Gaining Advantage 031: Improving Racial Representation in TTRPGs with Aaron Trammell

Gaining Advantage

00:00 / 1:00:01

This month, we open discussing the new canon autistic character being introduced in D&D, and how meaningful representation is for traditionally marginalized groups. https://www.polygon.com/23850698/dnd-dungeons-dragons-autistic-character-asteria

Then Dale talks with Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine, about improving representation for people of color in tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

Key topics covered:

How fantasy RPGs have historically lacked racial diversity and inclusion
Racial stereotypes associated with classic fantasy races like orcs
Colonialist attitudes reflected in fantasy language use
Steps publishers and designers can take to improve racial representation in RPG products
Making your gaming table welcoming for new and diverse players
Aaron provides insight into issues around race in RPGs, and offers suggestions for how the hobby can become more inclusive. This is an important discussion about seeing diversity reflected in the games we play.

0:00 Introduction: Asteria, the first canon autistic D&D character
6:10 Interview: Aaron Trammell, Associate Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine
54:21 Patreon Showcase & closing

Manually captioned. Transcript available at our website.