It's a small topic, but maybe I'll post these blogs now and again. I like input from people who can represent my target audience, so I'll try to make this nice and short. This is something my brother brought up. Basically, his reaction to Lixim's protagonist being made a girl was a little unexpected. In essence, he said that the majority of gamers are guys, despite the audience, and they all want to play as their own gender unless the main character is a sex icon.

To his first argument I mentioned Tomb Raider and Metroid, to which he pointed out that Tomb Raider is obviously boasting sex appeal, and even the early Metroid games (I didn't see the evidence) portrayed her Zero Suit as sexual.

I'm going to ask questions, then I'm going to answer them, but I still want your input, too.

First question:

In a video game of an arbitrary genre (or even a book), would you rather play/read about someone of your own gender? The opposite gender? Don't think it makes a difference if done well?

Honestly, I fall in the third. When reading, though, it's nice to be able to relate to the main character, but when playing a game, I like to feel like I should like the main character in a less personal way, if that makes sense.

Second question:

How do you see gender roles represented in video games? What would be a nice twist?

I'm getting tired of the space-marine badass guy, or the sex-icon woman. That only creates shallow characters. I like mixing things up, giving people specific quirks that are both likable and flawed. This is how I do my writing. But how different are video games?

Third question:

I always say "Cliches exist for a reason". Do you think this should remain true for gender roles in video games? Or would you think that an independent woman leading the story would be a nice break?

Again, I'm sick of how 90% of video games represent women as half naked and incapable. I've seen men appear in many different kinds, but there are few notable female characters who have nothing to do with sex appeal. Unless you count Touhou, but fans will be fans.

Fourth question:

Do you think that an independent teen girl would make a realistic protagonist for a game centered around simulated life, combat, imminent danger, and futuristic machinery? Would the sole fact that she's female deter you from playing it, despite the game's content? I'd like your honest opinion here, and I won't answer this one right off.

I've grown to appreciate your input, and I've realized that not everyone here is about trolling and the destruction of others for an ego boost. I've seen some very insightful conversations being held here. So long as criticism helps me in some way, I'll take anything you've got. Let the discussion commence.

Also, holy shit, there are 90 lurkers.