Asteria and Neurodiversity in Role-Playing Games: Inclusion or Tokenism? Examining Community Conflicts Over Autism Representation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33063/ijrp.vi19.1246Abstract
Abstract: The introduction of Asteria, an explicitly autistic character in Dungeons & Dragons, has ignited widespread discussions about representation, authenticity, and corporate motivations in tabletop role-playing games. This study examines the polarized reception of Asteria within online gaming communities, analyzing debates over whether her inclusion fosters meaningful representation or constitutes tokenism and virtue signaling. Using Natural Language Processing techniques, sentiment analysis, and thematic classification, this research explores how players perceive autistic representation in fantasy settings and whether Asteria’s explicit labeling enhances or constrains creative freedom. The findings reveal a spectrum of reactions, from strong support for representation to concerns over commercial exploitation and the risk of reducing autism to a narrative device.
Moreover, the study considers broader implications for the depiction of alterity in speculative fiction, particularly in worlds where magic and supernatural elements may problematize or reshape understanding of neurodiversity. By situating Asteria within ongoing debates about inclusivity in gaming culture, this research contributes to discussions on the evolving role of representation in interactive storytelling. The study ultimately highlights the complexities of integrating neurodiversity into fantasy narratives while balancing corporate, community, and creative interests.
Keywords: neurodiversity, representation, role-playing games, inclusion, tokenism, Dungeons & Dragons, virtue signalling, autism
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