Women in Classical Video Games

Women in Classical Video Games is the first book-length work of scholarship to examine the depiction of women in video games set in classical antiquity. It surveys the history of women in these games and the range of figures presented, discussing issues such as historical accuracy, authenticity, gender, sexuality, monstrosity, hegemony, race and ethnicity, and the use of tropes. The case studies presented offer nuanced answers to questions about how and why women are portrayed in the ways they are.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Despite the prevalence of video games set in or inspired by classical antiquity, the medium has to date remained markedly understudied in the disciplines of classics and ancient history, with the role of women in these video games especially neglected. Women in Classical Video Games seeks to address this imbalance as the first book-length work of scholarship to examine the depiction of women in video games set in classical antiquity. The volume surveys the history of women in these games and the range of figures presented from the 1980s to the present, alongside discussion of issues such as historical accuracy, authenticity, gender, sexuality, monstrosity, hegemony, race and ethnicity, and the use of tropes. A wide range of games of different types and modes are discussed, including platformers, strategy games, roguelikes, MOBA, action RPGs, and story-driven romance mobile games. The detailed case studies presented here form a compelling case for the indispensability of the medium to both reception studies and gender studies, and offer nuanced answers to such questions as how and why women are portrayed in the ways that they are.

Introduction:
The gaming industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increasing number of video games being released that are set in or inspired by classical antiquity. These games offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of this period, while also providing players with a fun and engaging experience. However, despite the prevalence of these games, the medium has to date remained markedly understudied in the disciplines of classics and ancient history, with the role of women in these video games especially neglected.

The Role of Women in Classical Video Games:
Women have been portrayed in a variety of ways in video games set in classical antiquity, ranging from minor characters to prominent roles. However, the representation of women in these games has often been limited and stereotypical, with many games featuring female characters who are depicted as damsels in distress or sexual objects. This portrayal is not only harmful to women but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about classical antiquity and its culture.

Women in Classical Video Games:
Women in Classical Video Games seeks to address this imbalance as the first book-length work of scholarship to examine the depiction of women in video games set in classical antiquity. The volume surveys the history of women in these games and the range of figures presented from the 1980s to the present, alongside discussion of issues such as historical accuracy, authenticity, gender, sexuality, monstrosity, hegemony, race and ethnicity, and the use of tropes.

A Wide Range of Games:
A wide range of games of different types and modes are discussed in Women in Classical Video Games. The volume includes detailed case studies of a variety of games, including platformers, strategy games, roguelikes, MOBA, action RPGs, and story-driven romance mobile games. These games offer a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, and the case studies presented here form a compelling case for the indispensability of the medium to both reception studies and gender studies.

Conclusion:
Women in Classical Video Games is a valuable contribution to the field of gaming studies and gender studies. The volume offers a comprehensive examination of the depiction of women in video games set in classical antiquity, and its detailed case studies provide nuanced answers to such questions as how and why women are portrayed in the ways that they are. By highlighting the importance of the representation of women in video games, Women in Classical Video Games helps to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the gaming industry and in society as a whole.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350241916