3 Ways Game Studios Reinforce Negative Body Images For Women
The Evolving Landscape of Video Games and Persistent Challenges
The year is 2012. For forty years, video games have been developing as a popular entertainment medium.
Over these four decades, the intricacy of games has significantly increased, expansive online environments have been created, and three-dimensional graphics have been refined.
These advancements have resulted in a visual fidelity capable of achieving a remarkable degree of realism.
Sexism in Gaming: A Continuing Concern
Despite these technological leaps, certain problems continue to plague the gaming industry, and these are not related to technical limitations.
Sexism represents one such issue, and its effects are particularly relevant to female gamers.
The impact of this bias is felt by any woman who engages with video games as a player.
Understanding the Core Issue
The challenges presented by sexism aren't about a lack of processing power or graphical capabilities.
Instead, they stem from societal attitudes and representations within the games themselves.
This can manifest in various ways, impacting the gaming experience for a significant portion of the player base.
Historical Context
The emergence of video games as a mainstream form of entertainment dates back four decades.
Throughout this period, the industry has witnessed substantial growth in both technological sophistication and player engagement.
However, progress in addressing issues like sexism has been comparatively slower.
Limited Representation of Female Body Types in Gaming
The presence of sexism within video games is a readily observable phenomenon. Detrimental portrayals of body image are frequently encountered throughout the gaming landscape.
Often, these representations are quite overt. Consider Star Wars: The Old Republic, where female characters are offered a selection of four body types, one ostensibly representing a larger physique. However, this so-called “overweight” female model appears, in reality, to be of average build.
In contrast, the equivalent male body type designated as overweight is considerably more substantial. This disparity conveys a distinct message, a pattern not uncommon within the industry.
It suggests that a degree of additional weight is acceptable for male characters, while women are held to a different standard. This observation is further highlighted when examining the game’s portrayal of older female characters.
These characters maintain a traditionally feminine physique, seemingly preserved from the age of 22 onwards. This reinforces unrealistic expectations and a narrow definition of beauty.
It’s important to note that such depictions aren’t limited to video games. The emphasis on the “hourglass” figure is pervasive across numerous media, including television, literature, and film.
However, these other mediums often include representation of diverse body types. In gaming, women who deviate from the prevailing, often unattainable, standard are frequently absent altogether.
This absence communicates a powerful message: if a woman doesn’t align with the established beauty ideals, she is deemed unworthy of representation by game developers and, implicitly, of the attention of players.
The Impact of Limited Representation
- Reinforcement of Unrealistic Standards: The consistent portrayal of a single body type perpetuates unattainable beauty ideals.
- Exclusion and Marginalization: The lack of diverse representation can make players feel excluded or invisible.
- Negative Self-Image: Limited representation can contribute to negative self-perception and body image issues.
Game studios have a responsibility to create more inclusive and diverse representations of women. This includes offering a wider range of body types and challenging traditional beauty standards.
Limited Representation of Powerful Female Characters
The issue extends beyond simply having female characters present in games. Even when women are featured, they are infrequently portrayed as central figures driving the narrative.
Often, they are relegated to roles as objects, either presented as rewards for male characters or as overtly sexualized, aggressive figures.
Interestingly, some developers and commentators believe that crafting characters in the latter category constitutes progress. A case in point is the portrayal of Catwoman in Batman: Arkham City.
The opportunity to develop her as a strong character through intelligence and strategic thinking was seemingly overlooked.
Notable Exceptions
There are, of course, exceptions to this trend. Alyx Vance from Half-Life 2 remains a favorite character, notable for being both well-developed and capable without relying on excessive sexualization.
However, even Alyx is confined to the role of a non-playable character, and her storyline includes romantic interest in the protagonist, Gordon Freeman.
Considering examples of strong, non-sexualized female leads in video games proves surprisingly difficult. Only two characters immediately come to mind.
These are Jade from Beyond Good and Evil, and Commander Shepard from Mass Effect (who offers player choice of gender).
It’s worth noting that even these characters often adhere to the conventional hourglass figure stereotype.
This lack of diverse representation highlights a continuing challenge within the gaming industry.
The Underrepresentation of Women in Gaming
A prevalent assumption exists that the typical gamer is a young male. However, this notion is demonstrably inaccurate. Recent surveys indicate the average gamer is actually over the age of 30, and a substantial portion of the gaming community consists of women, representing between 25% and nearly 40% of players.
Disparity in Development
Despite the significant female gaming population, women constitute less than 12% of the workforce within the game development industry, as evidenced by a 2010 study. This imbalance presents challenges on multiple fronts.
Firstly, this lack of representation is a root cause of other problematic trends. Increased female participation in game development could potentially mitigate the creation of content that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Consider, for example, a statement made by Hideki Kamiya, a developer associated with the Bayonetta series, during an interview:
“1UP: From behind!?
HK: Certainly, viewing from the rear obscures the face, but my attention is drawn to the woman’s posture, or rather, the manner in which they are positioned, extending beyond merely the ankles.
1UP: I must confess, I find your explanation somewhat dubious. To claim you are “looking at her face” while observing a woman from behind seems implausible.
HK: Oh. [Laughs]
1UP: Oh. [Laughs]
HK: Nevertheless, this is precisely how we conceptualize Bayonetta’s movements and actions, and it’s the most engaging aspect of the game – contemplating these elements. Consequently, the finished product will reveal the team’s preferences regarding female characteristics.
Notably, the headline accompanying this interview proclaimed Kamiya as “one of gaming’s most visionary designers.”
The Issue of Invisibility
Secondly, the underrepresentation of women contributes to a broader issue of invisibility within the industry. Talented and innovative women often remain largely unrecognized. When they do gain visibility, it is frequently for reasons unrelated to their professional accomplishments.
Jade Raymond, a game producer who contributed to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, experienced unwanted attention, including coverage by journalists and the creation of explicit comics featuring her likeness (the provided link directs to a news report, not the comic itself). Whether her work is commendable remains secondary to her public image.
Addressing Sexism in Gaming
The presence of sexism within video games isn't an isolated incident. These instances consistently reflect traditional patterns of sexual objectification. Across various examples, a recurring message is conveyed to female characters – and by extension, female players – that their physical attractiveness and/or sexual desirability are paramount.
The Responsibility of Game Developers
Ultimately, rectifying this issue falls upon the game development studios themselves. A commitment to higher standards in character representation is crucial. Studios should prioritize portraying women as valuable contributors based on factors extending beyond their physical appearance.
This shift requires a conscious effort to move away from tropes that reinforce harmful stereotypes.
A Self-Perpetuating Cycle
Predicting a change in this dynamic is difficult. Currently, there's little indication that significant progress will be made. The core of the problem lies deeply within the industry's structure.
The underrepresentation of women within game development creates a discouraging environment. This lack of female presence can make the field less inviting to aspiring female developers, perpetuating the cycle.
Encouraging Discussion
We invite readers to share their perspectives and engage in a constructive dialogue regarding this important topic. Your thoughts and opinions are valued and contribute to a broader understanding of the issue.
Please feel free to leave your comments below.
