By: Mariam Turkey, Undergraduate Intern
Video games have become more popular over the last several years. “With over 155 million Americans playing games, over 50% of households owning a dedicated gaming console, and over $22 billion spent on the games industry by consumers in 2014, it is important that we understand how this form of media affects its audience” (Murphy, 2016). The impact of hyper-sexualization in video games continues to be a problem. The images in mediated content impact not only how we think about ourselves, but also how we think about others. The barriers that exist to certain players fully engaging or enjoying games are prevalent in video games today on many different levels. There are many roadblocks that stand to equitable representation and enjoyment for all players. Some of which include but are not limited to; lack of meaningful social interaction, excessive violence in content and the topic at hand is the sexual gender role stereotyping of game characters.
Most digital games rely heavily on stereotypes to portray female players. Many female characters in computer games are portrayed as weak victims who are protected or rescued by a “powerful” male. The damsel in distress narrative in video games, objectifies women and positions them as the trophies to be won by male characters. Female characters are very often placed into healing or supportive roles, therefore rarely playing the main character. According to research conducted by Diamond Lobby “Diversity in Gaming Report: An Analysis of Diversity in Video Game Characters”, findings reveal present characters in games are usually white and male. It displays that 79.2% of main protagonists in games are male, 20.8% are female and 54.2% of main characters are white. Besides the lack of representation of female characters, in instances where female characters are indeed represented, there’s a problem with the representation.
In most mediated content, women are encouraged to strive for hyper-feminine ideals and behaviors. When unmet, they’re often labeled as aggressive, bossy, or unladylike. Within video games, visual portrayals of females often highlight physical attributes (for example, extremely revealing clothing) or exaggerate female sexuality. When brought to the attention of video game creators, it was said that “such content characteristics are used as a way to attract male players.” Making it evident that on many occasions video games are seen as a “man’s hobby” and aren’t something that women take part in. However, sexual gender role stereotyping of game characters not only may repel many female players but also add to an already sexist media outlet. The over-sexualization and objectification of women in video games can contribute to attitudes that support this kind of behavior against women in real life, and this is where bigger problems arise.
Murphy, H. (2016).Effects of female video game character body-idealization exposure (Order No. 10193442). Available from ProQuest Central. (1840915333). Retrieved from https://gold.worcester.edu/login?url=https://gold.worcester.edu:3475/docview/1840915333?acco untid=29121 Danylova, A. (2021, February 7). Gender struggles: Female representation in video games. INKspire.https://inkspire.org/post/gender-struggles-female-representation-in-video-games/-M7d 51VKbu2OSfnfQ9am.
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