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Short abstract:

This is a video game demonstration followed by a discussion with the creator, so the form is flexible. It can be included in an exhibition or be an artist talk.

Abstract:

Female pleasure is a subject that’s often overlooked: the gap between male and female sexual satisfaction remains significant in heterosexual relationships, partly due to a lack of knowledge about the clitoris (Andrejek, Fetner, and Heath 2022). We thought it would be an intriguing subject for an “expressive video game” (Genvo, 2012, p. 128). Expressive games usually highlight problematic life experiences without necessarily aiming to provide a concrete solution (Genvo 2012). More broadly, expressive games are inspired by the personal experiences of their designers. Furthermore, expressive games align with feminist epistemologies, emphasizing the importance of situated knowledge. This encourages the expression of diverse viewpoints to construct new understandings of the world (Anderson 2014), crossing traditional knowledge barriers. The goal of our game is to emphasize the significance of the clitoris, demystify it, and firmly link it with pleasure (no pornography).It’s crucial to stress that the process of creating the work itself serves to break down barriers. The game is a research-creation, meaning that both the process and the product are documented and analyzed, similarly to Latour’s endeavour in his book Aramis or the Love of Technology (1996). As a researcher and creator, I (the game director) chose to realize the game with students, both in their coursework and through research internships, and with the assistance of industry professionals. This creates a network of various actors with very different interests. The showcase of the game prototype is a great way to spark numerous intriguing discussions regarding women's experiences and tacit knowledge.