Animal presence in gaming

This article delves into a critical examination of prevalent animal representation tropes within video games. It begins by introducing readers to a comprehensive list of distinct established functional categories, outlining the roles animals typically assume in virtual worlds. It scrutinises the repercussions of the frequently encountered simplistic portrayals of animals within each category and explores avenues for deviating from these conventions. Among the proposed alternatives, the article distinguishes careful character design of companions and playable animal characters, the development of games tailored for animals as target users, and games that facilitate interaction between human and nonhuman players. All these approaches are supported by examples drawn from various titles and experimental projects, serving to demonstrate their potential. The article highlights trends in gaming that parallel the critiques of contemporary sociopolitical systems that are often articulated by Animal Studies scholars. It suggests that these may contribute to further derealisation of the animal Other. Consequently, the article advocates for the exploration of ways in which game design and play practices can serve as platforms for commenting on and dismantling speciesist biases.