Stanley Woo wrote...
As a lifelong Chinese-Canadian, I'm enthusiastic about shows that feature Asian actors and characters in prominent guest roles and recurring roles and make it a special thing. But do you know what I appreciate even more? When shows do that and it's not treated as a special thing, because that means race, "diversity" and "fairness" aren't seen as requiring attention and we can just live in harmony with each other as people.
Do I care that Dragon Age II probably won't have any Asian-themed characters? heck, no! It's an awesome game by an awesome company set in an awesome world, developed by awesome people.
Am i concerned that I won't be able to feel represented by my PC or the story/setting? Heck no! I am defined by more than just my race. i have my height, my roguish nature, my love of fantasy, wish fulfillment, and lifelong love of sword-and-sorcery. I also have a love of good story and the triumph of good over evil.You know what wouldn't have represented me? Jade Empire with non-Asian themed names. but that's just how far you'd have to get for me to not find something in a game that represents me.
Do I think a game/story/setting is racist for not including Asian characters or themes? Heck no, i would think the opposite. Not everything is about me. sometimes it's about the black guy over there or the Jewish girl over there or, and I know this is a radical concept, the white guys all around me.
I know people feel very strongly about them, but ultimately, It's. A. Game. And games have their own internal consistency and rules. I don't have to like all the rules in order to play the game, and in some games, i can even modify the rules, so I'll accept that. Some folks may wish to die on this particular hill, but there are far bigger and more important ones where I'll hang my hat. but again, that's just my opinion. 
thanks for the great discussion, all.
Stanley, it's thought processes like these that help maintain the status quo in the media. You can say, "it's just a game" then say "it's just a tv show" then say "it's just a movie" and sooner or later, you're really just saying "You know what, I don't care if every single form of media represents an outdated, world view which was born out of and continues to represent the shadows of imperialism. In fact, I'm totally cool with that and will not stand up against it in any way, shape or form". That's pretty weak in my opinion. The same goes for the representation of women in games, where I think Bioware has done a little better.
I'm not asking "why didn't?" I am asking "why couldn't?". Why couldn't there have been at least one positive character with dark skin? What was stopping you? It's fantasy right, so you can make it any way you like. What was the reason for this decision, or was it that simply there was no thought put into breaking the stereotypes which have existed in fantasy since Tolkien's time? The world has changed, its media needs to change with it.
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