a diverse cast of characters. Not that she wants a cast of exciting remember-able characters that will enrich the experience. No, that’s not important; what is important is they are diverse.
On the one hand, the trailer is very disrespectful to their familiar history. A history they are attempting to exploit for political gain inside the progressive community. On the other, it is painfully cringy. Showcasing a boring overpowered character while making a poor attempt at humor. Wishing they could mind control people to do the dishes against their will. If you don’t want to clean the dishes, use the dishwasher. It is 2020, they’ve been a common household appliance since the 70s. That “joke” is neither funny nor timely.