Part 4/11:
The core dispute revolves around whether games should be political or apolitical. Proponents of inclusivity argue that representation matters and that games reflecting diverse identities—be they racial, gender, or sexual—are vital to creating a more welcoming space for marginalized groups. On the other hand, many gamers and industry observers feel that politics, when integrated heavily into game design or marketing, can polarize players and dampen the escapism that makes tabletop gaming appealing.