Current Events > 74% of Women feel underrepresented in Video Games XD

(+) Yeah! (+)

Full_Pokedex posted...

Fat Princess made a lot of money.

Not a great choice if your intent was to present a positive image of plus sized women in games.

Supaitwo posted...

the playable characters are a brother and sister iirc.

They're a Bonnie & Clyde type couple.

ANort175 posted...

As soon as I saw Metroid on the list I just assumed it was a joke post, since Samus could just as easily be a man and literally nothing about the franchise would change at all.

Welcome to most AAA games with blank slate heroes with no personality?

BurmesePenguin posted...

Even without the weight angle, I dunno what point TC thinks he's making by listing like 15 video game titles with prominent female characters,

deoxxys posted...

I could go on but....

....but whats the point in that? Asides from filling up a page with dozens of titles.

Thought of two more when I got back, Redfall and Forspoken. A lot of recent modern games have had a a female lead, and thats not even counting games where you chose between a male/female lead. Acting like theres still some sort of shortage of them is laughable.

Lil_Bit83 posted...

That never trimmed down Mario, just sayin.

He's cartoony enough it doesnt really matter.

Full_Pokedex posted...

Fat Princess made a lot of money.

That was actually a pretty fun game

Full_Pokedex posted...

Fat Princess made a lot of money.

With these types, anything less than a fat #girlboss doesn't kount. A fat joke character moves the needle in the opposite direction.

008Zulu posted...

How realistically would a plus sized woman work in an action game? A life dedicated running around and climbing makes for great cardio and strength training, plus sized wouldn't be plus sized after a while.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/7/3/5/AAYofGAAEfxv.jpg
This is Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in the history of gridiron football, who has played consistently for over 20 straight seasons. Not every physically demanding activity is going to demand a shredded body with no fat. In fact, in some cases, it's desireable to have some fat because you can take hits with a few centimeters of shielding that you wouldn't have if you had no fat. Shredded bodies are only demanded by sports like gymnastics, where having a few pounds less can make the difference between being able to land and not land a triple backflip. The idea that shredded bodies are required for peak performance or supremely desireable is an extremely recent invention.

deoxxys posted...

Wait so they are saying 74% of women are overweight? Lol whut Dove? Why is a soap company making this promotion anyway? Ah yes the athletic obese action heroes, makes perfect sense. They'd be winded and doubled over after running up a hill.

You have a point, but the most iconic video game character of them all looks like this:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/7/3/6/AAdlC_AAEfxw.png

L-Block is the most iconic video game character and he's pretty slim

Garioshi posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/7/3/5/AAYofGAAEfxv.jpg
This is Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in the history of gridiron football, who has played consistently for over 20 straight seasons. Not every physically demanding activity is going to demand a shredded body with no fat. In fact, in some cases, it's desireable to have some fat because you can take hits with a few centimeters of shielding that you wouldn't have if you had no fat. Shredded bodies are only demanded by sports like gymnastics, where having a few pounds less can make the difference between being able to land and not land a triple backflip. The idea that shredded bodies are required for peak performance or supremely desireable is an extremely recent invention.

I think the point is moreso that if you're running, jumping, climbing and fighting all day, you're not gonna be overweight.

itachi15243 posted...

I think the point is moreso that if you're running, jumping, climbing and fighting all day, you're not gonna be overweight.

You can still be if you eat a lot of unhealthy high calorie foods. Dieting makes up the majority of weight loss, exercising not as much.

Women in general are underrepresented

And they'd be even more so if AAA publishers had their way

FortuneCookie posted...

You have a point, but the most iconic video game character of them all looks like this:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/7/3/6/AAdlC_AAEfxw.png

What a male power fantasy.

YellowSUV posted...

What a male power fantasy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47y6WMx8uik

Im still iffy on this entire subject. I do understand the idea of women wanting to feel more represented. And by all means I support it. I kinda dislike the criticism and feeling that people are being pushed in this direction. Like, I dont think DoA games should feel like they need to desexualize, when thats their whole appeal. Now, they did backtrack on that a bit iirc.

I dont think its a bad thing that sex sells. People like attractive leads. Sometimes it feels arbitrary what people are allowed to find attractive. Lady D was fine to openly thirst over, but then some anime games just get insulted over it. Truth be told, this is often an online thing, in both directions. It might not really be a big deal, but the discussion online about all these kind of things can feel frustrating to read. Cause I dont disagree on the end of not needing to sexualize, but I do disagree with ideas of having to desex games. Whenever I see this type of thing brought up, I get the sense its practically impossible to have any sort of actual discussion.

Edit: I guess part of the reason is also that people think this isnt a real issue, so attempts at discussing are just dismissed before it begins, unless youre actively being hostile.

Speaking of Dead or Alive, the only 2 people I know that have played Dead or Alive games are women. Probably just a weird coincidence, but I find that very funny.

[LFAQs-redacted-quote]

Certainly, there are plenty of women who do enjoy sexualization, I was trying to be careful about not implying that most or all women liked it, cause some people do that in these types of threads, as a way to sort of act dismissive. Doves commercial I felt was implying sexualization in general was an issue, so I think I was half addressing that bit. But my post was always darting back and forth, so I might have ending up conflating that stuff with the culture in general.

I get theres often a disconnect between the two sides, where there can often be common ground, but kneejerk reactions might make it so its never found. I think most people would be perfectly happy to have well written female characters. The way Ive seen it, there are those who believe a character being sexualized, and being well-written are mutually exclusive. And then theres push back and demonization from the side that people are arguing against. But chances are, most people believe that both can exist, but theyve already made up their mind in what they think the other person thinks, because of previous experiences from people with extreme views.

Of course, I do think pure fanservice games have their place, that dont care about characterization at all. I think if the market wants games like those, they shouldnt be necessarily vilified, as some are wont to do.

Here's the thing sexualization itself isn't the issue, it's the sexualization of women specifically while not sexualizing men at the same time. No one would care if male and female characters were equally sexualized all the time, but that's not not how it is. Ideally you want to have equal sexualization or no sexualization.

I still don't want fat people maining games though. Again, don't normalize fatness. We're already fat enough.

VFalcone posted...

Ideally you want to have equal sexualization or no sexualization

In this regard, I disagree. Or rather, I dont disagree with the concept as a whole, but I think its fine to appeal to one demographic over another, when it comes to sexualization. But I imagine there would be (or maybe already has been), pushback when male sexualization is the focal point, because sexualizing women is the norm.

PerseusRad posted...

In this regard, I disagree. Or rather, I dont disagree with the concept as a whole, but I think its fine to appeal to one demographic over another, when it comes to sexualization. But I imagine there would be (or maybe already has been), pushback when male sexualization is the focal point, because sexualizing women is the norm.

As long as you sexualize only one demographic, you leave out the other. If women are sexualized but the men aren't, we get more of the same issue. If men are sexualized but women aren't, you now alienate the male players who don't like it.

Sexualize both equally, and both parties are equally happy. No one can complain.

ANort175 posted...

As soon as I saw Metroid on the list I just assumed it was a joke post, since Samus could just as easily be a man and literally nothing about the franchise would change at all.

Isn't that a good thing?

VFalcone posted...

As long as you sexualize only one demographic, you leave out the other. If women are sexualized but the men aren't, we get more of the same issue. If men are sexualized but women aren't, you now alienate the male players who don't like it.

Sexualize both equally, and both parties are equally happy. No one can complain.

I mean, I just don't consider sexualization aimed at one demographic to be a problem. If there's a problem, it's that it is biased towards sexualizing women. By all means, they should make more games that sexualize just men. This isn't me saying it's a bad thing to balance sexualization in some games, but I don't think it needs to be done.

Representation, huh?

Here's a question. What happens if there actually are more efforts to represent less popular women, but then there are still tons of other different people who feel underrepresented anyways? People from much lesser known races, people with very specific disabilities, sexual orientation, appearances much different from others, etc?

Just like how there are many women in video games, yet this many still don't feel represented.
"She has to be large". "She has to have something that I have that other people don't have". Whatever.

Are we going to say that it's unacceptable that they still didn't get theirs yet, and that we still have a lot of work to do? At that point should we simply accept the inevitable, and leave it up to some people to just cope?

Garioshi posted...

This is Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in the history of gridiron football, who has played consistently for over 20 straight seasons. Not every physically demanding activity is going to demand a shredded body with no fat. In fact, in some cases, it's desireable to have some fat because you can take hits with a few centimeters of shielding that you wouldn't have if you had no fat. Shredded bodies are only demanded by sports like gymnastics, where having a few pounds less can make the difference between being able to land and not land a triple backflip. The idea that shredded bodies are required for peak performance or supremely desireable is an extremely recent invention.

Tom is literally noted for being unathletic

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-most-unathletic-quarterback-game-hall-famer-says

Last year he Rushed for the -1 yard. So while he is a great QB. He it not because of his athleticism. When it comes to running jumping ect. Also he isn't not as fat as the women in the video .

No one wants to play as a female with a fupa.

Also most people like to play as a more ideal/attractive person, just like how commercials were better when it was mostly fit & skinny people.
Now we have to see so many disgusting ads like the one gatorade one.

I'm balding, but sure as hell don't get upset if I have to play as say Nathan Drake in the Uncharted, and would rather play as someone with a full head of hair.

DystopiaMan posted...

Now we have to see so many disgusting ads like the one gatorade one.

That Gatorade one is not about representation, it is about the media's push to keep black people unhealthy. All the people in that add were fit but the black women. The same thing with the promotion of Lizzo. People are saying it is okay to be big or you should not make fun of big people. They are saying this is healthy. This mindset is killing people .

cjsdowg posted...

That Gatorade one is not about representation, it is about the media's push to keep black people unhealthy. All the people in that add were fit but the black women. The same thing with the promotion of Lizzo. People are saying it is okay to be big or you should not make fun of big people. They are saying this is healthy. This mindset is killing people .

Yep, that is a big problem, that's what makes the Gatorade ad crazy.

DystopiaMan posted...

Yep, that is a big problem, that's what makes the Gatorade ad crazy.

Like I feel like it is a crazy conspiracy, but honestly the effort that is put in to pushing this image and saying it safe is so dangerous. It is honestly why I didn't care when I started getting fat. I was like oh I can still run a 10 K like it's nothing this and that. And now I am taking all these pills to stay alive. I no I didn't to myself. But that messages impact you.

cjsdowg posted...

Like I feel like it is a crazy conspiracy, but honestly the effort that is put in to pushing this image and saying it safe is so dangerous. It is honestly why I didn't care when I started getting fat. I was like oh I can still run a 10 K like it's nothing this and that. And now I am taking all these pills to stay alive. I no I didn't to myself. But that messages impact you.

I just lost 40 pounds and everything feels better.

Prestoff posted...

You can still be if you eat a lot of unhealthy high calorie foods. Dieting makes up the majority of weight loss, exercising not as much.

If you're raiding tombs, hanging off mountains, or parkouring over rooftops, your breakfast isn't going to be gummie bears and oreos.

Fat princess?

Dakimakura posted...

Average Gamer has zero representation in games but deludes themselves into thinking the unrealistically built male character is their representation.

Hence why I agree with TC on at least one point - that I don't care about "being represented." I'll play a fun game regardless of the protagonist's gender/sex.

That said, I can only speak for myself.

DystopiaMan posted...

I just lost 40 pounds and everything feels better.

I think they were referring to the super skinny image pushed by the fashion and men's health industries.

If you have a visible six pack it's not just because you're in great shape - it's because your body fat is dangerously low.

Why do fat people need representation? Its not a healthy lifestyle

008Zulu posted...

If you're raiding tombs, hanging off mountains, or parkouring over rooftops, your breakfast isn't going to be gummie bears and oreos.

This doesn't sound much different than what Mario does.

There should be more representation, but the creators likely need to go through hoops to get something like that approved. Instead of obese characters, we can start more with average body types first.

I feel like women are underrepresented, sure. But its not because of weight. Thats a pretty dumb and offensive implication.

Theres a reason whenever I get a character creator, I make the character black. I just never get the opportunity otherwise. CJ was great, but I am having trouble thinking of playable black characters that arent gang/army dudes.

If youre a woman of color, you have even less representation on screen. And its easy for a white dude (who I presume TC is) to claim representation doesnt matter.

But it would be nice to see more of you in games beyond one narrow role.

ANort175 posted...

As soon as I saw Metroid on the list I just assumed it was a joke post, since Samus could just as easily be a man and literally nothing about the franchise would change at all.

Isnt that a sign that Nintendo is doing it right? Samus is treated as being every bit as capable as a man, while (mostly) keeping the sexualization to a minimal.

Shoulda played Forspoken laaaaaddiiieeeeessss

It's very CE to watch users getting triggered at bigger body types being in games these days

"It's promoting an unhealthy lifestyle" yeah just like playing GTA promotes stealing cars and robbing banks lol no y'all are just delusional as fuck. A lil representation ain't the end of the world, get over it

Jesus christ. What an awful video.

Doe posted...

had to check if im on PS5 board

yeah this is a NGG ass topic

lol @ tc

Respect women and all, but how much more representation do they need? Video game studios have been tripping over each other to feature "stronk unsexualized women" characters for the past 8 years.

The_Popo posted...

Isnt that a sign that Nintendo is doing it right? Samus is treated as being every bit as capable as a man, while (mostly) keeping the sexualization to a minimal.

This implies that there's little more to being a woman than being a sexual being.

For example, the one time Nintendo of Japan decided to make a more deep examination of her character, they dropped the ball hard.

There exists such a concept as a female character who is distinct from her male contemporaries in similar games without being A) the exact same as a man no changes or B) "This is what women are like, right guys?"

Samus is an icon, but she's been poorly utilized for the concept of "woman character".

CyricZ posted...

For example, the one time Nintendo of Japan decided to make a more deep examination of her character, they dropped the ball hard.

Hey now, wanting to be a mother and be called a lady by her male superior is very empowering!

Ivynn posted...

Hey now, wanting to be a mother and be called a lady by her male superior is very empowering!

And going to The Bottle Ship after hearing the distress signal known as Baby's Cry.

Ivynn posted...

Hey now, wanting to be a mother and be called a lady by her male superior is very empowering!

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/0/3/5/AABJX0AAEf2b.jpg

Edit: although joking aside, the most obnoxious part about other m was being able to go into the lava zones early and taking damage because Adam had not yet given you permission to turn on the heat resistant feature of your suit, which you already had, but were not allowed to turn on even as you were dying.

itachi15243 posted...

I think the point is moreso that if you're running, jumping, climbing and fighting all day, you're not gonna be overweight.
I do drawings and stuff

Basically action characters of that sort would all be lean like basketball players. So if you wanted 'realistic' representation you'd model them all on basketball players.