Is sexism starting to vanish from video games?

[Scarecrow38]

It is but just as in society, it's taking small steps.

 

[Susan Arendt]

So I'm guessing Velvet Assassin would fall under this too right? Even the lead Developer or something said he wanted to make Violette hot but not a "tits monster" or an "ass monster" respectable

And then gave her a nightie to wear in the game.

Not that I consider that sexism, but rather sexualization. Making a character sexy isn't sexist, making them less valuable because they are female is sexist. (You know, oh, I'm so helpless, if only a man was here to save me!) So I think what you're asking is really, are overly sexual female characters vanishing from games, and I think the answer is certainly "no."

It's rather amusing that you held up Wet as an example...the game is called WET ffs, and Rubi is a highly sexualized character. Faith is definitely a trend in the right direction, but we are far, far, far away from the day when a female character is just, you know, a female.

Which is not necessarily a bad thing. A female character can be a bombshell and still be a strong, admirable character. Take Lara Croft as an example. Yeah, she's got a great figure and runs around in tiny shorts, but she's also fiercely independent, extremely intelligent, resourceful, and successful - traits to which anyone, male or female, should aspire. Game developers don't fail by giving characters big bustlines or tiny outfits, they fail by not making them well-rounded or believable.

 

[Zamna]

I doubt sexism is on the decline at all, however as the market expands, as more women become developers within games & more women play them, that the choice will expand, there will always be a niche market for big bouncy boobs, & there's really nothing wrong with that, but the market has room for every other shape, size, gender & sexual persuasion.

One day there may even be a game with a protagonist that is a mixed race cross dressing overweight grandmother that has a preference for much younger women, but she wont be depicted as a crazy old lesbian in drag but a warm & caring understated human being on a mission to save the world, using her basic knowledge & determination, I'm sure you get my drift.

 

[ix_tab]

I don't think sexism is vanishing. Like all mainstream media, there's always going to be good dollars in appealing to the lowest, cheapest, laziest demographic, so that means stereotypes of all kinds for everyone!

What I think is happening is that gaming is growing up, and offering interesting alternatives. There aren't really any less inflatable tit machines, but there are more actual characters of a female gender who aren't there as a cipher or sex object or maguffin, or angst motivation. And that's a trend that I hope continues.

 

[prettynothings]

Well, whatever your definition of, "Normal." It's been like that for awhile, just most female gamers are more obscure because they get a lot of harassment. :X But I suppose it is getting better, where females not only have a right to vote, but they're holding several high positions. :3

 

[ThatJagoGuy]

I'm with Emeli on this one. All characters are disproportioned, regardless of gender. Generally overlooked, is the complete lack of character in most female roles.

[Tries to think of an exception]

...

...

...nope - none springing to mind.

The gaming industry, as a whole, seems to really struggle with original plots, and character motivation / development, but some effort is at least made at varied male characters. The females tend to be either pretty vacant or pretty generic. Oh, except the fat girl with the hammer in Fable 2. Natch.

 

[MoganFreeman]

I hope not.

I do love me some unfeasibly large digital boobies.

We need more people who tell teh truth.

Nice to meet you, my name is Morgan.

 

[Parallel Streaks]

More women like Zoey from L4D would help dimiss the whole "OMG GAMEZ R ABUT TITZ" view. Zoey, while pretty, isn't slam-dunking guitar-soloing sex on legs. She doesn't wear a skimpy outfit, and her tits don't jiggle when she so muches as moves her thigh. She's wearing realistic clothing, and the game is a little bit better for it.

Of course I'm one of those homosexual types, so my opinion in this may be a bit biased against tits jiggling across my HD TV.

 

[Juan Regular]

Sex sells.
Human Nature. (Oh, Madbird. Didn't you star in that one too?)

 

[Iwamori]

Designers are starting to grow up, that's for sure. But I can't totally back up this argument with written fact.

There still exist designers, mostly Japanese (see Onechanbara), that have yet to see a real women in their life that isn't spreading herself in CMYK. I find that more designers are starting to recognize that the fairest sex can do more than just extreme sex toy, twit, or man-hater. Sex sells, but without moderation you get shit like DOA: Extreme Beach Volleyball.

On the flip side... well, MaxtheReaper already said it.

Furthermore, "People are dumb."

Many gamers can understand that there is a line between sexy and just "wtf is this shit" [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiken_(manga)]. But sadly, not everyone is a mature gamer. Some human beings who lack internet just want to see them bounce across the screen. Or worse. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Guy_Game]

I lol'd. Sexism seems to have just started considering the D-Cup or more mania is only like what, 5 years old now?

 

[Twilight_guy]

I doubt if the pandering to the 13 year-old boys ideal version of a girl will stop until the "hardcore" crowd that plays these games grows up. So, yeah it'll never happen. To avoid it, just play games that have a bit more brains and thus scare away said "hardcore" crowd.

 

[CoziestPigeon]

Yeah, I wasn't disagreeing with you, just wanted to try and raise your view on humanity a little

I suppose you are next going to attempt to play a game of tennis with the sun?

Fuck no, the sun has a MEAN forehand, that guy'd kick my ass.

 

[Starp]

More women like Zoey from L4D would help dimiss the whole "OMG GAMEZ R ABUT TITZ" view. Zoey, while pretty, isn't slam-dunking guitar-soloing sex on legs. She doesn't wear a skimpy outfit, and her tits don't jiggle when she so muches as moves her thigh. She's wearing realistic clothing, and the game is a little bit better for it.

I absolutely agree, I was initially woried when I saw Zoey, thinking she'd be one of those obnoxious 'beat up by a girl? lolfag' girls, who never accepts help from a man, but she's not, and I love that about her. She's equal, in every sense of the word, to the other three characters, as is the black guy and the old guy.
Seems the apocalypse really does bring out the best in people.

 

[vampirekid.13]

its still there, just as strong as ever, its just that this generations music choice is so sexist its making videogames look good. (yes im talking to you mr. rapper w/ no highschool degree talking about common teenage topics that include deep thought process such as having sex, doing drugs, having sex WHILE doing drugs, having sex after doing drugs, having sex before doing drugs, having sex in your imagination to the girl that wont go out with you) and calling it music and releasing it so more highschoolers can listen to it, get bad ideas and continue the circle of life...wait i think i just made this thread into a music rant...sorry

 

[Zenn3k]

Game staring a female lead, titled "Wet" and you think sexism is gone? har har har ;P

 

[ryai458]

tell that to soul calibur..

 

[meatloaf231]

Actually, Faith (I believe that is her name) was changed due to popular demand for "moar titz," if I am not mistaken.

So I'm going to go with "No."
Furthermore, "People are dumb."

Well, no, just on the posters, and just in japan.

Plus, there's Bayonetta, which is just ridiculous, Velvet Assassin, wherein the developers saw fit to have Violetta dressed in a nightie in certain scenes, and WET was just written about on the Escapist. It's here.