One of the Western editions, ThatParkPlace, has taken a bold stance on the sexualization of characters and beauty standards in modern games.
A journalist from the publication decided to delve into this issue using the game Stellar Blade as a case study. He argues that the decision of developers to create a character with a sexual body type is a throwback to the 90s and 2000s, when characters had a mix of realistic and unrealistic body types that appealed to players. The current players are thrilled with the Shift Up studio’s decision to create a sexual character, as it harkens back to the golden age of gaming.
In the past, sexualized characters were prevalent in the gaming industry and became ingrained in the culture. Games featuring attractive women, such as Techno and Team Ninja‘s Dead or Alive series, achieved great success. Other iconic sex symbols like Lara Croft and Samus Aran also made a significant impact.
However, recent years have seen publishers catering to a ”modern audience” influenced by activists and feminists, resulting in games that have failed to resonate with the majority of gamers. The recent Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a prime example of this trend, receiving criticism and dissatisfaction from players.
ThatParkPlace believes that the positive reception of Stellar Blade could mark a return to more attractive characters in Western games. Many modern games have portrayed female characters with masculine features, neglecting the appeal of sexual attractiveness to gamers. Despite the positive reception from activists, the decline in sales for many franchises and the closure of journalistic sites suggest that the majority of gamers hold the purchasing power.
Ultimately, the reality is that sexuality has historically been a successful selling point in games, offering players an escape into a world of idealized characters. Whether or not one agrees with the return to sexualized characters, the truth is that video games provide a form of entertainment that allows players to immerse themselves in a world that seems out of reach.
“Honestly, when I play a game, I would like to see someone who looks better than me. That’s what I want. I don’t want to see something normal; I want to see something more ideal. I think that’s very important in different forms of entertainment. After all, games are entertainment aimed at adults.” – said the game director of Stellar Blade Hyun Tae Kim.
Post from www.playground.ru