The Lesbian Fear Effect
I was reading an article at the rather brilliant (and supportive) Destructoid today and something struck me. It wasn’t the happy enthusiasm of the writer as he reminisced fondly about the wonderful characterisation and tough choices in the game he was discussing, or the fact the writer is an apparent Reverend (?!). What struck me was this… if lesbians help sell games, why aren’t there more lesbians in games? The title under review was Fear Effect, a PS1 classic that featured cel-shaded, amoral protagonists and a sequel that featured, you guessed it, a couple of lady lovin ladies.
The comments under the article feature the usual “I liked the sequel for ‘other reasons’”, “I remember it only for the lesbian elevator scene”, I liked Retro Helix better, but only for the lesbians”, “never played the bean flicking sequel” and of course simply “Lesbians!!!”. Sure this isn’t a reason for lesbians in games, it’s annoying! Let’s face it they’re usually there for titillation purposes, but they’re clearly popular, so where the heck are they? I am NOT condoning the use of lesbians and lesbian titillation to sell games to men, what I'm saying is where are they? If they love them so much why are they still mostly invisible. Just a thought.
I feel ya! I think it goes back to the fact that most companies are catering to that early-20's straight white male audience... and that audience doesn't want to see loving, caring relationships. For them, it's all about the nookie! *sigh*
I wonder when we'll be properly represented in positive romantic relationships, yanno?
Posted by: katiegeek23 | January 17, 2008 at 03:24 AM