Diversity of Game Characters in Japan

A Content Analysis of Popular Digital Games

Abstract

The popular digital games were selected by a survey conducted to young game players (from age 16 to 24 years olds), and we analyzed the diversity of game characters by using a content analysis. The results show that players can choose gender of main characters in 15 games but can choose sexual minority in only one game. Whereas the psychological and behavioral features of major female and male characters were similar, female characters were younger, more white, and more Japanese than male characters. Females were also slenderer and exposed more skin than males.