Unveiling the Layers: Kendal Jordan's Journey in Video Game Research

In this compelling narrative, we follow Kendal Jordan, a senior at the University of Rochester, who has dedicated her academic career to exploring the intersection of video games and societal issues. From her freshman year, Jordan immersed herself in research projects that delved into various dimensions of gaming culture, particularly focusing on psychological impacts and representation. Her work culminated in significant contributions to understanding the portrayal of Black characters in video games and the broader implications for diversity in digital media. Through conferences, symposiums, and ongoing research, Jordan's journey reflects both personal growth and academic rigor, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary studies in addressing complex social challenges.

A Deep Dive into Kendal Jordan's Research

In the vibrant halls of the University of Rochester, Kendal Jordan embarked on a transformative academic journey that began with an introductory writing class during her first semester. Initially feeling disconnected from the subject matter, she found her footing when encouraged by Professor Kristana Textor to connect her interests in psychology with video games. This pivotal moment led Jordan to explore the psychological effects of first-person shooter games, presenting her findings at UR’s annual Breaking Boundaries conference.

As Jordan progressed through her undergraduate years, her research evolved to address deeper societal issues. Inspired by Princeton professor Ruha Benjamin's concept of "Jim Code," Jordan critically analyzed the representation of Black characters in video games. Her project, titled "Unveiling the Pixels: A Critical Analysis of Black Representation in Video Games," uncovered troubling patterns where Black characters were often portrayed as stereotypes or used as plot devices for white protagonists. To quantify these observations, Jordan developed a metric that assessed intellectual depth, cultural identity, and narrative impact.

Jordan's dedication was recognized when she received the Dean’s Award for Oral Presentation at UR’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Despite facing isolation at international conferences like Replaying Japan, where she was one of few Black attendees, Jordan remained committed to her mission. Currently, she continues her research at the Strong National Museum of Play, examining marginalized identities in video games, while also contributing to neuroscience studies on virtual reality.

Reflecting on her experiences, Jordan acknowledges the emotional toll of her research, particularly when examining systemic issues within gaming culture. Yet, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge, driven by a desire to effect meaningful change in how marginalized communities are represented in digital spaces.

From a reader's perspective, Kendal Jordan's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing societal challenges. Her work not only sheds light on underrepresented narratives but also underscores the need for inclusive practices in all forms of media. As we move forward, it is essential to support researchers like Jordan who challenge the status quo and pave the way for more diverse and equitable representations in video games and beyond.