As part of the EPP project, I reached out to the Association for Neurodiversity in Video Games (ANVG), an organization based in the UK, which focuses on helping gaming companies embrace neurodiversity in video game development and content. In addition, ANVG also actively utilizes video games as a means to engage directly with neurodivergent individuals. Their approach not only aims to transform cultural perceptions on video games but also leverages the unique attributes of video games as therapeutic tools to engage with neurodivergent individuals. This direct application of video games for neurodivergent engagement resonates with the core of my research, exploring the benefits of gaming beyond its entertainment value. Securing an interview with Alex Roland, the founder of ANVG, offered an invaluable opportunity to dive deeper into these practices.
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How a Gaming Experience Sparked the Founding of ANVG
Alex’s experience with a game Red Dead Redemption 2 is what really got him started on this path. The game, celebrated for its vivid portrayal of the American Wild West and the complex narratives surrounding the story and its characters, inadvertently presented a troubling moment for Alex. In a particular mission, he was tasked with recapturing escapees from a traveling circus, one of whom is portrayed with characteristics suggesting neurodivergence. The game’s approach, which forces players to resort to using violence as a means to resolve this encounter, struck Alex as a huge oversight. The default to violence in this context not only reinforces negative stereotypes but also missed an opportunity to foster empathy and understanding among players. It reflects a broader need for developers to engage more thoughtfully with experiences and narratives like this. A more thoughtful approach could have offered players an alternative, non-violent resolution to the encounter, such as through dialogue or peaceful interaction, or even helping the neurodivergent escapee runaway. Many contemporary games already present options for conflict resolution beyond violence, so this is not something new to the industry. To Alex, this is a missed opportunity for promoting understanding and empathy within the gaming experience.
Navigating Challenges and Misconceptions
One of the most enlightening parts of my conversation with Alex was his candid discussion on the significant challenges faced in getting the gaming industry to listen and incorporate feedback related to neurodiversity. Despite the potential of video games to serve as therapeutic tools, a lot of the industry’s approach towards neurodiversity is very tokenistic. Alex outlined how even the simplest tasks of advocating for more inclusive practices can fall on deaf ears.
Uncovering Hidden Skills
I found Alex’s recounting of the surprising skills and competencies that neurodivergent individuals demonstrate in gaming sessions led by support workers quite interesting. It wasn’t just about the gaming prowess they exhibited but the underlying skills like strategic planning, teamwork, and situational analysis that the games brought out of these individuals. The idea that games could be a medium through which neurodivergent individuals not only engage socially but also develop and showcase valuable life skills is a compelling narrative that challenges prevailing stereotypes about gaming. This has shown that video games has the potential of becoming tools for engagement, education, and therapeutic support for neurodivergent individuals.
The Transformative Potential of Gaming
Alex’s vision for video games as vehicles for therapeutic intervention, particularly in mental health, education, and socialization, expanded my views on this topic. This insight into the potential of video games to serve broader societal functions beyond entertainment offers a new dimension to my project. It propels my investigation towards exploring how games can be deliberately designed or selected to support neurodivergent individuals, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic practices and interventions.
Full Meeting Notes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Mx-My1U5ANCdLKva0sFV2bErwLTRMiXbqS2JOK0RagU/edit?usp=sharing