Video games have a strong impact on players and allow them to feel accomplished and rewarded. These things teach an array of lessons and skills to the users. When the players feel left out though or not represented in character choices or customization it hinders that experience. Some games are so narrow in the choices that it seems like the majority is underrepresented. In something as little as hair color choices or body size can have a big impact one the player feeling included. I myself have played games in the past where I was restricted in my player design and had to compromise on many aspects that make me feel like me. When you include more options and representation it not only better represents a broader amount of the population but it actually makes the game itself better. People tend to like more customization and features so it seems like a win win situation for both developers and players.

Video games are an important and influential aspect of many younger people and adults lives. They allow the user to feel many different emotions and learn important skills. Users want to feel that they can resonate with the characters they are playing, as well as the NPCs (Non Play Characters) in the game. It is important that video games have diversity and many options so everyone can feel included and represented. For the longest time video games main protagonist and villains have been majority straight white male. That was fine and got the job done in terms of storyline and gameplay, but having a more diverse and inclusive cast not only gives the game more uniqueness but allows everyone to feel represented. I myself play video games a lot and have been since I was 3 years old. I have noticed myself a dramatic shift in the amount of diversity. The newer games coming out are doing a lot more work in diversity among character rosters and expanding on the current levels of player customization. For example in the new battle Royale game Apex Legends Out of the 8 player characters to choose from there is only one straight white male. Multiple characters are of various ethnicities and even gender identities. I think including themes like this is a good idea especially in multiplayer based games because it docent really affect the story and allows for creative character design and a broad representation of users different backgrounds.