The Impact of 2023's Top Games on Cultures Set to Thrive in 2024

From the moment I first laid eyes on Thirsty Suitors, I knew I would love it. The moment that really sealed the deal for me was when Jala, the protagonist, summoned her mother in battle. Early in the game, you encounter Sergio, Jala's ex from third grade, who has been working hard to ingratiate himself into her family and life. As you battle in a diner, Sergio becomes invulnerable to your "thirsty" skills, cornering Jala. With no other options, she conjures her mother, who appears and slams Sergio with a chappal, leaving him emotionally scarred and vulnerable enough to be defeated.

In Venba, a different genre of game, there are moments that cut even deeper. As Venba prepares traditional Tamil meals, she struggles to connect with her son, Kavin, in a different culture. As Kavin grows up, he begins to challenge her and grow distant, especially when he goes off to college. When he returns home, Kavin struggles to follow a recipe that Venba made for him as a child, deepening the distance between them. It's a heartbreaking sequence that leads to a hopeful ending, as Kavin begins his journey towards reconciliation.

The most acclaimed games of the year may not be the ones you've seen everywhere. While those blockbuster titles are impressive in their own right, games like Thirsty Suitors and Venba are breaking down cultural barriers in gaming. As someone who is not Tamil, Indian, or South Asian, I find these games to be standouts for their unique and innovative approaches. Thirsty Suitors, for instance, turns traditional combat into a form of psychological warfare, delving into immigrant experiences and vulnerabilities. Similarly, Venba uses a cooking game to communicate its message, highlighting the significance of food in both games. These titles are not just entertaining, but also carry an important message of representation and inclusion. They assert, "We belong here and we're here to stay."

Jala and Kavin, along with the supporting characters in both games, represent a refreshing change from the typical protagonists in gaming. Seeing people of color as central characters is important for representation and gives a sense of validation and inclusivity. These games provide a window into worlds that have been previously overlooked and are crucial for a more open-minded and interconnected gaming culture. The absence of diverse perspectives in gaming has contributed to a feeling of exclusivity and has perpetuated toxic attitudes. Embracing a wider range of experiences would benefit the integrity of gaming culture.

Venba and Thirsty Suitors offer a humanizing portrayal of people who are often misrepresented or ignored. The relatable storylines and themes, such as generational conflicts and the complexities of cultural identity, transcend typical storytelling and offer a more nuanced and genuine representation of real-life experiences. These games shed light on the struggles and tensions faced by marginalized individuals, both big and small, and give a voice to those who have been misunderstood and overlooked.

While I have been focused on these two titles, they are not the only ones making an impact. Another exceptional title that comes to mind is "El Paso, Elsewhere" from Strange Scaffold, which draws inspiration from classic Max Payne and delves into the inner world of its protagonist, James Savage, a Black man voiced by the game's director Xalavier Nelson Jr. Its hip-hop concept album soundtrack is a unique addition to the gaming world, and I am grateful for its contribution to Black culture in this space.

2023 has been a groundbreaking year, and I hope that 2024 will continue this trend. I must admit my bias, but it has been incredible to connect with these games on a level that resonates with my cultural identity. I long for a game that represents my Dominican heritage, perhaps even canonizing aspects of Dominican life. While I am unsure of when that will happen, I am working on my own game development aspirations to bring this vision to life. There is something in the works that comes close to fulfilling this desire.

Despelote, a game centered on Ecuador's journey in the 2002 World Cup and its impact on the people of Quito, is an upcoming title that stands out for its unique energy and perspective. Its vintage presentation, humble premise, and specific setting work together to create a truly singular gaming experience. While big blockbusters have their place, smaller titles like Despelote tell stories that are often overlooked or dismissed by other games. These stories are important and deserve to be told.

This year's top games may have paved the way, but it's up to us to keep pushing forward and removing any barriers in our path. We cannot afford to let progress slip away. For now, let's celebrate these titles not just for being great games, but for bringing much-needed perspective to the gaming community.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the gaming industry embracing diversity and inclusivity. Games like Thirsty Suitors and Venba are breaking down cultural barriers and challenging traditional narratives. These games offer a refreshing change from the typical protagonists in gaming, and it's important for representation and gives a sense of validation and inclusivity. Seeing people of color as central characters is crucial for a more open-minded and interconnected gaming culture.

The absence of diverse perspectives in gaming has contributed to a feeling of exclusivity and has perpetuated toxic attitudes. Embracing a wider range of experiences would benefit the integrity of gaming culture. Venba and Thirsty Suitors offer a humanizing portrayal of people who are often misrepresented or ignored. The relatable storylines and themes, such as generational conflicts and the complexities of cultural identity, transcend typical storytelling and offer a more nuanced and genuine representation of real-life experiences. These games shed light on the struggles and tensions faced by marginalized individuals, both big and small, and give a voice to those who have been misunderstood and overlooked.