It is no doubt that feminism has permeated every corner of the world and every aspect of our lives. The virtual world of video games – considered to be a male stronghold dominion is no exception. But ever since its inception the general theme of video games have always revolved around the male characters and female characters have been reduced to powerless props of glamour. This has been the sparking point for the debate on the need for female-oriented video games.
When people like Developer Jean-Max Morris of Remember Me came forward to change this and approached publishers with a narrative, it was rejected plainly because it had a female character at the helm instead of a male. Publishers are of the opinion that games with female leads aren’t going to succeed. But statistics concur otherwise, with 48% of gamers being female, there is definitely great demand for feminist video games which is ignored by the majority of game developers.
Trends Spotted in the Gaming Industry
This may be due to the outnumbered presence of women in the gaming industry. Sadly, only 11% of the industry’s game designers are women and a mere 3% account for game programmers. Even if the industry tries to evolve, gamers who identify themselves as anti-feminist are pulling all the stops to not let it happen. The incident when media critic Anita Sarkeesian was stopped from delivering a speech on feminism and video game culture at a renowned university with death threats is a fitting example. Anita Sarkeesian is known for her unabashed YouTube videos placing video games under feminist scrutiny. In an anonymous letter, the university was threatened of the deadliest shooting in the American history that would massacre students if the feminist media critic were to deliver her speech.
Sounds more like the vile video games and their plotlines, doesn’t it? Maybe these guys are threatened about the fact that women and feminism have arrived at the only thing they take pride about themselves. That would definitely be a punch to their inflated egos where they walk around in violent rampage. Despite their protests feminist video games have arrived and are here to stay. Let’s take a look at some of the best feminist video games. Real life games like escape room can also be fund and are increasing in popularity. An like the ones at escape room phoenix are very popluar and gaining nation recognition.
Never Alone
Never Alone, developed by Upper One Games is a side-scroller game that revolves around Nuna, a young tribal girl and how she preserves her tribe’s traditions from extinction with the looming modernisation.
Child of Light
Developed by Ubisoft, Child of Light give classic fairy tales a twist with the story of a princess who for once can rescue herself from danger.
Koi Princess
Not just the video games, slot games have also been considered to be male-focused for a long time. But this anime-themed online slot Koi Princess revolving around a princess is about to change it. With exciting bonus features like Free spins, Wild spins, Coin Spin and the Bonus Wheel, this slot is about to make you live the life of a real princess.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
Feminism has finally got to this game franchise and Lara Croft has evolved from glam prop in slinky outfits to an actual feminist superhero.
The Last of Us
An action-based video game that went on to win more than 200 Game of the Year awards, The Last of Us is a zombie thriller following a teenage girl living in a world among zombies.
Gone Home
This is probably one of the few games that really talk feminism with subjects like sexual orientation and family ties without forcing action combat into the plot.
So grab your gaming consoles and set the feminist spree, you are!