Digital Games and the Category of Auteur An Intersectional Approach

Digital games often result from collaborative efforts, yet poststructuralist theories tend to dismantle the concept of the auteur, potentially overlooking valuable aspects. This analysis suggests reframing the auteur concept to support non-Western and non-heteronormative women developers. Traditionally seen as favoring Western, white, heterosexual males, the auteur idea could instead highlight the contributions of diverse creators and teams.By exploring the works of creators like Muriel Tramis, Elizabeth LaPense, Christine Love, and Meg Jayanth, this research highlights the advantages of recognizing these women as auteurs. Employing an intersectional approach, the study contends that the auteur concept is key in safeguarding the roles and rights of women and sexual minorities in the gaming industry. These developers act as representatives for their communities, irrespective of their specific roles within projects. The research suggests that merging the study of digital games with auteur theory could be advantageous for marginalized groups. It aims to enrich discussions about authorship in digital media, promote diversity in game design, and explore the fusion of identity and creative expression within the gaming sphere.