It’s no surprise that geeks, nerds, and gamers have a pipeline that leads them to the far right. I want to know if the reverse is true because I’m an angry gamer who ended up here on the left.

  • Odinkirk
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    4 months ago

    I’d say it depends on the environment. TTRPG tends to attract analytical types and when there’s actual roleplay, is effectively an exercise in taking on the perspective of others. As well, classical RPG fare tends to come down hard on people who act in an oppressive way.

    There are many video games that are exercises in empathy (That software company), looking at the bigger picture, and sorting through noise to figure out what’s going on (Torment, Disco Elysium). Additionally, mega corporations are so vilified as to be useable as comedy (Portal). Additionally, there are games which paint the government as morally gray (Control, and yes I know but still).

    Then, of course, there’s Fallout.

    Games like this are useful because they are narrative simulations; they let you try out different ideas by playing them out. As long as there is some critical thinking and/or media literacy skills present, engaging with these will challenge right wing thinking on different levels.