Gaming Research into Queer Representation Propels Student to Major Conference
A master’s student in the College of Education recently found a unique way to examine queer representation in the AAA videogame Assassin’s Creed.
For her work, Jess Williams, who is pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Open Option with a focus on games and culture, is now among a small group of students who will present her research at a major conference.
“I am absolutely ecstatic to be going to my first conference and honored that I was accepted,” Williams said. “The project assesses queer representation in the Assassin’s Creed series and each game’s historical antecedents to explore the traditional marginalization of queer-identifying folks in the context of the ‘Great Awokening,’ which is a journalistic term for the growing societal acceptance of marginalized groups.”
Williams submitted her project to the American Educational Research Association (AERA), which is a national research society. The association is known for encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education. The organization holds a prestigious education conference every year in the spring to which Williams received an invitation to attend in April 2024.
Dr. Taylor Kessner, an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, oversaw Williams’ research was elated for her achievement.
“AERA receives over 10,000 proposal submissions each year, each of which is peer reviewed by at least three experts in the field,” Kessner said. “Getting a first-authored paper accepted as a master's student is a huge accomplishment.”
Through her research, Williams wants to hold video game creators accountable.
“We see how our culture has helped shape a AAA game franchise,” stated Williams. “We then ponder the question for future research: is over/under representation harmful by erasing our past, or does it help progress activism?”
After she graduates in May 2024, Williams wants to continue her work in The Basement, the UTA Libraries’ new gaming space.
“I will continue to research and provide research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students interested in game design and/or games and culture,” said Williams.
