Sexualization in games

[Gare]

So I'm sure we've all encountered this. To bring up a recent example, here's Dragon's Crown.

Do you judge a game based on the amount of, uh... flesh, it shows? In what ways does this impact a game at all in your eyes?

Personally, I don't mind it too much. As some of you know, I even kinda, uh, like it. A lot. Of course, I can very much think of situations when it would feel forced, out of place or overly creepy, but for instance, I have no problem with the image I just linked above. Don't get me wrong -- I'm of course not saying that every game should be like that, however, T&A alone won't ruin a good game for me at all. Naturally, I won't play a game just because of its sex appeal -- if a game is shit, it's shit, and no amount of skimpy outfits will make me want to waste another second on it. However, if the game itself is solid, fanservice like that is okay to me. Also, it'd be nice to hear some opinions about the overly muscular dudes in games and how female gamers feel about them. We don't have that many female members though. But I'd still be interested.

People also like the throw the word "misogyny" around quite a lot, and I'm not sure it's always justified. I'm pretty sure that many gamers or devs that do include fanservice like that in their games don't actually loathe females with a passion.

[Aeolus Aeneas]

People who throw misogyny around typically wouldn't know a real case of it if it came up and slapped them in the face. When somebody spouts misogyny, it's almost always in a buzz word format and they're just trying to stir the pot. Or trying to cover up misandry.

As for Dragon's Crown, I bought that game as was so let down. So I bought the D&D games on Steam to remind myself of why I even had hope for that game in the first place.

As for sexualization... meh. Just meh. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it becomes Zero Suit Samus and I want to claw my eyes out because that's become the only thing people ever seem to think of when it comes to her anymore. Outside of the disaster of Other M and what that did to her character. But if that's all you have going for something, then what's the point? Some people will buy, find out that gee whiz, it sucks and then word will spread that it's not worth the price. Because you can get porn of fake women for free, along with mostly fake women also for free!

Really, if there's going to be boobs and all that, I expect some actual not boob content to make the game worth playing. And those who sensationalize the sexuality are either trying to sell you the thing or trying to make money off of somebody trying to sell you it with empty outrage.

[Warrior]

Well..........as the old saying goes "Sex Sells"

I prefer my games and anime having some nice fan service.

I'm more of a philogyny kinda guy as long as its not of the Real Life flesh and blood variety.

Well in my POV I still consider Peoples reviews and opinions about a game dispite the amount of skin a chick has in the videogame.........some of the time

[Coraje187]

It don't matter to me as long as the game is good. The art was great in Dragons crown, but I can see how it may bother some.

[Raype]

Can't say I'm a fan of it on either end. Buff McManbro with his T-shirt accentuated muscle tube arms is the most boring route you can take on a protagonist from a design/personality standpoint. Token female characters with the ensuing chainmail bikinis usually illicits a groan especially when they typically have a barebones backstory and the personality of the average sandwich.

But I just roll my eyes and get on with the game. Generally speaking the most extreme examples tend to be the ones where you don't have to deal with the sexualization that much unless you like having a bug up your ass about it (you can barely see your character in DC under all the shit happening on-screen and there's a character select).

[siveon]

Mostly just annoying, to be honest. Never exactly a deal breaker, but sometimes it can detract from the experience, just by the smallest amount. Unless it's tied to the story somehow, or at least has some purpose, I can't see it as a good thing by any means.

For example, I can never play as a female character (or male, it both fits) in a skimpy outfit. I can't put my finger on it, but it just really bugs me to the point of aggravation. Same goes for overly buff male-power fantasies a la God of War. Can't really get into that either.

At it's best, it's a chink to the armor of a great game. At it's worst, it's the final nail to a coffin of a shitty game.

[Milady]

A couple other examples that come to mind (not quite on the same level) are the trans character in Nier, whose name I've forgotten, and the viera from the FFXII- and its related universe. For the most part, I think Ray and Siveon voiced my opinion fairly well. The gameplay in DC is good enough for me to be able to ignore its crazy art style, and there's enough to be found that is actually charming (baby owlbears or harpies, anyone? ) for it to be forgivable.

Clearly, if the focus is more on fanservice or hypersexualized VNs, then I'll stay away. But since people are completely responsible for whether or not they want to purchase a particular game, I think they complain too much. If you don't like it, don't play it.

And outside of DC, I can't think of other overly muscular dudes off the top of my head. Hm.

[maverickhuntergirlZ492]

as long as it's a good game I don't really care

[Raype]

A couple other examples that come to mind (not quite on the same level) are the trans character in Nier, whose name I've forgotten, and the viera from the FFXII- and its related universe. For the most part, I think Ray and Siveon voiced my opinion fairly well. The gameplay in DC is good enough for me to be able to ignore its crazy art style, and there's enough to be found that is actually charming (baby owlbears or harpies, anyone? ) for it to be forgivable.

Clearly, if the focus is more on fanservice or hypersexualized VNs, then I'll stay away. But since people are completely responsible for whether or not they want to purchase a particular game, I think they complain too much. If you don't like it, don't play it.

And outside of DC, I can't think of other overly muscular dudes off the top of my head. Hm.

Milady not really paying attention to overly muscular dudes confirmed.

[garrendesares]

apparently its worse than violence in games. 2 instincs we have, sex and killing. so why not both in games and movies? oh right, we prefer killing eachother over accepting and loving one another.

[retrofiber]

I found Fran from FF12 very distracting when using her as the party lead...

[Milady]

Milady not really paying attention to overly muscular dudes confirmed.

Too many muscles just make me self conscious. And the last few games I've spent any time with have been on the 3DS. Not too many muscles there, but I prefer the men in the pink suits and frilly collars anyway~

I found Fran from FF12 very distracting when using her as the party lead...

Fran was awesome enough that I could forgive her steel thong.

[Gare]

Bleh, Fran. Everyone knows Ashe is where it's at. Shortest skirt in all of Dalmasca!

[Milady]

Bleh, Fran. Everyone knows Ashe is where it's at. Shortest skirt in all of Dalmasca!

And weird belly shirt thing. I like Fran's bunny nose and funny little accent.

[crusher]

Everyone knows the best girl in FFXII is Vaan.

...what now?