1980s RPGs: Challenging Norms and Identities

This curation explores how 1980s role-playing games became a platform for self-expression and community, challenging societal norms and identities. Readers will discover the historical context of RPGs, the evolving role of gender in gaming, and the cultural implications of game design during this transformative decade.

1. Read
   History of role-playing games · Wikipedia

   Traces the origins of role-playing games by combining historical reenactment, improvisational theatre, and fantasy wargames. The first tabletop role-playing games emerged in the 1970s, paving the way for a new form of interactive storytelling.

2. Read
   

   Women in Video Games: A Critique - JSTOR Daily · JSTOR Daily

   Investigates the role of gender and sexism in gaming, highlighting that adult women make up 36 percent of the gamer population. This challenges the stereotype of gaming as a male-dominated space, revealing a shift in demographics.

3. Watch
   

   Role-playing Games: Crash Course Games #18 · YouTube

   Explains the unique nature of role-playing games as interactive storytelling, where one player acts as the game master while others assume character roles. This format allows for collaborative narratives and diverse expressions of identity.

4. Book
   

   Critical Play: Radical Game Design · Bookshop.org

   Examines how games reflect and shape societal values, particularly in the context of 1980s RPGs. Mary Flanagan discusses the cultural implications of game design and its potential for radical change in how identities are represented.

The selected pieces collectively illustrate the evolution of role-playing games from their historical roots to their impact on gender representation and societal norms. Starting with a comprehensive history, the curation transitions into critical analysis of gender dynamics in gaming, followed by an engaging video on RPG mechanics. The journey culminates in a profound exploration of how these games reflect and shape cultural identities, providing a holistic understanding of their significance in the 1980s.

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