Jubblies, Mammaries, and Boobs: Narratives of Breast Physics in Video Games

• In Event: Cupcakes, Headphones, and Video Games: Explorations in Media Representations of Gender Roles, Sexual Identities, and Sexual Practices

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of breast physics in video games. Also referred to as “jiggle physics” or “breast bounce,” breast physics refer to the animation of a female video game character’s breast in order for it to seem more realistic or more sexually appealing. Given the lack of theoretical and empirical research regarding breast physics, we felt exploratory analysis of breast physics was most beneficial. We chose to perform a textual analysis of video game websites as this allowed us to assess general attitudes toward breast physics and placed breast physics within the narrative of the video game landscape. Analysis reveals that attitudes toward breast physics reflect hypermasculinity, objectification and a patriarchal hierarchy.

Authors

• Ryan Rogers, Marist College

• Carol M. Liebler, Syracuse U