You may have encountered the “Karen” phenomenon. This is an internet-based term for a middle-aged white woman who acts entitled and rude, often expecting special treatment that she doesn’t deserve.
Karens have become especially vocal since 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic and protests for racial justice gained momentum. Karens often engage in problematic behaviors such as raising complaints to retail or restaurant employees or having public tantrums over even minor inconveniences.
Gameplay
A game’s gameplay is defined as how players engage with it. This includes following the rules of the game, achieving objectives, mastering those tasks, and how the environment affects gameplay experience.
Video game gameplay typically involves running around a world, fighting other characters, and exploring environments. Other forms of gameplay may include boardgames, roleplaying games (RPGs), and simulation titles.
Some video games feature Karens in the gameplay. This can take the form of a story line or joke that involves the character. Alternatively, video game cutsscenes or flashbacks may feature Karen references.
For example, Karen plays an integral role in the PlayStation game Angry Birds. She serves as an ally to Keita by convincing him of her interest in him and they begin dating.
Similarly, in the light novel of the same name, Karen and her boyfriend Keita are caught up in a love triangle. Although Karen often misunderstands things and makes mistakes, they still manage to fall in love despite this obstacle.
Some critics have voiced opposition to the term “Karen” being used in video game context, contending it is misogynistic and sexist. On the other hand, some support its use as fun satire and an opportunity to show empathy towards those who have been oppressed by society.
Karens have their own subreddit, where fans discuss her rings, good looks and potential appearances in future Smash Bros. and Mario Kart games.
Karen’s success has made her a beacon of hope for gamers, many of whom are shy to socialize. Redditors praised Karen’s dedication to Nintendo as an effective way of uniting both old and new Nintendo fans.
Characters
Karen is a beloved student at her school, boasting the reputation as being the most beautiful girl there. Not only that, but Karen also displays excellent manners, intelligence and athletic prowess – qualities which make her stand out among classmates.
She stands at average height with green eyes and long blonde hair, wearing the same school uniform as her classmates. A member of Otobuki High School’s Game Club, she has served as its President for some time now.
One day, she meets Keita Amano while shopping in an arcade and invites him to her game club. They become fast friends and enjoy playing various games together.
After some time has passed, she decides to invite him to her Gamers’ Meet Up Club where they have a friendly discussion about the games they both enjoy playing. Unfortunately, their conversations become awkward due to some misunderstands between them.
At this point, she becomes increasingly jealous of Chiaki and Tasuku as they develop a closer bond. Additionally, she begins to suspect that Tasuku may be cheating on her with Chiaki, further fueling her fears.
Once she learns of Keita’s feelings for Chiaki, Misumi encourages her to talk again but she remains too shy and ultimately decides against doing so.
She continues to think about Keita, and she soon discovers he cares more about winning than having fun in games. This begins to shape her perspective; even if it means she has trouble enjoying herself, Keita becomes her obsession.
As a result, she starts having bad days at school and her ability to beat video games begins to suffer. Her friends also notice this trend, so she is forced to stop going out with them and focus on studying instead.
She eventually begins playing video games again, encouraged by her friends. Though her skills are still not up to par yet, Keita becomes increasingly supportive of her and encourages her to keep playing more games – something which she takes as a sign that his words hold true. As a result, she starts enjoying gaming more frequently now.
References
Karen: An Outrage Simulator immerses players in the life of an annoying white middle-aged woman whose name has become an Internet meme. To win in this game, players must master Karen’s tactics for controlling employees in order to obtain what she desires – whether that be a one-day expired coupon or an extended spa trip for bride-to-be.
This game’s brief runtime, six locations and humorous dialogue choices make it a quick and humorous experience that can be completed within minutes. Although its gameplay is straightforward, the attention to detail that goes into every aspect of the experience makes all the difference in an enjoyable gaming experience.
In the game, Karen pursues Keita throughout the arcade and attempts to talk with him; however, he quickly denies her every request. When she attempts to invite him to her club, he rejects again leaving Karen confused and irrationally agitated until she realizes he’s referring to Misumi who is watching them instead. Ultimately, however, Karen manages to regain her composure when she realizes what he means by this:
At first, Karen believes this to be because of her crush on Keita; however, her friends soon learn of her obsession and encourage her to let go and accept those who are rejected despite her feelings of rejection. But Karen remains stubborn, growing even more jealous as Keita and Chiaki begin forming an affectionate bond.
Ultimately, the game culminates with her and Keita rekindling their relationship. Years later, they are proud parents to a child together.
Some have questioned the origins of the term “Karen,” but according to Alicia Sanchez Gill who has researched it, it has been around since 2015 and became popularized on Black Twitter during the 2010s. It was later linked to Dane Cook’s 2005 skit “The Friend Nobody Likes.”
Advocates of the term contend it’s often misused in a misogynistic or class prejudiced context. Gwen Snyder, for instance, notes how “white boys” have coopted it to disparage women online; she compares it to an insult directed against working-class women in Britain during the 1980s.
Morality
Karens in video games often display moral dilemmas that range from questionable to downright immoral. This theme has been extensively studied by scholars within the genre.
Games often pose moral questions by asking a player to make an informed decision. These choices can range in complexity from straightforward to complex, depending on how the player feels about the situation.
Players have the option of throwing a ball at the couple who wants to stone them or opting out altogether. While this decision has no real impact on the plotline, it does give players an empowering feeling by giving them agency over what happens next.
Players have the option of stealthily robbing or attacking a store; the former usually leads to success while attacking will not. Such moral decisions are featured in games such as Deus Ex, Thief, and Dishonored.
Other ways that games present moral dilemmas. These options tend to be more intricate, requiring players to reflect on their decisions for extended periods of time.
Some games successfully instill moral principles through basic systems or correct application of rules. Examples include the FTL series of games and Brenda Romero’s Train.
Others require players to make ethical decisions by providing them with circumstances to work with and letting them find solutions on their own. Games such as Assassin’s Creed and BioShock employ this strategy.
Though this approach can be challenging and even dangerous, it has also been proven to be an effective means of posing moral questions without forcing players into making a hasty judgment. It allows the person to weigh their desire for good character against their own fallibility and need for closure.
In games about racial profiling, players may need to decide whether they should use their own race or culture in order to help save a black character from a white villain. It also comes into play when discussing sexual harassment issues – players must decide whether they will utilize their own gender or remain neutral.
