Inclusivity should play a secondary role in the development of video games and their characters. Identification should be created by empathy, not through representation. Immersion is created by authenticity not through quotas.

Inclusivity is essential, but it's often misunderstood. Some might reduce it to surface-level traits like a character's appearance, but true inclusivity runs deeper. It’s about creating authentic, multidimensional characters that challenge stereotypes and resonate with players. If you’re receiving backlash, there’s a reason. Listen to your audience. Understand their concerns and be open to redesigning and iterating. In my approach, character design always ties closely to narrative. Every detail matters: If you're designing a blacksmith, their hands shouldn’t look soft and slender—they should reflect their craft. Thoughtful design helps convey a character's story and identity, contributing to a richer, more inclusive game world.

The greatest power in a game or an anime is that the characters can be created to fit the storyline. ## Real life examples ## 1. For example Luffy from one piece is created by oda sensei to look comical which goes with the character vibe while frankly looks like a cyborg. 2. For instance lloyd forger from spyxfamily gives a detective vibe then ryuk from death note feels how a real shinigami can be suiting the character give it a face. 3. Think of BBT's sheldon character played by the rock. won't work . Its important to understand what game needs and make the character accordingly Do not try to mould your game around inclusivity.

Instead of trying to create an inclusive game make sure you're inclusive in your team that work the game. This makes sure you have many unique perspectives in collaboration and the decision making process.

Ensuring inclusivity in character design requires thoughtful planning and a commitment to representing diverse perspectives authentically. The approach should focus on empathy, research, and adaptability: • Conduct comprehensive research: Study the cultural, historical, and social contexts of the characters to portray them accurately and respectfully. • Incorporate diverse design influences: Include varied artistic and cultural inspirations to reflect a broad spectrum of identities and backgrounds. • Foster internal collaboration: Involve team members from different backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and identify potential biases early. Creating inclusive designs builds player connection and enriches the game world meaningfully.

Being true to characters in your world makes more sense than shoving inclusivity. Be considerate from day 1. Also, more importantly, don't sell it to be more than what it is.

Inclusivity doesn't make or break a character design, stop focusing on injecting ideology where people don't want it, just focus on making good characters. Characters that are relatable, or at least non-one-dimensional, and serve more purpose than checking off a tickbox for trying to include every skin color or sexual preference. It's low-key racist and needs to stop. And on that note, sexual preference doesn't need to be championed everywhere, only where appropriate to do so. It doesn't matter if your character is gay, unless it actually pertains to the plot. DEI is killing good writing and design, please stop it.

It's "your character designs" - who cares what other people think! You can't please everyone and there is no point trying to. Focus on the gameplay that is what real gamers care about!