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Lesson: Game Changers: Exploring Black History and Representation in Gaming

Hometriangle separatorEducatorstriangle separatorGet in the Gametriangle separatorLesson: Game Changers: Exploring Black History and Representation in Gaming

Objective

  1. Students will understand the contributions of Black people in the history of gaming.
  2. Students will develop an understanding of the evolution of video games and their impact on society.
  3. Students will be able to identify and analyze the representation of Black people in video games.
  4. Students will be able to reflect on how their own gaming experiences have been influenced by race and ethnicity.

Brochure Description

In this lesson, students will learn about the significant contributions of Black people in the gaming industry and analyze the representation of Black characters in video games. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of video games and their impact on society, as well as reflect on their own gaming experiences and how they relate to issues of race and ethnicity. This lesson is aligned with Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and can be easily adapted to fit into social studies, media literacy, or technology education curricula.

“I can” statements

  • I can describe the significant contributions of Black people to the gaming industry.
  • I can analyze the representation of Black characters in video games and evaluate how well they reflect the diversity of the real world.
  • I can identify and discuss the impact of video games on society and how they shape our perceptions of race and ethnicity.

Grade Level: 6 (2 days)

Common Core Standards

ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2: Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

DEIA Standards

Equity

This lesson plan emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusion in the gaming industry. By examining the representation of Black characters in video games and evaluating how well they reflect the diversity of the real world, students are learning about equity and how it relates to the gaming industry.

Diversity

This lesson plan encourages students to think critically about the representation of different cultures and perspectives in video games. By exploring the contributions of Black people to the gaming industry and reflecting on their own gaming experiences, students are learning about diversity and how it relates to the gaming industry.

Inclusion

This lesson plan emphasizes the importance of creating a more inclusive gaming industry. By examining the representation of Black characters in video games and evaluating how well they reflect the diversity of the real world, students are learning about inclusion and how it relates to the gaming industry.

Accessibility

This lesson plan provides an opportunity for students to think about how video games can be made more accessible to everyone. By discussing the impact of video games on society and reflecting on their own gaming experiences, students are learning about accessibility and how it relates to the gaming industry.

Materials

  • Computers or tablets with internet access
  • Video games that feature Black characters, such as NBA 2K, Watch Dogs 2, and Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry
  • Worksheets and handouts (see below)

Lesson Hook

Begin with a brief discussion of some popular video games that feature Black characters and ask students if they have played any of these games.

Procedure

Introduction (15 minutes)

Begin by discussing the history of video games and their evolution. Ask students if they have any experience with video games and what their favorite games are. Then, introduce the topic of Black History and Gaming and explain that they will be exploring the contributions of Black people in the gaming industry.

Activity 1: Researching Black Game Developers (30 minutes)

Have students use their computers or tablets to research Black game developers who have made significant contributions to the gaming industry. Some examples of Black game developers include Jacqueline Beauchamp, cofounder of Nerjyzed Entertainment and Engaged Media, developers of Black College Football: BCFX: The Xperience; Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, the engineer who led the team that released the Fairchild Channel F, the first cartridge-based home video game console; and Muriel Tramis, designer of the Méwilo and Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness video games.Students can use the handout provided to guide their research and take notes on their findings.

Activity 2: Analyzing the Representation of Black People in Video Games (30 minutes)

Provide students with a selection of video games that feature Black characters, such as NBA 2K, Watch Dogs 2, and Assassin’s Creed: Freedom Cry. Have them play the games in small groups and then discuss the representation of Black characters in the game. Ask questions such as: How are Black characters portrayed? Do they play a significant role in the game? How do they interact with other characters in the game?

Activity 3: Reflecting on Personal Experiences (30 minutes)

Have students reflect on their own gaming experiences and how race and ethnicity have influenced their interactions with video games. Distribute a worksheet that prompts students to consider questions such as: Have you ever felt excluded from a game because of your race or ethnicity? Have you ever seen a video game that accurately represents your culture or background? What changes would you like to see in the video game industry to make it more inclusive?

Extension Activity: Designing Inclusive Video Games (60 minutes)

To extend the lesson and encourage students to think about how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive gaming industry, have them work in small groups to design their own video games that feature diverse characters and perspectives. Provide them with a template for their game design and have them consider questions such as:

  1. What is the theme of your game, and how does it incorporate diverse perspectives and cultures?
  2. How will your game represent characters from different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds?
  3. How will your game address issues of equity and accessibility?
  4. What kind of gameplay mechanics will your game have, and how will they encourage diversity and inclusivity?
  5. How will you market your game to appeal to a diverse audience?

After they have designed their games, have students present their ideas to the class and discuss how they incorporated ideas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into their game design. This extension activity not only reinforces the key concepts of the lesson plan but also encourages students to think critically and creatively about how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive gaming industry.

Conclusion

Wrap up the lesson by having a class discussion about the impact of Black people on the gaming industry and the importance of representation in video games. Ask students to share their reflections on their personal experiences with video games and how they can help create a more inclusive gaming environment.