Female Representation in Videogames

Men and women are represented quite differently in videogames, and a common representation of women in videogames is that they are shown to be overtly sexualized. There seems to be much emphasis placed on how a woman looks in the game rather than how a man looks. I order to understand why this is, I chose to research two videogames, Golden Axe and Streets of Rage, to see how the women in each were depicted. After studying what they looked like physically and what their gaming strengths were, I analyzed what others said about the game. Furthermore, I researched why women are shown in such a manner and what it says about women in the videogame world. Finally, I proposed a couple ideas on how to show women in a more positive light by diverting the attention away from their looks and more towards their personal strengths.

Golden Axe
In this side-scrolling hack and slash videogame, Tyris Flare is the female avatar. Tyris is the sword wielding Amazon woman who sets out to avenge her fallen parents who were killed by the villain Death Adder.

Tyris Flare (starts at 0:07 seconds)

Tyris has long hair and a muscular physique. She wears a rather small, red and white bikini with knee-high red boots. One of the reasons I chose Tyris as a character to study is because of this depiction. While it may seem trivial in that she is shown this way, it was clear in my research from fan posts to message boards that her appearance was an important part of the game to players. One fan commented that he loved the game, but the best part was being able to pause so many times on Tyris' backside, claiming it to be "classic." In another online posting of Tyris' personal qualities, a game reviewer quoted her as having "average strength, strong magic capabilities, and strong sex appeal." What was important to note was that nothing was said about the other two character's sex appeals, both being male avatars. The fact that people are indeed making comments about something like her appearance, which has no correlation to her gaming ability, suggests that this is an integral part of her character's appeal.

Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage is a side-scrolling beat-em up game where three ex-cops including Adam Hunter, Axel Stone, and Blaze Fielding, set out to battle the evil villain Mr. Ex and his cronies that are trying to take over the city. One of the main avatars the player can choose is female judo expert Blaze Fielding. Although Blaze is much weaker than the other two male avatars, she jumps higher than Adam and moves faster than Axel. Her attacks also have the longest range and her body slams and throws cause the highest damage.

Blaze Fielding

Blaze seems to have no apparent significant sex appeal in the way she is depicted. She is mostly covered with no exposure of the breasts, buttocks, or midriff. These are the body parts in which researchers have found to be where most of the attention is paid in terms of female avatars. Thus, it could be said that Blaze Fielding truly represents a positive image of how females are shown by the lack of attention that is paid to her body and more attention focused on her strengths as a character.
However, in contrast to Blaze, one of the female enemies in the game that is depicted in a highly sexualized manner is Nora. Nora, according to Sega creators themselves, is part of a "questionable members-only club where everyone calls her 'Queen'."

Nora (appears at 2:18)

Shown with thigh-high red boots, a tight body-suit, and a whip, and given her description, Nora is clearly meant to represent a prostitute. Although none of the male enemies are given descriptions or depictions that relate to being a "pimp", it is important to note that the only female enemy is. It is as if the message trying to be sent is that criminal females can only be criminal if it has something to do with using their body. Unlike the males who are given descriptions as "minion," "punk,"and "ninja," Nora is the only one who is given a criminal job that relates to sex.

Both Sides to the Argument
On the one hand, games like Golden Axe and Streets of Rage perpetuate the idea that women are to be seen in the videogame world as sexualized objects of desire despite their strengths. By putting female avatars in certain outfits that emphasize particular body parts and by giving them descriptions that relate to their sexuality, the idea that women are still inferior to men is maintained. Videogames are a male dominated genre; the designers are mostly men, and those who consume videogames are mostly men. Therefore, it is not unlikely that this is why this representation of women exists.
However, there is an opposing side to these representations. Despite the physical appearances of these characters, Golden Axe and Streets of Rage place women in dominant, powerful roles. They allow women to be shown as fighters and avengers rather than just trophies and objects to be obtained.

Possible Solutions
One way to overcome this way of portraying women in highly sexualized ways is to have more female videogame designers. Having a female giving insight on how to portray women more realistically would help to overcome these overtly sexualized versions of female characters. Also, having games where more female avatars are options for play will boost female representation in videogames. Most of these games are not only played by males, but feature males; the male gender in practically all videogames outnumbers the female gender. By giving the player fewer options to choose between male and female, female player use will be more highly encouraged. Finally, more female avatars should be given characteristics that some feel only apply to men. Most female characters are given other strengths to make up for their lack of physical strength, such as agility, potion power or fatal weapons. Giving female characters more physical strength will also increase their desire to be used more in the game. After all, anything is possible in a videogame.