Gaming Xiuhpohualli: A (Chicano) Theory of Game Design

Abstract

Game design has been a field largely dominated by white, male voices, to the exclusion of others. The lack of diversity among game developers results in a lack of diversity in the games themselves. This article presents one way forward, merging indigenous thought from the Nahua of Mexico and the Chicano movement with game design principles. Further, it presents a series of exercises to challenge the way designers think about games.