Poll: Do You Think A Game With A Homosexual Lead Could Survive?

[Rooster Cogburn]

I wouldn't play it. Nothing against gay people, I just wouldn't be able to feel comfortable playing the part of a gay man. It would ruin the game for me.

But you would play the part of a guy who kills people? Or a guy who flies around the universe? Or a guy with a mohawk? How about a game where you play anything that isn't you?

Why would you say "nothing against gay people" and then say something like that? Seems like that is kinda "against" them.

Those questions aren't just rhetorical by the way. I really do wonder at what point your mind switches off and on reality versus fantasy in a video game. As a heterosexual, I can't imagine giving a shit about what sexuality the protagonist is. Can't relate to that at all.

I'm kind of in his same boat. If you just told me in advance he was gay and it never came up, I guess it wouldn't make any difference. But I'm not gay, and as such I don't see any entertainment value in gay relationships. It would be weird to watch for me, and that's totally normal. I don't have to be like homosexuals or share in their culture, just respect them.

Are we talking about a video game with sex scenes in it? I'm imagining Assassin's Creed, only he happened to like guys. It doesn't change the game any. It's still Assassin's Creed. (just an example.) If we're talking about full-on sex scenes, that's another story. But a protagonist who just happens to be gay doesn't change anything.

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I like representations of heroes who prescribe to certain archetypes- a strong, silent figure or a stylish, debonair one. And maybe one of the those qualities that my heroes have is a wanting for the female form. Nothing wrong with that. It's all about respect. I don't have to share in homosexual representations to be tolerant and respectful. My philosophy is Liberty and autonomy- you have your way, and I'll have mine. And that's fine.

For the record, I might play a game with a gay protagonist if it didn't come up much and the game really looked promising. I'm just talking about the principle of the thing.

 

[Thanatos34]

Point to you.

However, I very rarely play games where the lead must be female, for the exact same reasons, (Off the top of my head, for PC, I really can't think of any that I have played. Never played the Croft series. Hmm, I know I've done so, now this is going to annoy me). Other males that do, do not come at it from the position that they are being the lead character, but rather that... well. I don't really need to spell that out now, do I?

I think the position would be exacerbated in a situation where the character MUST be gay. This is the point that others are missing. Jade Empire is one of my favorite RPGs ever. In Jade Empire there is no less than 6 different romances available, (M+Dawn Star+Silk Fox, M+ Dawn Star, M+Silk Fox, M+Sky, F+Silk Fox, F+Sky), two of which are homosexual. However, the character has the choice to make the lead character gay/lesbian, if they want to do so.

Why then, would you make a character that must be gay/lesbian, and alienate 75% of your customers before they even buy the game? (A gay character would do this, I am almost certain. A lesbian character, you might be able to get away with, because of the demographic you are selling to.) A teenage boy will play as a female, and in this case, they do not fantasize about being the person they are playing, they come at it from a different standpoint, as mentioned earlier.

I think it might also depend on what type of genre the game is. An RPG game, where you normally get "in character"... not so much. An RTS game would be entirely different, for obvious reasons.

Edit: AHHA! It was Beyond Good and Evil. Jade. See now, give me a story like that, and I could care less what the protagonist looks like.

I see where you're coming at with the alienation thing; games that try to be open-minded about the sexuality and other aspects of the protagonist won't make money because of the market video games are geared towards, and therefore such games won't be made. I just think it's sad that such a vicious cycle exists. Major game developers typically don't make adventurous games because they won't be bought; certain gamers (or people who don't know they're gamers?) don't buy [stereotypical?] games because they're [misogynist, lack plot, etc.].

xP It's wishful thinking to hope that that would change, I guess.

Not in the slightest. I think there should be the option. I just don't see why it must be forced. Or why a company would make it forced. It seems like you are going too far, there. Make it even, by giving people options, and that is fine.

Now, if you could make a story that relies on the lead character being gay, for a reason OTHER than they just want to make one to be politically correct, as an integral part of the storyline, that just might work. I'm just saying, it would have to be one hell of a story.

 

[runtheplacered]

I wouldn't play it. Nothing against gay people, I just wouldn't be able to feel comfortable playing the part of a gay man. It would ruin the game for me.

But you would play the part of a guy who kills people? Or a guy who flies around the universe? Or a guy with a mohawk? How about a game where you play anything that isn't you?

Why would you say "nothing against gay people" and then say something like that? Seems like that is kinda "against" them.

Those questions aren't just rhetorical by the way. I really do wonder at what point your mind switches off and on reality versus fantasy in a video game. As a heterosexual, I can't imagine giving a shit about what sexuality the protagonist is. Can't relate to that at all.

I'm kind of in his same boat. If you just told me in advance he was gay and it never came up, I guess it wouldn't make any difference. But I'm not gay, and as such I don't see any entertainment value in gay relationships. It would be weird to watch for me, and that's totally normal. I don't have to be like homosexuals or share in their culture, just respect them.

Are we talking about a video game with sex scenes in it? I'm imagining Assassin's Creed, only he happened to like guys. It doesn't change the game any. It's still Assassin's Creed. (just an example.) If we're talking about full-on sex scenes, that's another story. But a protagonist who just happens to be gay doesn't change anything.

Altair actually had a girlfriend lol. On the DS game. I know you're saying "if" but just felt like pointing it out.

Ahh, I've never played the DS one.

 

[Lios]

Okay, let me set this straight. If you keep sexuality of any lead character out of a game, whether they are gay or not, it makes it that much better. Simply not mentioning it is far better than putting it on everyone's minds. No one really wants to know if the lead character is gay. What purpose would it even serve?

 

[runtheplacered]

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I like representations of heroes who prescribe to certain archetypes- a strong, silent figure or a stylish, debonair one.

So apparently you're not ever going to play Mario.

 

[mykalwane]

I wouldn't play it, but if it was a good game, I'm sure it would find a market in homosexuals and self-hating liberal types.

Well that is a wrong idea. Simply because a game is good or not, does not mean that it will be in a certain demographic. In the words of Tim Shafter "If you make a great game, people will want to play it."

Sorry if this sounds rude, but each game may eliminate a certain audience because of it's type. For example people who hate puzzles, stay away from puzzle games in general. Doesn't mean that all people that do, love puzzles to the point they rather have sex with a tetris piece. When it comes to games, there is no absolutes if it is a good game. I personally hate stealth games. Thief being a series I hate since it is a stealth game. Tried it, but really can not enjoy it. Now Splinter Cell series a game that is a good game as well as a stealth game, even though I hate stealth games the games (Spinter Cell and Chaos Theory mainly) are games I enjoy even though I hate the kind of gameplay.

I know that when it comes down to playing a game some may not play it simply because it is one thing or another. This is true at first, but even if there is a hatred because of one thing or another over time may become warmer to the idea that a game is worth picking up. This is the same idea for why a gay character will be done. Over time people won't see it as something that would alienate people.

For example games in general were and still are alienate people because of it being a rather niche deal. Now people saw it as something that became a marketable idea, so more people got into it that were outside the niche for the simple idea that this niche makes a profit. The same thing is occurring to gay items. It is why I believe Stan Lee is working with Showtime to create a show about a gay superhero. Overtime it will become a more acceptable item, simply because it makes money. That is true for any item that can make money.

Money attracts people to things real easily, so if there is a market people will try to use it. Though when you depend on a general populous to determine what is a buyable item it will take time. Odds are that PC, not Consoles will have gay characters pop up as an acceptable thing since PC market can work with just a niche and make a profit.

 

[Thanatos34]

I wouldn't play it. Nothing against gay people, I just wouldn't be able to feel comfortable playing the part of a gay man. It would ruin the game for me.

But you would play the part of a guy who kills people? Or a guy who flies around the universe? Or a guy with a mohawk? How about a game where you play anything that isn't you?

Why would you say "nothing against gay people" and then say something like that? Seems like that is kinda "against" them.

Those questions aren't just rhetorical by the way. I really do wonder at what point your mind switches off and on reality versus fantasy in a video game. As a heterosexual, I can't imagine giving a shit about what sexuality the protagonist is. Can't relate to that at all.

I'm kind of in his same boat. If you just told me in advance he was gay and it never came up, I guess it wouldn't make any difference. But I'm not gay, and as such I don't see any entertainment value in gay relationships. It would be weird to watch for me, and that's totally normal. I don't have to be like homosexuals or share in their culture, just respect them.

Are we talking about a video game with sex scenes in it? I'm imagining Assassin's Creed, only he happened to like guys. It doesn't change the game any. It's still Assassin's Creed. (just an example.) If we're talking about full-on sex scenes, that's another story. But a protagonist who just happens to be gay doesn't change anything.

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I like representations of heroes who prescribe to certain archetypes- a strong, silent figure or a stylish, debonair one. And maybe one of the those qualities that my heroes have is a wanting for the female form. Nothing wrong with that. It's all about respect. I don't have to share in homosexual representations to be tolerant and respectful. My philosophy is Liberty and autonomy- you have your way, and I'll have mine. And that's fine.

For the record, I might play a game with a gay protagonist if it didn't come up much and the game really looked promising. I'm just talking about the principle of the thing.

Exactly. And most of the gamer population would agree. Thus, from a business standpoint, it would be extremely risky to make such a game.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I like representations of heroes who prescribe to certain archetypes- a strong, silent figure or a stylish, debonair one.

So apparently you're not ever going to play Mario.

You quoted the one sentence of my post which contains no substance and didn't address any point I actually intended to make.

 

[Vek]

Fear Effect already had a lesbian lead back on the Playstation. There was a prequel/sequel made as well. Those were back in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

 

[runtheplacered]

Exactly. And most of the gamer population would agree. Thus, from a business standpoint, it would be extremely risky to make such a game.

Sure about that? I'd be willing to bet you right now that a video game will come out one day with a homosexual protagonist, and it will sell like hotcakes. I'm also willing to bet you don't really know what most of the gamer population wants or doesn't want.

 

[Thanatos34]

Fear Effect already had a lesbian lead back on the Playstation. There was a prequel/sequel made as well. Those were back in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Yes, someone mentioned this.

However, judging by the fact that the first time it was mentioned I thought the person had confused the games Fear and Mass Effect, I'd say it didn't do so awfully well.

For the record, I don't think a game with a lesbian lead would have any difficulty whatsoever surviving.

 

[soren7550]

Wasn't Leon from RE4 gay? lol

Anyway, I think a gay lead could have a successful game, but only if they don't over do the gayness.

 

[runtheplacered]

Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I like representations of heroes who prescribe to certain archetypes- a strong, silent figure or a stylish, debonair one.

So apparently you're not ever going to play Mario.

You quoted the one sentence of my post which contains no substance and didn't address any point I actually intended to make.

Really? Because I feel it has more to do with the topic then anything else. You gave me a what if, and I gave you a what if back.

You also mentioned your philosophy, which I'm not really sure what to say there. OK then, you have thoughts. That's fantastic.

You also mentioned you'd play a game where his sexuality didn't get brought up much, which was my original point. So we agree on that. What else is there to say there? We actually came to an agreement in a forum, I suppose we could celebrate this rarity.

 

[Rooster Cogburn]

I wouldn't play it, but if it was a good game, I'm sure it would find a market in homosexuals and self-hating liberal types.

Well that is a wrong idea. Simply because a game is good or not, does not mean that it will be in a certain demographic. In the words of Tim Shafter "If you make a great game, people will want to play it."

Sorry if this sounds rude, but each game may eliminate a certain audience because of it's type. For example people who hate puzzles, stay away from puzzle games in general. Doesn't mean that all people that do, love puzzles to the point they rather have sex with a tetris piece. When it comes to games, there is no absolutes if it is a good game. I personally hate stealth games. Thief being a series I hate since it is a stealth game. Tried it, but really can not enjoy it. Now Splinter Cell series a game that is a good game as well as a stealth game, even though I hate stealth games the games (Spinter Cell and Chaos Theory mainly) are games I enjoy even though I hate the kind of gameplay.

I know that when it comes down to playing a game some may not play it simply because it is one thing or another. This is true at first, but even if there is a hatred because of one thing or another over time may become warmer to the idea that a game is worth picking up. This is the same idea for why a gay character will be done. Over time people won't see it as something that would alienate people.

For example games in general were and still are alienate people because of it being a rather niche deal. Now people saw it as something that became a marketable idea, so more people got into it that were outside the niche for the simple idea that this niche makes a profit. The same thing is occurring to gay items. It is why I believe Stan Lee is working with Showtime to create a show about a gay superhero. Overtime it will become a more acceptable item, simply because it makes money. That is true for any item that can make money.

Money attracts people to things real easily, so if there is a market people will try to use it. Though when you depend on a general populous to determine what is a buyable item it will take time. Odds are that PC, not Consoles will have gay characters pop up as an acceptable thing since PC market can work with just a niche and make a profit.

Hehe, you make some very good points, but I think you may have inferred more from my post than I really intended to say. Nevertheless, your points are solid.

 

[Florion]

Not in the slightest. I think there should be the option. I just don't see why it must be forced. Or why a company would make it forced. It seems like you are going too far, there. Make it even, by giving people options, and that is fine.

Now, if you could make a story that relies on the lead character being gay, for a reason OTHER than they just want to make one to be politically correct, as an integral part of the storyline, that just might work. I'm just saying, it would have to be one hell of a story.

Yeah, I think that it's pretty much the story-telling that needs some fleshing out in video games. There's a lot of potential for new ideas to be accepted in video games if only the context of the story was done well enough...

Oh, and just for the sake of turning your argument back, are we not in most cases forced to be heterosexual in games? I know there's the obvious argument that "the audience is, for the most part heterosexual so it wouldn't occur to them," but I'm curious to see if you have a reason that people should notice their character being homosexual but not heterosexual, or whatever else you think...

 

[antipunt]

If it's a good game, of course

 

[Escapefromwhatever]

Wait, why would you make a gay character? What's the point? Just to show some support?

Why wouldn't you? What if its relevent to the story somehow? Or what if the game's writer just feels more comfortable working with a gay character for some reason?

By your logic, I would need a reason to make a character black, rather than it just being another thing about him or her. Its not like there's a default race/sexual orientation for fictional characters that can only be deviated from for certain reasons.

And don't start with the whole "If I'm just going to be shooting people, I don't need to know that the character's gay!" crap. Once again, try reading that sentence again and replacing gay with black. If the game's makers want to put additional details about the characters into the game, then that's their perogative, and sometimes that extra description can add to the feel of the game.

 

[Thanatos34]

Exactly. And most of the gamer population would agree. Thus, from a business standpoint, it would be extremely risky to make such a game.

Sure about that? I'd be willing to bet you right now that a video game will come out one day with a homosexual protagonist, and it will sell like hotcakes. I'm also willing to bet you don't really know what most of the gamer population wants or doesn't want.

Lesbian could do it.

Gay, might be able to, if it's a hell of a storyline.

A gay RPG? I really don't think so.

And of course, you, my friend know exactly what the gamer population wants. Let me ask you this. If a gay game would "sell like hotcakes" why the hell haven't they made one, (that has done so)?

 

[Worr Monger]

It already has survived, see Fable 2 or any Legend of Zelda game.

I LOLed