Girls and Assassin's Creed

This research evaluates the impact of gender representation in video games through a feminist interaction design lens, specifically examining user satisfaction within the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The study investigates whether the ability to relate to a playable character’s gender and ethnicity influences gameplay experience, fulfillment, and identity. By comparing Assassin’s Creed Unity, which features a male protagonist, with Assassin’s Creed Liberation, which features a female lead, the analysis seeks to determine if inclusive character design correlates with higher user engagement.

The methodology utilized a small sample of six participants, aged 20 to 28, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Taiwan. Participants completed the Harvard Implicit Association Test to identify pre-existing gender biases before playing both games for 30 minutes each. User experience was measured using the Gaming Engagement Questionnaire (GEQ), which assesses components such as competence, immersion, flow, and affect, supplemented by qualitative "talk-through" sessions.

Findings indicate that Liberation garnered higher scores in competence, empathy, and positive experience, while Unity performed better in metrics related to flow and challenge. Although the small sample size renders the results inconclusive, the data suggests that players appreciate the ability to relate to their in-game avatars and narratives. The study concludes that applying a feminist framework to interaction design is essential for identifying the unintended consequences of character tropes and promoting more inclusive development practices. By moving beyond the identification of sexism, the research advocates for new, user-centered design approaches that prioritize equity and representation to better serve the diverse demographic of modern gamers.