Locus (Jul 2023)
A legend of decolonial critique in play: A horror RPG in speculative worlds
Abstract
How can scholars approach The Secret World Legends (2017), an obscure game rooted in colonialism, as a source of critique that inspires decolonial futures in media broadly? By applying critical frameworks towards the horror genre and RPG format the game inhabits, this essay continues the work of naming and challenging oppressive systems and narratives embedded in video games and their network. At the same time this essay works to produce subversive readings where both player subjectivity and the game challenges colonialism and imagine decolonial futures through its play. This essay conclude that the combined efforts of play and critique, playing against colonial games, and playing games that deliberately center marginalized experiences, voices and communities, work towards just futures in media that players and researchers must be attentive of.
