Play Mechanics of Sexy Female Characters in Video Games

• In Event: Beyond Lora: Female Gender in Games

Abstract

Video games are often criticized for their depictions of female characters. As graphics have gotten more sophistication, character models have grown more detailed, and developers have pushed the boundaries of sexualization. While previous research has shown that female characters are sexualized at far greater rates than males, researchers have not focused as much on how sexualized female characters actually play. This paper studied the game mechanics behind popular, sexy female characters to uncover a more holistic view of how these characters operate in their game worlds. This project analyzes the appearance, outfits, and movement of female characters, character attributes, and ways in which games both empower and disempower female characters and the player. By taking the focus off appearance and putting it on game mechanics, this perspective reveals that female characters are more nuanced and empowering than they are often given credit for.

Keywords: body image, empowerment, game mechanics, gender roles, sexualization, video games, women

Author

• Dennis Frohlich, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania