ABSTRACT

​

This master's thesis aims at studying the representation of non-normative protagonists in coming-of-age narratives in independent exploration games. To support my thesis, I will analyze Sable (2012), SEASON: A Letter to the Future (2023), and A Short Hike (2019) as all three games offer a wide range of approaches non-normative protagonists and narratives. I will evoke other video games in order to offer comparative commentaries to further my analysis. The first chapter will focus on the renegotiation of identities entering adulthood through the examination of the representation of gender and race. My study will move to the exploration of non-human protagonists whose identities are culturally subversive thanks to their alternative ways at expressing their humanity. In the second chapter, I will concentrate on the deconstruction of hegemonic modes of engagement with virtual worlds. Firstly, I will analyze the treatment of non-playable characters and how allowing them agency can enhance the player’s self-reflecting journey. I will then highlight the benefits of contemplative and non-goal-oriented gameplay to encourage introspection through the quiet traversal of the virtual environment. Last but not least, I will discuss new ways of approaching exploratory gameplay that do not support imperialist, colonialist, and capitalist modes of engagement with the environment.

​

KEYWORDS

Coming-of-age, exploration, nonnormativity, inclusiveness, protagonism, videogame studies

​