The Gabriel Knight series (like many other Sierra series) contains material which some have found controversial, and it has had its own share of controversies over the years.
This page discusses a number of the controversial aspects of the series as defined by reviewers and players over the years. Note: the 'controversies' are just opinions by different individuals, commentators and writers (some maybe interpretation or biased projection, and therefore the accuracy of opinions cannot be vouched for).
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the cited authors, writers, commentators and other individuals, and do not reflect the official policies or positions of this wiki.
Background
Released in the '80s and '90s, Sierra Games have been accused of controversial subject matter over the years. The social sensibilities and political correctness of the 2010s and '20s are radically different from those when the games were released; in hindsight, players and critics reinterpreted some elements found in the games as including racist, sexist, or other subject matter by modern standards.
This page includes links to blogs, articles, forum posts, where people have accused or complained that a series had some controversial material in their mind (however legitimate or nitpicking). As well as anecdotes from Sierra's own days.
Racism, Stereotypes, & Cultural Appropriation
- The villains of Gabriel Knight 1 are predominately black or mixed heritage. Many of their sacrificial victims are white, or in case of Grace, Japanese (asians often of accused of being part of 'model minority myth' and taking part in the 'white privilige'[1].). Their power extends into practically everything. Several of the characters might be seen as stereotyped depictions of black characters, and culturally appropriated and exaggerated voodoo culture in general. The spirit of Witch has a long hatred of white people.
- https://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/562666-gabriel-knight-sins-of-the-fathers/61962646
- https://www.gog.com/forum/gabriel_knight_series/gk1_ending_a_bit_offensive_spoilers
- https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/17670
Sexist, Misogyny, Homophobia, Transphobia, etc
- https://steamcommunity.com/app/262000/discussions/0/619568794071517764/?
- http://www.technologytell.com/apple/141348/revisit-gabriel-knight-may-want-well/
- https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/10/15/wot-i-think-gabriel-knight-20th-anniversary/
- [3][4]
- http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/10/24/gabriel-knight-sins-of-the-fathers-20th-anniversary-edition
- http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Gabriel+Knight%3A+Sins+of+the+Fathers/review.asp?c=66640
See also
- Women by Women: A Gender Analysis of Sierra Titles by Women Designers in Feminism at Play
- Controvesies in King's Quest
- Controversies in Space Quest
- Controversies in Police Quest
- Controversies in Quest For Glory
- Controversies in Conquests series
- Controversies in Leisure Suit Larry
- Controversies in Laura Bow
- Controversies in Phantasmagoria series
- Controversies in Freddy Pharkas
References
- ↑ https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3089169/black-lives-matter-movement-reveals-divides-among-asian-american
- ↑ https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643
- ↑ https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/JaneJensen/20140414/215473/WRITING_HOT_MEN_FOR_GAMES_Yes_please.php
- ↑ https://forum.guysfromandromeda.com/topic/758-political-correctness-and-feminism/page/2/