Video games have become a popular form of entertainment, allowing players to immerse themselves in virtual worlds and take on various roles and identities. One gamer, Kenneth Shepard, shared his experience of consistently creating characters that resemble himself in different video games, sparking a discussion on personal identity and representation in gaming.

Personal Reflections in Character Creation

Shepard, a writer at Kotaku, revealed that his custom characters in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, Street Fighter 6, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 often mirror his own appearance. Despite the vast array of options available for character customization, Shepard finds himself gravitating towards creating avatars that resemble him.

He acknowledged that his tendency to create characters in his likeness may seem repetitive to some, with friends and colleagues teasing him about the recurring presence of bald, bearded, gay avatars on Kotaku’s front page. However, Shepard delved into the reasons behind his preference for self-representation in gaming.

Exploring Identity and Values

For Shepard, playing video games serves as a platform to explore his own identity, values, and decision-making processes. By embodying characters that reflect himself, he gains a deeper understanding of his own traits and choices within the virtual environments of these games. Shepard views diverging paths and choices as opportunities for self-discovery after the initial playthrough, making the personal connection to his characters a significant aspect of his gaming experience.

While Shepard’s ability to create characters resembling himself comes easily due to his physical attributes as a white man with a bald head and beard, he acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals of color in finding accurate representation in character creators. The limited options for skin tones and hair textures in some games highlight the importance of inclusive character customization features to ensure diverse players can see themselves reflected in their virtual counterparts.

Embracing Individuality in Gaming

Despite the potential for endless possibilities in character creation, Shepard’s choice to consistently depict himself in video games showcases his desire to engage authentically with the gaming experience. By prioritizing personal exploration and self-expression through his avatars, Shepard emphasizes the significance of individual identity in shaping the gaming narrative.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, discussions around representation, diversity, and inclusivity in character design remain pertinent. Shepard’s story offers a glimpse into the nuanced relationship between players and their digital personas, highlighting the multifaceted nature of personal expression within the virtual realms of gaming.