Not too long ago, I came across an article on techradar.com that, quite frankly, got me a little agitated. It was a piece about how Ubisoft, one of the largest video game developers in business today, demanded a radical change to one of their most recent titles for less-than-sympathetic reasons. One of their biggest franchises, Assassins Creed, an open-world game set in specific times in history, has already had eleven significant releases. However, while the settings have always changed per installment (usually), and the gameplay improves, the one constant is the protagonist, who has always been a white heterosexual male. The developers of their most recent outing, Assassins Creed Odyssey, were planning on doing something different by introducing a new female protagonist. Unfortunately, the executives at Ubisoft did not agree and demanded that they change it back to a man. Because, according to one Ubisoft executive, "Women don't sell!"
If you would like to read the article in its entirety, you will find a link to it at the end of this blog post.
As a feminist, a gamer, and as a man, I am utterly insulted by this inexcusable level of misogyny. I guess it should not come as much of a surprise, given the horrible track record of most video game developing companies out there. Let's not forget; this is the same industry that, when they were making the tournament fighter game Mortal Kombat 11, demanded that the programmers watch footage of actual murders, so they could ensure the fatality moves in the game were as accurate as possible. I mean, there's research, and then there's that!
While I could go on to discuss how video games are a significant aspect of the arts, and should not suffer persecution for the sins of their fathers, I am more interested in calling out Ubisoft on their outdated mindset. Because their blatant remarks towards half of the world's disposable income that would otherwise have boosted their sales was a direct attack on women. Please indulge me as I remind them of some of the most influential and compelling characters in gaming.
It's TheNorm's Top 5 Women in Games:
#5. Samus Aran (Metroid series)
It is impossible to discuss women in games and not mention Samus. With the possible exception of the ridiculously misguided trainwreck that is Metroid Other M, the Metroid series has been a popular and successful staple of video gaming culture since the days of the first Nintendo Entertainment System. Samus has been a part of the gamer community since day one. A capable fighter, competent explorer, and master of some of the most advanced military-grade hardware in the galaxy. It has even been scientifically proven that Samus could take down Boba Fett. I assure you, that is a proven fact. Just ask the guys on Death Battle.
#4. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)
While Lara has a reputation of being video games first "sex symbol" for understandable reasons, her character has rarely, if ever, allowed that to define her. Lara Croft is a textured three-dimensional character with a relatable personality and a plethora of bad-ass skills. Including rock climbing, weapons & combat training, expert archeological & historical knowledge, and a great deal of internal strength. She has faced off against monsters, survived multiple deadly scenarios, and risen to every challenge thrown her way. Indiana Jones wishes he was as accomplished as Lara Croft.
#3. Aloy (Horizon series)
When I think of a strong female character with a bow & arrow, I don't think about The Hunger Games. My mind goes to Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn. With the sequel game coming out soon, it's fair to say that Aloy has already taken the world by storm. Aloy is compassionate, helpful, an expert hunter, and more strong-willed than anyone else in her world. With a curious mind and precise aim, Aloy will find the truth in any situation, no matter how dangerous or unclear. There is no monster too big or too deadly for her to handle.
#2. Claire Redfield (Resident Evil series)
What do you get when you put a college student armed with a Grenade Launcher in the middle of a Zombie infested city tasked with protecting the life of a little girl she literally just met? You get Claire Redfield. In the original version and the remake of Resident Evil 2, Claire shines through as a genuine powerhouse of a protagonist. In the remake, there comes a moment when Claire discovers that the little girl she's been protecting has become infected with the Zombie virus, and is slowly turning into one of the undead. Without hesitation, Claire assures the little girl she will do everything she can to save her. When the little girl asks Claire why she was so kind and helpful when she didn't really know her, Claire responds with, "Because I care." She is willing to put her life on the line to save a total stranger, literally because it is the right thing to do. You cannot ask for a more genuinely human protagonist than this. I love Claire Redfield as a character so much, come next years FanimeCon, I will be cosplaying as a gender-bent version of Claire in her honor. Also, she likes Motorcycles!
#1. Commander Shepard (Mass Effect trilogy)
There are many reasons to play the original Mass Effect trilogy, and playing Commander Shepard as a woman (FemShepard) is one of them. Players have the option to play their protagonist as a man or a woman. It is one of the many ingenious ways to encourage replayability. As you become engrossed in the experience, you become curious to see how some situations turn out differently when playing as another version of Shepard. I have played through the entire trilogy multiple times, with each playthrough providing a unique experience. Even so, the majority of my playthroughs have been with FemShepard. Not only are the dynamics of the story made more exciting with Shepard as a woman, but her voice actress, Jennifer Hale, delivers a significantly more compelling performance. When playing as Male Shepard, voice actor Mark Meer is fine, but he tends to play his optional dialogue with too much monotone. As if he was trying too hard to make Shepard a blank slate for the player.
On the other hand, Jennifer Hale, as FemShepard, puts an extra amount of conviction in her delivery. Making Shepard play more like an actual character and not just a bland audience proxy. You still feel as though you are the character with your choices, but there is a better sense of immersion with FemShepard. Not to mention, some of the supporting characters will behave around you differently, thereby providing an opportunity to learn something while walking in another person's shoes. This is but a fraction of the many amazing things that make the Mass Effect trilogy a fantastic game series. As far as I am concerned, FemShepard is canon, and nothing will ever convince me otherwise.
Ubisoft, take note. Next time you decide to attack women, pray that renegade Shepard doesn't find you.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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