Okay, let me say this upfront: I’m a huge gaming fan, and I play games to get away from the everyday grind, to dive into these incredible worlds where anything is possible. Lately, however, this trend is really getting to me – the “uglification” of video game characters. It’s not just about not liking the new look; it’s about losing that piece of magic that games used to have. Here’s why I think this is becoming a problem and how it’s affecting our fans
What’s Going On with Character Designs?
Horizon Zero Dawn Aloy is great, but we’ve lost some charm from previous heroines. The fantasy spark isn’t quite there anymore.
With The Last of Us Part 2, The character redesigns felt disrespectful to fans of the original characters. It’s as if they were saying, “Here’s your favorite character, but now less enjoyable to look at.”
I fully support increased representation in games. However, when it feels like characters are deliberately designed to be less appealing just to fulfill a diversity requirement, it becomes more of a chore than a celebration. I understand that we shouldn’t limit ourselves to just one type of beauty, but when every new character design focuses solely on subverting traditional attractiveness, it starts to feel like we can no longer appreciate beauty in games. Some suggest that it’s for the story or the game’s world, but when it consistently leads to characters we don’t want to spend time with, it feels like there’s an agenda at play.
Why Fans Are Upset
I play games to escape to worlds where I can encounter characters that are larger than life. When game developers create characters that are more “realistic” or “less attractive,” it feels like they are removing the magic and wonder of the experience. Increasingly, it seems that games are becoming platforms for social messages instead of focusing solely on fun. I didn’t buy a controller to receive a lecture. Moreover, it’s noticeable that male characters rarely face this kind of treatment. There appears to be a double standard, where female characters are penalized for being traditionally attractive.
I’ve witnessed games that I was excited about receive review bombs or fail to sell well because fans felt betrayed by the character designs. It’s disheartening when something you love divides the community like this. There seems to be a real disconnect; it feels as though developers are making decisions in a vacuum without considering what their fans want from their games. What should be discussions about art and enjoyment have turned into cultural wars. It’s exhausting and detracts from the simple joy of playing a game.
This issue isn’t solely about aesthetics; it’s also about preserving the essence of gaming. As fans, we play for the stories, the characters, and the escape they provide. If developers continue down this path, they risk alienating the very people who love and support their games. We need to have a conversation that acknowledges our desire for beauty, fantasy, and escapism as valid concerns, rather than dismissing them. All I want is to keep the magic of gaming alive.
Written by Czardd