Microsoft’s New Approach to Character Representation in Video Games
With the aim of promoting inclusion and reformulating game norms, Microsoft is advocating for a new approach to the representation of characters in video games. The recent guidelines from the tech giant urge creators to avoid perpetuating supposedly negative gender stereotypes and to rethink the conception of characters, especially female protagonists.
Creating More Inclusive Game Experiences
This is a call to action for the inclusion of new product models. The initiative, titled “Product Inclusion Action: Help Customers Feel Recognized,” presents a set of considerations for creators to ensure that their creations have an impact on a diverse audience. An important point is to avoid female characters with “exaggerated body proportions,” in order to counter unrealistic beauty standards and combat objectification in video games.
This measure is somewhat controversial but aligns with a broader industry trend towards creating more inclusive gaming experiences. In recent years, there has been increased scrutiny of character representation, with creators being criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and supposedly unrealistic ideals. However, there are also recent cases like Stellar Blade, with a slim-bodied character that is captivating the gaming community, and the character actually exists in real life, not an unrealistic ideal.
It is a shift in perspective that comes at a time when Western game creators are actively challenging trends and striving to create more diverse and relatable content. The aforementioned Stellar Blade, for example, has been praised for portraying a heroine based on a real-life model, breaking away from conventional clichés.
Encouraging Diversity and Cultural Authenticity
Microsoft’s stance aims to influence and increase the momentum of the inclusion movement in games, prompting reflection on gender representation, emotional reach, and cultural authenticity. By encouraging creators to rethink character design and adopt diverse narratives, the initiative aims to promote the creation of game scenarios that consider players from all backgrounds. However, it remains to be seen if this is truly what players want in practice.
🟡Wanna know a fun fact before jumping into #NewYear2024 ?? 🧐
In #StellarBlade, our protagonist Eve body figure was actually based on a 3D scan of the Korean model Shin Jae-eun! 🤯🌟@StellarBlade currently has a release window scheduled for 2024, follow us to stay… pic.twitter.com/TsdkCFBviM
— Stellar Blade/ #NIKKE /Destiny Child/ 🙏 + 🎲 = 🍑 (@ShiftUpWorld) December 31, 2023
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