Whether you’re an avid gamer or just an occasional player, you can’t deny the allure of a virtual world. For a few hours, you can turn off your brain, and be transported to a new world; either becoming someone entirely new, or a leveled-up version of yourself—with the ability to wear cool outfits, kick butt, and defeat bad guys, of course. “There is a tremendous effect of being able to see yourself represented in media you enjoy,” says Sarah Robinson, the associate art director for the asymmetrical horror game Dead by Daylight. “It can also be an easy way to experiment with styles that you’re not necessarily comfortable doing in your day to day life.”
These days, some of the most popular video games on the market are doubling down on this concept of playing dress-up, investing in customizable outfits or skins that make their players feel instantly connected to their playable characters. Cultural couture, in particular, is trending: Games are now filled with traditional or historic cultural designs that reflect a wide variety of backgrounds and regions, allowing players to outfit their virtual characters with a sense of unique pride and celebration.
Earlier this week, Dead by Daylight—a game that revolves around four survivors who must escape a match against one blood-thirsty killer— introduced its very first Indigenous character, named Shane Wiigwaas. It’s a notable launch: very few Indigenous game characters exist in the world currently, and better yet, players will be able to outfit the character with his Anishinaabe nation’s traditional powwow regalia. This includes striking pieces such as a beaded vest, floral-embroidered breechcloth, feathered headpiece, and buckskin moccasins.
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