*** Aussies and Kiwis in Video Games ***

[Spoonius]

I was playing ME2 today, and I heard Miranda say something in the middle of combat. I don't remember what it was because it wasn't important, but her accent got me thinking... how often are the nations of Australia and New Zealand represented in games?

I don't mean characters with accents (Halo, ME2, Republic Commando, etc), or just the brief incorporation of landmarks like the Sydney Opera House into a racetrack or level, but the actual mention and/or portrayal of our respective cultures, military forces, etc?

I'm really interested to hear about any examples you guys can provide, as I think this is an interesting topic. I for one can't wait until we see our fight against the Japanese portrayed in a game.

 

[delet]

Was there ever a crocodile hunter game? I can't really think of anything..

 

[RatRace123]

The only example I can think of is Miranda from ME2. And that's only because Yvonne Strahovski is australian, so that may be the only case ever of an australian person actually playing someone with an australian accent. And like Furburt said, careful of the term "Japs" might want to change it.

 

[HSIAMetalKing]

I was playing ME2 today, and I heard Miranda say something in the middle of combat. I don't remember what it was because it wasn't important, but her accent got me thinking... how often are the nations of Australia and New Zealand represented in games?

Good question... the only game that comes to mind for me is Kiwi Kraze for the NES (which Wikipedia tells me is named "The New Zealand Story" outside of America). That one has you wandering around New Zealand as a little kiwi bird rescuing your little animal friends... I've always assumed that's about what New Zealand is like.

 

[chozo_hybrid]

Not much, sadly. Also, I'd be careful saying 'Japs'. It is a racist term.

Really? I've never heard that one, not that I say it so no harm done.

I don't think I've ever seen a Kiwi in a game at all, I'm sure I would notice because being a Kiwi myself the character would be the only one without an accent. (because I can't hear ours ^^

 

[_Serendipity_]

At least you don't have the English-and-therefore-evil syndrome.

The thing is, countries other than America & Japan (& Eastern-European nations, mainly Russia, but we never see those games) are rarely represented in games, not out of racism or prejudice, but simply because it makes no marketing sense. Would you rather appeal to the tens of millions of people, or the hundreds of millions of people?

Japan gets it's own special inclusion because the Japanese game industry is fairly self-orientated due to the widespread appeal of gaming over there.

 

[Spoonius]

Ok, ok, I've changed the 'racist' bit. Though I can't believe some Japanese people would actually find that offensive... what the fuck has the world come to?...

 

[Woodsey]

Ok, ok, I've changed the 'racist' bit. Though I can't believe some Japanese people would actually find that offensive... what the fuck has the world come to?...

It was used as a racial slur during WW2.

And wouldn't you expect someone from Pakistan to be offended when you call them a Paki? Same thing.

 

[Spoonius]

No... I've never really thought of it as any different to "Aussie", "Kiwi", "Yank", "Brit", or whatever... my bad I guess.

 

[Dyp100]

It's the same for...Everyone accent that isn't American, Russian, or a couple of Asian ones, I really doubt Americans want to learn about cultures that isn't there, or at least the large majority.

 

[The Unskilled78]

I've never really understood why people want to see themeselves reflected in the hero. Is it just Narcissism?

 

[L4Y Duke]

*ahem*

 

[Sky Captanio]

Not much, sadly. Also, I'd be careful saying 'Japs'. It is a racist term.

Overall, Aussies and NZers suffer the same problem as Irish people in games, if they are included, they're stereotyped beyond belief and nearly never played by a person of that nationality.

I even sent an e-mail to the Saboteur design team saying I'd have done their voice acting for the Irish guy free!

Just so it wouldn't rape my poor ears with the perversion of the Irish accent.

Yeah the only place I've heard a realistic Irish accent was Atlas in Bioshock.

OT:Yeah it's the same with the Irish. It's because it's easier for American game designers to make American characters.

 

[Sky Captanio]

Yeah the only place I've heard a realistic Irish accent was Atlas in Bioshock.

Even that isn't great. It's more of an Old-time Dublin accent, as opposed to one anyone in the real world would have.

Meh, I know a few people who sound a bit like him.