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In a sensitive year like 2024,Stellar Bladehas sparked controversy, as even before getting to play it, gamers have pointed out that Shift Up objectifies its main character. The portrayal of women in games has been a controversial topic of discussion for quite some time. However, it becomes confusing when an upcoming installment in Xbox’sFablefranchise has been criticized for making its female lead unattractive, and it’s unclear what developers have to do to satisfy every gamer.
Stellar Blade and Fable Are Facing the Opposite Problems
It only took a gameplay showcase and a demo forStellar Bladeto receive negative attention since most gamers seem to be talking abouthow the lead character looksrather than what her abilities would be. Shift Up’s PS5 exclusive was set to somewhat follow the footsteps ofBayonetta, but not much discussion is taking place about its gameplay or another immersive world that Sony could be bringing.
Instead, even before its release, the game is being bashed because the developers put too much detail on “jiggle physics” while making her outfit revealing.
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On the opposite end lies Playground’sFable, as Microsoft revealed it at 2023’s Xbox Showcase, probably thinking that gamers would be excited for the series’ return after more than a decade. Unfortunately, the footage was met with criticism for different reasons: the female protagonist wasn’t “attractive.”
This led to gamers calling it “Woke Sweet Baby Inc Trash,” as it was suggested that the developers were trying too hard to be inclusive, which raises the question: what’s the middle ground when it comes to women being represented in games?
What Should Developers Do to Satisfy Everyone?
Stellar BladeandFablearen’t the first games to feature female protagonists, and there’s plenty to learn from titles that’ve come before, like the rebootedTomb Raiderseries. Lara Croft was one of the OG women in gaming who was sexualized from the beginning, but with the reboot, she was turned into a relatable person without losing her conventionally attractive appearance. Of course, beauty is subjective, so it’s impossible to satisfy every gamer when it comes to character design.
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Developers should put the quality of their games on top priority, and if the protagonist looking a certain way is necessary for the story being told, then they should stick by it. Gamers need to focus on things that matter, like the gameplay and visuals of a game, and let artists create the art they want, at least until it’s released and enough players have had a hands-on experience.
Only after witnessing the game and going through all of its aspects does it make sense for anyone to criticize it; who knows, maybe the character’s appearance becomes useful in making the title impactful.
Do you think the criticism thatStellar BladeandFablereceived was justified? Let us know in the comments!
Osama Farooq
Senior Gaming Content Editor / Critic
Articles Published :356
Ever since Osama was gifted the glorious PS2 more than two decades back, video games have formed a major part of his life, ranging from spending hours playing through every single Dragon Ball game he could find to witnessing the gaming industry evolve into something extraordinary in modern times. Building his collection of PlayStation consoles throughout the years all the way up until PS5, he prefers single-player experiences like The Last of Us and Persona, while also letting off steam on a daily basis with casual EA Sports FC matches. But the current rise in online multiplayer shooters will never really appeal to his old-school self.
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FablePlayground GamesShift UpStellar Blade
