Horizon Forbidden West: Representation Guide

Overview

• Relevant for AQA A-level media studies.
• Set text on the specification.

Gender Representation

Female Characters

• Strong, powerful, lead protagonist.
• Physically, mentally, and emotionally strong.
• Carries multiple weapons (spear, bow, arrow, sling, sets traps).
• Portrayed as hunters: predatory, in charge.
• Challenges conventional representations of women in video games (not sexualized, practical clothing).

Male Characters

• Weaker, often antagonists, or less strong/intelligent.
• Flips gender conventions.

Sexuality Representation

• LGBTQ characters are underrepresented in video games.
• References to LGBTQ characters in dialogue or narrative.
• Normalizes different sexualities.
• Aloy interpreted as asexual; later revealed as a lesbian in DLC "Burning Shores".
• Player choice for Aloy's romantic options.

Gender Identity

• Various characters with different gender identities.
• Mention of characters dressing as a different gender; normalizing gender diversity.

Race and Ethnicity

• Diverse representation (white, black, Asian, mixed backgrounds).
• Reflects a diverse and cosmopolitan future.
• No racism within the game's narrative.
• Tribal segregation reflects societal tensions and discrimination.
• Praise for realistic depictions of racial minorities using new technologies.
• Criticism of "white saviour" narrative.

Disability Representation

• Characters with visual impairments, lost limbs, dementia/Alzheimer's.
• Prosthetic limb representation.
• Normalizing disability.

Machines

• Oppositional to humans: aggressive, antagonistic, powerful.
• Futuristic, animalistic, and dangerous representation.
• Adds drama and conflict to the narrative.

Setting

• Alternative, post-apocalyptic future.
• Fantastical, exotic, and diverse global locations.
• Tropical beaches, white sand, palm trees.

Audience Reactions

• Mixed reactions to diverse representations.
• Complaints about female lead character, ethnic diversity, and LGBTQ representation.
• Accusations of cultural appropriation (e.g., face paint, Native American style clothing).
• Some find it positive and diverse; others see it as tokenism.
• Complaints about Aloy's lack of attractiveness and femininity.

Conclusion

• Guide to representation in Horizon Forbidden West.
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