Kevin Rebecchi

Rebecchi Kevin, PhD (in Education) is a Research and Teaching fellow in Developmental Psychology in the Development, Individuals, Processes, Handicap, Education Research Unit at the Institute of Psychology, University Lumière Lyon 2 (France), and PhD Candidate in Communication at the Liège Game Lab, University of Liège (Belgium). His interdisciplinary research focuses on neurodiversity (history, conceptions and definitions, overlapping conditions, media representations, social perceptions and education).

Uncovering and End of the World: Neurodiversity in Apocalyptic Video Games

FROG 2024 – Talk

This talk explores how apocalyptic video games can uncover and highlight the unique skills and experiences of autistic individuals. By analyzing various games featuring autistic characters in apocalyptic contexts, we examine how these representations contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity.

The apocalypse, etymologically meaning “revelation,” is a recurring theme in video games, providing a framework to explore extreme scenarios and human capabilities in times of crisis. Traditionally seen as the end of the world or a major catastrophe, the apocalypse also means “uncovering” or “revealing.” This dual meaning shows how video games depict apocalyptic scenarios while revealing the skills and experiences of autistic individuals. Highlighting their unique contributions in apocalyptic worlds offers a new perspective on neurodiversity and challenges the notion that autism is solely a disability, demonstrating that in different contexts, autistic abilities become essential and valuable.

In Watch Dogs 2, Josh Sauchak is an autistic hacktivist fighting against a massive dystopian surveillance system. Overwatch features Symmetra, an autistic hero using a photon projector to protect her allies in a post-crisis future. Borderlands features Patricia Tannis, an autistic scientist surviving and searching for resources in a devastated universe. Mass Effect 2 introduces David Archer, an autistic savant with advanced cognitive abilities crucial for combating extinction threats. The Division 2 presents Birdie, an autistic technical genius helping rebuild society in post-pandemic Washington D.C. Apex Legends features Wattson, an autistic engineer creating defenses and supporting her team in a futuristic universe. Dragon Age: Inquisition presents Cole, a mysterious character with autistic traits navigating a world besieged by demons and conflicts. Clive Barker’s Jericho features Simone Cole, an autistic mathematician using chaos theory to manipulate time and space.

By uncovering the unique skills and experiences of autistic individuals, these apocalyptic video games offer new perspectives on human capabilities in crises and the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Highlighting neurodiversity, these games enrich our understanding of human contributions and resilience in global crises and question the notion of autism as a disability by showing how autistic abilities are indispensable in different contexts.


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