Say It Like You Play It Language, character design, and world building
Apr 28, 2025
Dive into the fascinating interplay of language and game design! Discover how accents influence character perception and challenge stereotypes. Explore the cultural nuances in games like Dragon Age and Disco Elysium. The hosts discuss the impact of speech impediments and the importance of authentic representation in gaming narratives. Learn about the balance between historical accuracy and relatability, as well as the complexities of identity in character design. It's a compelling exploration of how language shapes our gaming experiences!
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Language Signals Social Proximity
- Language choices in games signal social proximity and shape how players judge characters beyond content.
- Accents map groups and subgroups, carrying cultural baggage that varies by player background.
Dragon Age's Welsh Elf Example
- Dr. Ibi cites Dragon Age using Welsh for a Dalish elf to mark wild versus cosmopolitan elves.
- The Welsh-accented elf is portrayed as ditzy and country, illustrating accent-based othering.
Accent Meaning Is Audience-Dependent
- Accent associations depend on listener familiarity and cultural background.
- Game designers target an 'ideal' audience when assigning accent meanings, so meanings won't be universal.