🌈 How wokism finds its way into board games. Let’s discuss the impact of the woke movement on our sets!
Welcome to the woke (playful) revolution
To follow up on the article which talked about the (failed) attempt to make the famous board game Puerto Rico more… inclusive, the editorial staff decided to return to the subject and take an interest in the phenomenon, in the woke movement. And what is its impact on board games in general. Whether you are a supporter or detractor of Wokism, the question and discussion may be of interest to you.
Let’s dive together into a subject where social justice, inclusion and equality mix with the fun world of board games. The term “woke” was initially coined to describe a heightened sensitivity to social and political justice, but it has recently been used controversially to criticize a whole section of progressive thought. Today, let’s explore how this mentality seeps into the board game industry and how it influences the creation, marketing, and reception of board games.
What is Wokism?
Wokism, born from the Black Lives Matter movement, is a state of mind that advocates equality, social justice and inclusion. It is based on the idea that we are all responsible for the state of the world and that we must act to make it better. Proponents of Wokism seek to promote human (and women’s!) rights, support marginalized groups, and push for political and economic change.
But how does all this translate into… the playful world? How do board games tackle these sensitive topics and, more importantly, should they?
The cultural impact on playful mentalities
Board games are no longer just hobbies for nostalgic/geek kids or adults. With the evolution of culture, they are now considered a form of artistic expression capable of addressing complex subjects like racism, sexism and social discrimination.
Authors are increasingly integrating these themes into their mechanics, their stories and their illustrations. You may have noticed this while playing games like Fog of Lovea game that explores the complexity of human relationships with a diversity of genders and sexual orientations.
Marketing, social media and the growing popularity of video games have also helped shape this perception. Publishers who produce games focused on wokism benefit from broader platforms to promote their products to a diverse and engaged audience.
Can board games be woke?
So, can board games be woke? Yes, and they already are. Here are some notable examples, organized by theme:
Inclusion and diversity :
- Wingspan (2020): Created by Elizabeth Hargrave, this game celebrates the diversity of birds and the beauty of nature. Although the theme seems far from politics, Hargrave sought to challenge male dominance in the gaming world by creating a popular game for all genders. Her presence as a game author shakes up the very (too?) masculine gaming environment.
- Fog of Love (2017): This game allows players to create characters of any gender or sexual orientation, normalizing romantic diversity.
Social justice and anti-colonialism :
- Spirit Island (2017): Here, you play as a protective spirit of the island against colonial invaders. Anti-colonialism is at the heart of its mechanics, reversing the traditional colonial narrative of games.
- Rising Waters (2024): This game in development, based on the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, highlights racial inequities in disaster relief policies.
- This War of Mine (2017): Puts you in the shoes of civilians trying to survive in a city at war, highlighting the human impact of conflict. A game that develops empathy.
Wokism and cancel culture
But integrating these themes is not without controversy. “Cancel culture” is sometimes used to discredit these movements, accusing them of being too sensitive or trying to erase history. For example, Scramble for Africa (2019), a game about African exploration by European powers, was removed from sale after massive criticism accusing it of downplaying colonial atrocities.
Joe Chacon, its author, responded to criticism by withdrawing the game two months after its launch. But the move drew mixed reactions, with some welcoming it and others calling it censorship.
Wokism Awakening in…1962 😂
Who makes the games and for whom?
Another crucial question is that of representation in the games industry. Who makes games and for whom? Board games have long been dominated by white male authors, but things are starting to change. Designers like Elizabeth Hargrave (Wingspan) or Nikki Valens (Mansions of Madness, Legacy of Dragonholt) bring new perspectives.
Publishers also play their role in this development. Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of Magic: The Gathering And Dungeons & Dragons, has taken steps to improve diversity and inclusion. They removed certain cards with racist connotations and revised the racist representations in Dungeons & Dragons. The new rules encourage flexibility and inclusiveness in character creation.
The challenges of wokism in board games
However, not everything is rosy in the woke world of gaming. The integration of progressive themes can sometimes feel superficial or forced, and some games fail to address these topics with the necessary depth.
Let’s take Skymines, For example. This game replaces the controversial colonial theme of Mombasa with a science fiction theme about lunar mining. But despite these efforts, the lack of thematic engagement leaves some players wanting more. The game mechanics remain solid, but the absence of a meaningful concept or theme limits the impact of the game.
Wokism in board games also raises questions about who should play problematic characters. Should we play Nazis, slavers or racists? World War II games often allow you to play as Nazis, while Scramble for Africa proposed to play the colonial powers. Some players see this as a form of historical learning, while others see it as a trivialization of the horrors of the past.
The future of woke board games
So, what does the future hold for woke board games? The signals are positive. Publishers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion, and gamers are demanding more representative themes and more nuanced stories.
- Increased inclusion : Publishers are committed to including characters and creators from marginalized groups.
- Innovative mechanics : Games will continue to explore new mechanics to reflect values like empathy, collaboration, and inclusion.
- Education and awareness : Woke games can serve as educational platforms, opening discussions about social justice, racism and sexism.
- Diversity in creation : Encouraging authors from marginalized groups to enter the games industry is essential to bringing new perspectives.
Conclusion: Towards a fairer playful world
Ultimately, the question is not whether board games can be woke, but how to do it in an authentic and engaging way. Board games are a mirror of our society, and their ability to reflect our values and struggles is essential to creating a more inclusive and empathetic world. So, dear players, grab your dice, your cards and your boards, and get ready to explore new playful horizons where social justice and fun go hand in hand.
And publishing this article today is not exactly a coincidence. Today, Friday May 17, is the World Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, celebrated every May 17. As part of this day, the subject of woke, inclusion and the intersection between social movements and board games takes on a particularly poignant dimension. This day, which marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s decision to no longer consider homosexuality as a mental illness, reminds us how play spaces must be havens of representation and inclusion.
Board games, as reflections of our culture and vectors of values, have the potential not only to entertain but also to educate and raise awareness. Like what we saw above with games like Fog of Lovewhich embraces diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities, it is crucial that game authors continue to draw inspiration from meaningful days like May 17 to explore and celebrate humanity in all its diversity.
This global day is a powerful reminder that efforts to combat homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are not limited to traditional protests and awareness campaigns, but can also be integrated into the most everyday aspects of our lives. lives, including in… board games. By integrating themes of social justice and equality into games, authors and publishers can actively participate in spreading messages of tolerance and acceptance.
The future of woke board games looks bright, as more and more players in the industry recognize the importance of these themes. Celebrating this World Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in the context of board games can help broaden perspectives and encourage deeper empathy, while providing enriching and inclusive gaming experiences. Through these efforts, the gaming world does not just entertain; it educates, it opens dialogues and, above all, it contributes to building a fairer and more inclusive world. For coughs.
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