ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on cultural bias and the presentation of culture and ethnicity in videogames’ portrayal of the past. It places these presentations in the context of what scholars have argued about representing these aspects of the past generally. This chapter begins by focusing on the “cultural turn” in historical scholarship. It discusses critiques of “orientalism” and “othering” and contrasts them with the competing argument that the world is experiencing a “clash of civilizations.” The chapter then analyzes the extent to which videogames stereotype societies and cultural traits, and the ways in which they recognize the role of cultural bias and racism in the past. Finally, this chapter examines videogames’ treatment of religion, providing examples of approaches that have angered adherents, attempted to sidestep its central role, or enabled players to design their own. While this chapter notes game designers’ missteps regarding cultural and religious issues, it also credits many series with fixing earlier problems.
