Despite some folks ambivalence towards it, rAge is a pretty damn important event on the gaming calendar locally. It’s the only really big gaming expo we have (read: only expo at all really), and it gives international developers the chance to fly out here, show off their games and get a good sense of our market. It’s also a great time for everyone – serious gamers all the way to casual – to gather and catch up on the months coming. So you’d think that a event like this would need a rather appropriate mascot, right?
I would say so, and so far the past Roxy designs have been pretty decent. Not great, not awful, and certainly not as provocative as the brand new design – set to kick debut at the event later this year – is in comparison.
Let’s get one thing straight though – This new Roxy, from a purely artistic view detached from any social duties, is pretty great. Amazingly detailed, with a top notch representation of classic pin up style, this submission by Caroline Vos hit all the checkboxes the brief was asking for. In fact, looking from the waist upwards, I’d say it is the perfect mascot for rAge as an event. A stronger take on Roxy, that looks like she’s ready to kick some space ass with that blasters of hers.
Things get extremely weird though at the bottom of the picture, and it’s where the design crosses the line in terms of responsible representation. There’s almost no clothing from the waist down – worsened by the fact that Roxy’s legs are entangled in suspiciously manga looking tentacles (which I don’t really need to go into detail about, I think). Local developer Matt Benic, writing for htxt, thinks it’s a step backwards for the entire local gaming industry.
Now looking at that design – which will be used to market the expo via digital campaigns, posters and banners – does it accurately represent the target market of rAge? I like to believe that the gaming community has moved past such things, with a more balanced representation of male and female gamers. It’s no longer a hobby solely attributed to a young, single-male demographic – a time where this design would have most definitely fit in with the rest of the crowd.
Gaming in general is trying to be more understanding of its demographic of players, which is evident from the crack down on overtly sexualised booth babes at most international expos and events. Having this design, not only present, but representative of own home-grown expo suggests that we haven’t yet got to that stage – which I think reflects badly on where our community actually stands on the matter.
It’s almost as if the marketing team behind rAge don’t really understand who their community is anymore, which is why there also doesn’t seem to be any real action being taken to rectify this commission either. As a South African gamer, I feel a little ashamed that the first thing international developers and influencers are going to see about rAge is this new Roxy – especially after they are the ones being pressured from people like us to be more inclusive in the experiences they create.
You could feel completely differently on the matter to me as well, and I invite your discussion in the comments section below. Or you could simply hit the poll below and decide whether you think the new Roxy is fit to represent our premiere gaming event of the year or not. It’s a great design, don’t’ get me wrong – but as a mascot for an entire community, it’s wildly inappropriate.
[interaction id=”55420bb3ca16d6d87fa9c1d2″]Last Updated: April 30, 2015
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:36
No. Simple as. Show some respect, I thought the industry was meant to be making progress, not keeping us in the dark ages.
This is reverse progress (refresh):
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 14:25
I am, actually, speechless.
Axon1988
April 30, 2015 at 15:12
Like I read the text, and was honestly not expecting this. If I were a dad, and my son/daughter was into gaming… Just as I am. One day I would like to pass on my hobbies to my children. So let’s say I have a boy or girl that’s into gaming, just by seeing this picture I would not take them to rAge. Is this an R rated show or a family convention?
I would go for the artists as I know there are some super talented artists who also go to rAge to sell some artwork. And I am all for that. But this is indeed regression and not progress.
Axon1988
April 30, 2015 at 15:36
On another note:
This is really well drawn. And must have taken a lot of work. Just like the previous mascots. They all kind of had the same theme going, with this one being the first in a while to differ itself. Rich vibrant colors and some seriously solid shading.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:50
That’s probably the saddest part, it is actually a very well done piece of art. :/
Axon1988
April 30, 2015 at 15:59
Yeah, this isn’t the artist’s fault. But rather the person who decided that this piece of art is perfect as a mascot for a family focused event.
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 14:55
Well, duh. The whole point of the new ad is to have that 50’s retro-futuristic space-babe. Granted, it’s sort of in poor taste, but I on the other hand like it!
Then again, since you guys are all for realistic representations, why don’t we put a 300-pound woman devouring Doritos and Mountain Dew whilst playing LoL or WoW.
I mean, realism = progress, right? I mean, that WOULDN’T be just pandering to SJWs, right?
I mean it wouldn’t just be bad PR, right?
Sex sells, numbnuts.
Mistake Not...
April 30, 2015 at 13:37
I like it. But since RAGE is a family event maybe it’s slightly inappropriate. Other than that I think it’s just good art, even if you can see some buttcheeks. There’s just a stigma on the gaming community that as soon as there’s even partial nudity or some violence, people go crazy. So maybe this isn’t the best mascot for RAGE.
Mistake Not...
April 30, 2015 at 14:03
Realised it’s rAge and not RAGE. That game disappointed me.
Mistake Not...
April 30, 2015 at 14:04
Here I am replying to my own comments.
“You will have friends some day, son.”
“When, Papa?”
“I don’t know. Some day.”
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:14
[inserts support comment]
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:18
[insert sympathy comment]
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:21
[insert comment about @geoffmurphy:disqus being normal here]
Mistake Not...
April 30, 2015 at 14:37
Aaww. Thanks guys
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:46
Mockrie mockery, is that a visual pun?!
Axon1988
April 30, 2015 at 15:13
[points and laughs] I have many friends! [goes to corner and cries silently]
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 15:33
[inserts another support comment]
Walter
May 9, 2015 at 09:15
Hook up with Chucky. Apparently he’s your friend to the end.
FlintZA
April 30, 2015 at 15:00
In most ways it is good artistically, though some serious criticism can be made of how the artist has turned Roxy into a human pretzel to show her (naked) butt, breasts AND face (mounted atop an oddly long neck) at the same time.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:28
Darnit… Didn’t notice the long neck 🙁 Now I can’t stop noticing it
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:37
*shakes head* Why the fuck won’t they learn?
I know we can’t keep everyone happy but having some semi naked boob flinging space captain as a mascot doesn’t really seem to be for everyone, unless everyone is a prepubescent 10 year old white boy. Last I checked it wasn’t but I’ve been wrong before
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 13:53
I am on the inside, where it counts! 😉
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:54
That’s no way to talk about your mother…
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
You’re FACE it a mom!1
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:19
you forgot tentacle loving
Also. Agree
40 Insane Frogs
May 1, 2015 at 23:49
Actually the new pin-up could do with a few more tentacles…
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 14:57
I love it how you added “white” there. Ya bloody racist.
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
April 30, 2015 at 13:37
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahaha! That is just hilarious!
Why is there even a human representing it? Just make it aliens or something… People suck
Stephan Botha
April 30, 2015 at 13:38
Can we just stop this already? Should we start holding panel sessions with the public for every piece of artwork related to gaming to ensure that it offends no one? This is the kind of thinking that will ruin gaming.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:40
This is a mascot. It represents us ALL as SOUTH AFRICAN gamers. I don’t like it, and I’m not alone. Therefore, it’s not representative, yet NAG thought it ok because “teehee, bum cheeks”? No. The old Roxy was better. In every way.
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:40
*slow clap*
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:41
? The fuck ?
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:42
ie: In agreement
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:42
Lol, so many (read: Admiral Chief) use that sarcastically. Bastards have jaded me. XD
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:59
*slow clap*
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:06
You… You…. GAH!!!!
XD
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:46
*even more slow clap*
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:49
Seven times?
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:52
seven very slow ones yeah
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:07
How the Admiral claps:
http://f2.thejournal.ie/media/2013/05/slow-clap-2.gif
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:13
Nah, too much effort that
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 15:56
What some people miss from this is that the Admiral actually says the word “Clap” each time he claps….
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 14:58
“I don’t like it and a few other people don’t either. We are the minority but since we are the loudest, you should pander to our needs.”
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:40
As a white male it doesn’t offend ^you^. Others might feel otherwise.
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 13:43
Gaming mascots and protagonists have never represented the community with these types of characters. It doesn’t offend me the same way the good-looking meatheads I usually play in games do not offend me.
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:44
Alright, let me put it to you this way. this is a family based event open to all ages. Do you think this imagery is appropriate for kids lets say 6 years old? If you had a daughter, would you think this is a good role model or image for her to look up to, even if it is only for a day?
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 13:49
By that argument we should also ban any representation of any adult games as well. Mortal Kombat had a good showing last year. As did a number of other adult games. Let’s make all the characters little fuzzy aliens and get done with it, right?
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:50
Games come with an age restriction. rAge does not. What is your point, exactly?
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 13:54
That if you want a gaming event show-casing all games you cannot get offended by one kind getting representation. The same goes for the mascot. Currently it represents the majority of people attending the event. White males. As the representation at the event changes, so will the mascot. The previous mascot wasn’t any less sexualised than the current one. Just a little more boring.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
Lol. You should apply for a job at NAG. You’d fit right in.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 13:57
So are you saying that I, as a white male, am represented by a white female in a skimpy (and life-threatening) space suit?
No thank you, rather give me a woman (or a man) in a fullsuit of armour (either medieval or Mass Effect). Preferably with a katana of some kind.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:58
N7 armour Femshep is just so damn awesome
Skoobaz
April 30, 2015 at 14:00
Katana FTW!
ReaperOfSquirrels
April 30, 2015 at 13:51
I believe that most of the “adult” games had age restrictions for accessing the areas… I know Mortal Kombat was one of those.
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 13:52
You’re subverting the issue with a false dichotomy. The issue isn’t games. Games have age restrictions and MKX was cordoned off for last years event.
This does not resolve the issue of the perception of sexism within the industry, if anything this further enforces it. Your attitude of “who cares” is exactly why people get upset. Here I am giving you legitimate real world examples but you can’t defend your view point. Reason being is that you, just like me, don’t know what its like to be objectified and used. This is an issue of equality and representation and I’m sorry but some half naked chick doesn’t for a fuck represent me.
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 14:02
I didn’t say it represents me. My exact point that it almost never does. It’s a fun piece of art that embodies exactly that: fun. Would I be offended if my daughter was told that this represents her. Of course. Exactly the way I would be offended if someone told my son that Kratos from GoW represents him. It’s only a fictional character. Assuming every character in the gaming world has to represent someone implies that somewhere out there someone thinks a pikmin is supposed to be representative of him.
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 14:04
If anyhing Pikmin would have been a better choice for this depiction. And again. I employ you to use reason when deciding whether this image is offensive to minorities or not. Because. It is.
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 14:11
I could care less about whether it is offensive to every minority out there. This has nothing to do with reason, only political correctness. So yes, if you wan’t it completely PC, make the mascot a pikmin-looking character. Then justify it by telling your main audience it is because they are misogynist assholes too entitled with the power of their penises to appreciate the true value of a sexless, boring character representative of nothing. Reason requires logic that says “A is A”, not “A is wrong, so is B, and the same for C. So let’s have nothing instead.”
Daoyi Liu
April 30, 2015 at 15:18
Would other people hurt your son if he was represented by Kratos? Tough crowd, maybe. But it would definitely affect your daughter, and the very culture of a community, when 95% of the time women are represented as mindless sexual creatures with very little clothing on.
Also, the gaming industry is trying to move on and away from being perceived primarily as a pubescent sexual fantasy, but images like these pull us back into the realm of juvenile inconsideration.
On a different note, women and members of alternative and “minority” (as in for now, because of this shit) groups are going to be alienated and marginalized when the gaming community is represented by objects of specifically white male fantasy, as opposed to something that everyone can enjoy equally. Why is this a problem? Because it hurts the industry, it stunts growth, and limits the potential for a wider target audience.
Also, just because we should stop using sexualised women as marketing bait, doesn’t mean that the only thing that remains is Pikmin and nothing.
bitterconduct
April 30, 2015 at 19:57
Is it possible to create a character that appeals to a broader range of the gaming population than the one that rAge has chosen. Of course. Is it necessary to attack every single case of slightly sexual presentations in a game or gaming related subject’s art? No.
You will almost always upset one or another minority group with any properly designed mascot. Getting upset because someone has used imagery that does not conform to your world ideal is your problem and you have a way to deal with this. To an extent my pikmin argument may be exaggerated. But where does it stop? Is the character also alienating non-white races? Does she promote gratuitous violence with the presence of a weapon in the image? Does she encourage bad fashion sense because she’s wearing THOSE boots with THAT helmet?
If you keep trying to get to a point where you try to offend absolutely no-one then soon enough you will be close to the equivalent of nothing. Or art that is empty and devoid of any creativity at best. I personally find this Roxy better than the last because she looks more convincingly like something out of a fun game or retro sci-fi comic book than previous versions. The image has action and movement that previous versions lacked. Is it a little stupid and over the top? I would hope so!
Daoyi Liu
April 30, 2015 at 20:25
Well, the whole point is that “every case of slightly sexual presentation” is essentially EVERY presentation of women in games. This really wouldn’t be an issue if it were simply a rare case where every now and then there’s a weirdly underdressed woman.
But the whole issue is that women are almost ALWAYS presented in a sexual way, and this mascot decision is basically ignoring everyone’s efforts to change that representation.
Also, it really IS possible to create a good mascot that doesn’t offend people, most mascots don’t in fact offend people. The ones that do are A: A mascot that disrespectfully represents an ethnic group, or B: A mascot that disrespectfully represents a gender. Disrespectful in terms of both the mascot itself, and the social context it’s presented in.
Stupid and over the top can easily be done without putting genitals all over it.
Daoyi Liu
April 30, 2015 at 21:34
See, gratuitous violence in gaming hasn’t been shown to affect people in real life, probably because violence is easy to empathize with. Pain and death is pretty clear cut and universal.
However, gratuitous sexualisation or ethnic misrepresentation DOES, by definition, contribute towards the mistreatment and harm of real people in real life.
THAT’S why it’s important. It’s not really the same as fashion sense. It’s basic morality. If someone says you’re hurting them, you stop. It doesn’t matter what your world view is, unless that worldview is “my opinions and pleasures are more important than other people’s actual well being”.
This isn’t about a difference in opinions. This isn’t even about sexiness. This is about the overall representation of women as a whole, and specifically within this industry, and people being negatively affected by that representation in real life.
Daoyi Liu
April 30, 2015 at 22:01
One last point, thanks for reading if you get this far: I too prefer a more active and interesting mascot. Over the top? Sure! For example, She could have been wearing an awesome retro astronaut suit, or a badass mech suit. Or sitting in a space tank. She could have been dodging alien attacks instead of being suggestively wrapped up in slimy tentacles. This is a gaming convention! What does pinup or sexiness have to do with anything, make her a competitive badass! 😀
The goal isn’t to try to please a small handful of people who are offended by everything, the goal is to not deliberately offend an entire demographic. There were so many other, better options that were clearly ignored in favor of making her yet another sexualised female character. Given the context wherein women all over the world are currently saying “listen, please stop representing women this way”, it just makes this decision either willfully inconsiderate, or downright ignorant. It’s not the end of the world, it’s just a crappy choice of mascot, and rAge is getting the consequential criticism for it.
bitterconduct
May 1, 2015 at 11:03
You. I like you. You make a good point.
I personally don’t think that woman are always represented in this way necessarily these days, as a number of developers and comic book publishers have made great bounds to be as inclusive as possible of all races/beliefs/orientations, to the betterment of realism an inclusiveness and, generally, quality. But please still leave us the occasional indulgence in ridiculous and exaggerated characters!
If you are right and NAG has made a bad choice then they should see less attendance at the event. I suspect this might not be the case for any demographic this year, but we’ll see.
Daoyi Liu
May 1, 2015 at 14:24
Ya, there is indeed recent effort being put into representing women more respectfully, and that’s great!
That’s why it would have been so awesome if the new mascot reflected that effort.
Like, they could have made Roxy a fully dressed badass with a space katana, or a powerful gunner winning against all opposition…but they went with this, a prancing sexual creature being felt up by a slimy tentacle…
I mean, I’m pretty sure that indulgence at the expense of others is called sadism.
I wish we could measure this using attendance, but that isn’t really the problem, since rAge attendance isn’t really dependent on the Mascot. It’s more about the message it’s sending to the people who are already attending.
Mah, it’s just really disappointing. 🙁
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:47
The Mortal Kombat booth was inaccessible unless you were a certain age
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 14:59
“Why won’t someone think about the children!”
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 14:59
Okay, SJW spotted. Pressing the big ass red ALERT! button.
Daoyi Liu
May 2, 2015 at 00:07
Aaaand I’m out.
Daoyi Liu
May 2, 2015 at 01:02
Being more thoughtful is not going to ruin the gaming industry. I’m sorry that you’re alarmed by the concept of social justice, Travi. In any case, now that this has become about name calling, I’ll be leaving this conversation.
Kikmi
May 2, 2015 at 13:09
For some one with such a lot of accusations you’ve provided no retort or counter argument, and as with every other senseless troll, Ill just, you know… carry on with my life
Travi the Batman
May 2, 2015 at 14:22
It’s sort of like arguing if a murderer who you saw kill your friend then you accusing them of murdering your friend and them saying “well, you have no proof.”
Anyone can see my points just by reading your comments.
Kikmi
May 2, 2015 at 16:30
lol. What point’s are those? Perhaps you could reiterate them. Us “SJW”‘s have a hard time summarising
Neo#Gamer
April 30, 2015 at 14:00
This is not about art imo. Its about how gaming is represented to public. Rage marketing team can come up with something better than this.
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
April 30, 2015 at 14:10
“Ruin gaming”. Oh dear, GamerGaters are here!! Raise the draw bridge!! Archers stand ready!!!
Stop *what* exactly, pushing gaming out of the puerile, sexist and juvenile box that it’s currently sitting in?
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 15:58
Discusses a piece of art == thinking that will ruin gaming?
Sounds a little alarmist….
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 13:38
http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/stupid_ac995b_2289070.gif
Unavengedavo
April 30, 2015 at 13:39
The moment I saw the announcement I knew every one was going to loose their shit. I like the design of it, but I don’t think it is a wise choice for a mascot
Lord Chaos
April 30, 2015 at 13:39
Here we go again…
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 13:40
Ok, so usually I go off on a rant about who cares and people are honstly too stuck up and heck, I probably could and point out that rAge also has a lot of Anime/Manga influences so it’s a good “nod” to the anime/manga community that end up at rAge as well.
BUT…. This time I won’t. In the current climate of the industry where woman representation is a massive thing, this is very irrisponsible marketing. It’s as if NAG simply is slapping the whole debate in the face and saying “We don’t give a hoot”.
As such a huge driving force behind rAge and with rAge being our only real gaming convention, they need to be a little more understanding and careful of how they approach this topic.
But I do believe I know why they did this… Imagine the coverage this is going to get. Coverage in marketing is king and this… well this is going to blow up. They are going to get coverage they never have before.
That being said I am dissapointed in NAG and allowing this when they must clearly know what the current mood is around things like this.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 13:42
irresponsible*
Other than the minor spelling mistake I think you are correct.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:43
tl;dr
😀
+1
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:26
Your spelling of ‘dissapointed’ is disappointing
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:26
How pointed of you to point that out.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:27
I just had to get to the point
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:28
Well, that’s one sure-fire way of keeping people sharp.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:41
doh
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:42
I sometimes wonder if people know you can get spellcheck for most browsers.
Hell, I even somehow managed to get the spellcheck working in IE.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
yes I am well aware. I’m in Chrome. I usually just right click the word and select the right spelling. Sometimes i just get caried away with my words and forget to stop and check
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
Friends don’t let friends rant without checking their spelling first…
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
Does it not underline the word in red when you misspell something?
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
yes, but I don’t pay attention lol
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
carried*
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:45
Thou art a cruel and heartless individual.
😀
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:46
It’s no small wonder as to why I remain welcome in this domain. 😛
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
#glares
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:00
You know that every time you type that you’re using 7 characters in total, right?
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:29
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:49
I cannot stop smiling at the moment 😀
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
IKR?
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 13:40
The number of people who voted for “No! She looks great. SJW nonsense” is
0% so far……….
http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/download/file.php?avatar=5866_1329636547.gif
ReaperOfSquirrels
April 30, 2015 at 13:48
jumped to 11%
David
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
You can be sick of overly sensitive political correctness nonsense AND still think this picture doesn’t work for rAge…
Kikmi
April 30, 2015 at 16:44
*slow clap*
Pierre Adriaan Du Plessis
May 13, 2015 at 13:33
The irony is that people who are not offended, or who actually likes the image would probably not have bothered to vote at all, so if the figures are supposed to represent public opinion then I feel that they are inconclusive.
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 13:41
I agree with you, it’s an awesome artwork but not as a mascot for a gaming event.
I just asked my colleague what she thinks about it & her first words were, “it’s borderline porn” & she’d be much happier if she was wearing hot pants like Lara Croft instead, because that’s sexier than having her arse on full display.
Alex Gaillard
April 30, 2015 at 13:42
Yeah I saw this in the NAG April issue just yesterday as was really surprised that this would fly in the the face of the ongoing Gamergate debacle. Whether or not I agree with the image itself it kinda seems like a poor choice at this junction.
ReaperOfSquirrels
April 30, 2015 at 13:43
I like the image… just don’t think it’s a good mascot for a family gaming event. It’ll be posted all over the Dome (Which is really too small for rAge, and has been for ages), and there will be all ages wondering around the place.
Umar
April 30, 2015 at 13:43
I don’t think we should compare those alien tentacles to anything found in tentacle hentai, I don’t see anything sexual with it wrapped around her leg and it’s not the type of message we want to send out when criticizing this image either. I don’t think this caters to young males either, it’s got a Bayonetta type vibe, sexy while kicking ass. It’s not appropriate as a mascot though imo, not for any other reason that nothing really stands out or injects any sort of personality into the event. Look at Tokyo Game Show’s mascot, it is immediately recognizable and has a certain level of artisic vision. This just seems like something you would find on DeviantArt with a few NAG magazines slapped on.
http://im.ziffdavisinternational.com/ign_ap/screenshot/default/tgs-girl-2014_r4h1.jpg
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 13:48
The tentacle doesn’t bother me in the slightest, it’s more the short skirt being blown upwards with the ass almost completely exposed that gets to me.
If it was a pair of tight pants I wouldn’t have any complaints.
For reference and research:
http://images.cryhavok.org/d/18526-1/Mass+Effect+Ass.png
Umar
April 30, 2015 at 13:50
Honestly, I have no problem with scant but the design of the outfit is kinda bad. You get sexy scant and then you get skirt so far up your butt it looks painful. I just don’t feel the overall design and outfit isn’t that good.
Umar
April 30, 2015 at 13:51
*isn’t
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 13:52
You were right the first time.
Travi the Batman
May 1, 2015 at 15:05
Yeah, I didn’t hear any outcries in the design of Kratos. Double standards, mate.
Kensei Seraph
May 1, 2015 at 19:28
His is (as far as I know) correct based on both the culture from which he is supposed to originate.
Also, videos and/or pictures of him performing highly graphical kills are not being plastered in a large number of family friendly areas where children are highly likely to see.
Geoffrey Tim
April 30, 2015 at 13:48
I really like the artwork, I think it stands out and shows a sexy, empowered woman. Her choice of clothing is a bit silly though – something like that would likely go all the way up one’s bum – and kicking as in space with something up your bum doesn’t seem like a good way of going about things.
That said, I don’t think it’s at all suitable a mascot for an event. Any event. Not just a family-oriented gaming one.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:51
^This
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 14:35
exposed skin in the vacuum of space doesnt really sound practical, does it?
i think id prefer a space wedgy over that.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:38
I’m glad that I’m not the only one bothered by this.
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 16:04
I believe the piece illustrates the aftermath of said space wedgy…..
Greylingad
April 30, 2015 at 13:50
Looking at the comments so far, I’m sure we’d all agree that this is really some amazing artwork, but the uhm “exposed” butt cheeks thing is a little bit concerning…
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 13:53
Also it falls in the stereotype of posters showing girls with their backs towards you so that they can show the butt.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:53
No, just, no.
If you want people to take you seriously, then take yourself seriously and come up with something WAY better.
This is just silly and wrong. Looks like something that poepsak from ESPN would come up with
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:53
*Colon. Or was it Colin?
Eh, you were right the first time.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:54
And just WHAT exactly is wrong with a nice suit of proper armour eh?
“OH NOES I GOT SHOT IN THE BUTT”
Said NO adventurer ever
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:16
I can picture it now. She’s an older, retired space adventurer. Was forced to retire after being seriously wounded. And when asked where she was shot she says, “Where was I shot? I was shot in the… knee. Yes, the knee.” Because the truth is just too embarrassing.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:17
Bwahahaha.
http://media.giphy.com/media/wVRM3ItKfEsmc/giphy.gif
Glen
April 30, 2015 at 13:54
Definitely agree that it’s not appropriate for the mascot, despite the quality of the artwork. If we want society to see gamers as adults rather than just teenage boys with an anime fetish, we need to move away from this type of thing and focus on being inclusive
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:55
Aye, this is counter productive
David
April 30, 2015 at 13:54
I’m usually for artistic freedom – but this picture only works as a throwback to b-movie exploitation (which is great). It’s not working as the face of a major expo whereby we hope an entire industry gets taken more seriously, as a mature space.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:55
You said it man
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 13:55
In conclusion. The mascot is too “cheeky”
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
Oh you…
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
You, corner, now!
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 13:58
http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lllumr95qg1qd4jmyo1_400.gif
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 14:03
turn the other cheek?
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:05
People who make bad puns (read any pun) deserve to be slapped in the face with a dead fish.
No live fish should be made to suffer like that.
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 14:07
I was just “fishing” for a few laughs…
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:08
You should’ve known people would get all wet about it.
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 14:10
XD
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:12
And they bought it hook, line & sinker.
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 14:33
Congrats, you’re “gillty” by association
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:36
That association is the sole reason he treads these waters.
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:42
Trust you to bring up the ginger’s favourite sea food.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
Eel get to it in due time, don’t worry.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:50
Way to tuna him eh?
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:51
As long as we don’t salmon the beast within him, we’ll be fine.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
I have created several monsters.
http://oi44.tinypic.com/jz78lu.jpg
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:56
That is such an awesome gif 0_0
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:57
It’s my favourite fight scene from any anime to date.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:11
and that anime is?
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:13
Fate/Kaleid Illya Prisma.
There is a second season as well.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 20:47
Oh yeah! That’s the way to break the gamer stereotype! Let’s show what appears to be under age children wearing skimpy bottoms!
SO.MUCH.WIN!
Kensei Seraph
May 1, 2015 at 19:29
They’re called bloomers.
They are an item of clothing that used to be worn for P.E. in Japan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomers_%28clothing%29
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:18
Here’s the full fight (without subtitles) if you want to risk some spoilers.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:21
This… Looks… crazy 0_0
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:23
It’s a spin-off of Fate/Stay Night but set in alternate world where the Holy Grail War never occurred.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:24
Don’t know that either. I need to get these
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:27
I think they’re doing a proper remake of Fate/Stay Night since the original anime was… average and didn’t properly follow any of the storylines from the game.
The game had 3 endings you could achieve and the anime sort of drifted between 2 of
them.
The movie though, that was pretty good and that twist it had in it, I never saw it coming.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:29
awesome
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:00
Agreed! O_O
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:41
I knew I shouldn’t have taken the bait.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:12
I need more fish slap gifs.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_man06esc9g1rwr0kz.gif
Bonus gif:
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/674/446/346.gif
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 14:23
slaan my met a nat vis en smeer jam onder my arms
Orkney Snork Nie, die Oupa!
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:29
To Google Translate!
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:31
Nee man, watse rooinek is hierdie?
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:37
Ek sê jou, volksvreemde knaap daai
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 14:57
My cousins used to call me a sout piel, till I started saying thank you. Then it dawned on them what the implication was.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:31
hit me with a wet fish and spread jam under my arms
Orkney Snork Nie, the Grandpa!
It’s surprisingly readable.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:32
I am, in fact, surprised at how accurate the translation is.
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
Yeah, that is awesome!
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:57
Please leave the kak paper in the kak house!
[read in heavy afrikaans accent]
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 14:33
hahahaha
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:42
Something smells like fish….
Skoobaz
April 30, 2015 at 13:56
Fail, Epic Fail. As a father to be I wish to instill in my boy respect for woman and all peoples. This is just shocking ( to me ). I don’t see any respect for woman being portrayed here, at all.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:01
Congrats, when is the due date?
Skoobaz
May 4, 2015 at 08:18
11 July, very exciting times brother!
Umar
April 30, 2015 at 13:58
What was the initial for wanting to go with retro space pinup though? Besides all the hoohaa, it all just feels weird and out of place and random.
Hammersteyn
April 30, 2015 at 13:58
It looks like they planned a manga for the Jetsons
Neo#Gamer
April 30, 2015 at 14:03
Do we even need a mascot? All the big trade shows don’t have them. What does Roxy do anyways that make her special?
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:04
I would have preferred armour like one of these:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4708353334_f1bdc368db_b.jpg
http://static-8.nexusmods.com/15/mods/208/images/185-2-1391129472.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/0c/43/35/0c4335f48e4b3dec92f80c01f494e426.jpg
http://digital-art-gallery.com/oid/19/r169_457x257_5049_Fnpc_2d_knight_warrior_girl_woman_fantasy_armor_picture_image_digital_art.jpg
Loftus
April 30, 2015 at 14:07
I can just hear some kid asking his parents : ” Mamma /Pappa hoekom het daai tannie nie ‘n rok aan nie? Ek kan haar boude sien. Is sy arm?”
chimera_85
April 30, 2015 at 14:12
Who cares, I don’t
The Sten
April 30, 2015 at 14:28
Offensive no………..unnecessary yes
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 14:33
doesnt really phase me.
new girl promotes cosplay.
old girl promotes gaming.
“does it accurately represent the target market of rAge?”
with the growing emphasis on cosplay at rAge, i think it does represent a element that would often have felt excluded and promotes growth.
its not as all inclusive as the previous girl, but while it is still a gaming convention, gamers don feel excluded anymore.
less to do with sexism in gaming/booth babes and more to do with the current trends in cosplay.
so if anyone wants to take up the whole feminist/sexism mantle, they should be targetting that at cosplayers, rather than gamers.
so in that sense, doesnt involve me in any way at all.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:39
rAge = Really Awesome GAMING Expo.
Cosplay is just a sideshow, it’s still a Gaming expo. This does not represent me, as a gamer, and is not an appropriate mascot.
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
i was neither denouncing or approving the image.
just saying what i see.
it is just a side show, for now.
but it has had a growing emphasis at rAge in recent years and will continue to grow because the event hosters are promoting that growth.
at other events internationally, the cosplayers get as much attention as the games.
heck, at both E3 and PAX last year, the gaming news was so boring and predictable, the cosplay was the most interesting thing about the conventions.
it promotes growth in a scene that is under-represented.
it represents A target market that uses rage as a platform.
I do however think that the current international cosplay scene IS over-sexualised, but that is the cosplayers choice.
if people like Jessica Nigri etc are content with being gaming sex icons, that is their business.
but it does need to be addressed as it is not helping with the stereotypes surrounding women in gaming.
i think it could be better, atleast using it only for the cosplay section, leaving the overall mascot a little more room to be PC / HR friendly.
could even argue that mascots in general are irrelevant. the mascot, both new and old, isnt going to make it any more likely for me to attend.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 14:58
This is a good point overall, but your conclusion nails it. Mascots are outdated, and this particular one really is just feeding the stereotype. I have no issues with art like this, but not as a mascot for the biggest gaming event in Africa. It’s simply wrong.
HvR
April 30, 2015 at 14:35
Stupid mascot, both the old and new. Name, design everything. Totally unforgettable. When hear Roxy first thing I think is female surfing.
What does grind my gears is that SJW will be more butt-hurt over that damn stupid picture than the 9000 women and children that will be raped over the period of rAge.
There is a lot of backward culture changes need in this country, gaming is not in the top 100.
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:36
I wish you were wrong, but you are correct. Sad to think so much abuse is taking place here in SA
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:39
http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/558/957/ea6.jpg
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:41
http://i.imgur.com/VjlEr3e.jpg
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 14:43
Soooooooo… Sparta then?
http://media.mensxp.com/media/content/2013/May/1369381669_38027.jpg
Admiral Chief
April 30, 2015 at 14:43
Hehehe
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 14:43
lol – that Spider-Man!
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 14:44
There would likely be a lot less crimes caused by straight male supervillains.
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 14:59
batmans outfit looks HIGHLY impractical.
how is he supposed to be the night if he’s not wearing any clothes?
and where does he get the time to work on his tan?
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 14:55
It is kind of ironic that I hear all these cries for gaming to grow up, and yet, when gamers are presented with the first piece of mature art to come their way, they whine and cry and moan worse than a baby in a pooped up diaper.
And crowing on about how gaming should grow up. It is kind of funny then, if I think about how it’s okay if we get a game like South Park, or even the show, and we are all okay with let’s be honest here, immature humor to the worst degree.
But heaven forbid, a drawing of a woman, with maybe a little too much skin exposed come our way.
That is wrong.
It is Evil.
It is oversexualising women.
It must be cast into the pit of all hell.
The best design then, I suppose, would be a nun. Or better yet. A dog. No. Wait. That animal is nekkid!
And honestly, comparing the tentacle up the leg to something scaly? Only in your mind, dear author. Only in your mind.
FlintZA
April 30, 2015 at 14:57
This doesn’t represent growing up at all, grown up would be representing women as more than a pinup for adolescents to drool over. Grown up != Adult Entertainment.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:02
This.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:00
I don’t mind the tentacle or the exposing clothing.
What I do mind is that this image will be used to promote the top gaming event within South Africa and is likely to be seen by thousands of people both locally and internationally.
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 15:00
What is the point of the art work?
What does it say to the, and I hate to do this, majority? Is there a message?
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 15:02
“Hi, this is rAge and we encourage cosplay. Jessica Nigri-Sama, please notice us.”
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:04
And would it be that bad if we get a Cosplayer like Jessica Nigri to grace our shores?
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 15:08
not at all, it wasnt really a negative.
to me, thats exactly what the new mascot says.
cosplayers need more representation and Im fine with that.
I just think there are better options.
my thoughts on the over-sexualisation of cosplay can be seen further down the page.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:01
The thing is each seperate game is a personal choice. South Park? You can choose to buy it and play it. It’s not representative of the industry as a whole.
The whole idea behind rAge is that it represents ALL forms of gamers and as such a mascot needs to be just a little more than showing the world gamers are all teenage boys growing up in a basement.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:03
So, if rAge represents ALL forms of gamers, why am I, that can look at a woman, go “Hm Gorgeous woman,” and move on with my life then not allowed to be represented. But the fact that there is this big hoo-ha about the poster goes to show that there are still a lot of gamers out there that cling to that age old belief that, the only thing a woman in a tight/slightly revealing outfit is good for, is a quick bonk in the sack!
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:06
That is exactly the problem.
People look at this and while they may “move on with their lives”, they then question the other people who “cling to that age old belief” and just assume that anyone gathering under such a banner (anyone at rAge) will be one of those other people who “cling to that age old belief”.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:47
So, help me out if I do not understand: Because there might be a few people that think we cling to that age old belief, we should rather not do it?
Look, I am all for equality and all that. And growing up. But this selective crucifiction of certain artwork needs to stop. I can almost bet you that Geralt is going to bed his fair share of women in the Withcer 3. Will we have the same outcry about the sexualising of women in that game?
Nope. I do not think so. Because it be a AAA game, a darling of the gaming world.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:56
No, because it carries an 18 age restriction. The audience is intended to be 18+ ONLY. 5 year olds attend rAge. I wouldn’t let my child play The Witcher, and I certainly wouldn’t let them watch porn or adult-themed imagery. rAge is now represented by a very adult-oriented mascot, one that’s not even tasteful or relevant. It’s simply not ok.
Imagine rocking up at a primary school with the latest issue of Hustler and telling the kids to study it because they need to “grow up as people”. That’s a one-way ticket to prison. Why is it ok when it’s a drawing, and related to a gaming expo that children DO attend?
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 16:04
You understimate children my friend. Despite what you think, a child is not going to look at that picture and have his world come crashing down. They are tough little bastards, and they most likely, have their attention gripped not by the scantily clad girl on the banner, but by the latest and greatest Disney Infinity game they can play with.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 16:05
Having an 8 year old child myself, I KNOW how impressionable and curious they are. Asking questions, finding out about things. There’s a time when they are mature enough to be exposed to things like this, but it’s not when they’re 8, let me tell you.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 16:13
Now, just answer me this: And again, not trying to pick a fight with you or anything. How do you monitor what your child sees and experience at rAge? A lot of games these days are not suited for kids. That I can agree with.
So, using your argument, why then even take your kid to rage, if the content of the stuff on display is not going to be suitable for him?
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 16:21
Because I can take him to the Disney or Nintendo booths, but when he says “Daddy, can I go look at that game?” (dark souls, whatever), I simply say no, and direct him to something else instead. Have you ever attended a rAge? It’s really easy to walk with your child, stay with your child, and have a good time, in 100% kid-friendly booths, with little to no exposure to sexual or mature content.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 17:50
Well I imagine there would be said crucifixion if videos of Geralt bedding women were prominently shown in a large public family arena such as a park, a mall or a convention centre while hundreds of people, including children, are expected to attend.
Or if those video were shown as one of the primary forms of advertising for The Witcher 3 on various websites, billboards, TV adverts, etc.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 20:32
So… what you are saying is that it is okay to show women being bedded and all that, just as long as it is not done so in public/where children cannot be affected by it? OK. Fair enough. I am not going to display my collection of Playboy magazines when my brother’s kids are visiting.
But then, if depicting women in a state of undress when young eyes are not present is okay (in video games), then that kind of nullifies the whole argument of we are up in arms because of fair representation and so on and so forth.
Ranting Raptor
April 30, 2015 at 15:08
No dude. You are missing the whole point.
In the gaming industry at the moment there is a big push for more inclusion with woman. Now agree with it or not, it’s a very current and very sensitive topic for many. You might not be affected or care, neither am I affected or really care as I believe a lot of it is blown out of proportion, but there are those that do and are affected.
This has nothing to do with how we view woman but all about what is currently happening in the industry. This is like a slap in the face for the current issues and NAG going “well we just don’t care”
As a representive organisation organising a representative expo, they should very much care.
I don’t look at the image and go HGHHHNNNNNNNNNN. No. I think it’s an amazing piece of artwork and really cool as a pin up image with a retro gaming twist and anime elements to boot. It’s a fantastic piece of work.
But for a big event like rAGe? And being a actual mascot? No. It’s not ok for that. It completely goes against the whole movement of the industry trying to be more inclusive of woman. For an organistion like this, it’s not healthy or professional to do so.
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 15:09
Time and place should also be a factor here. I will defend your right to see what imagery you want, as I will equally defend the right of the mother of the 10 year old to try and prevent her son from being exposed to this. This is not about games for me, but far more fundamental than that.
After all, I have seen a lot of cosplay pics, most are not this cheeky.
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 15:18
you clearly arent subbed to Beatdownboogie or MLZ studios on youtube.
there is ALOT of cheeky cosplay at these kinds of events. (alot of legit good stuff too though)
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 19:53
well, no! Just see pics around, but I do search Google once in a while
waewest
April 30, 2015 at 23:21
kids should know about sex from a young age. I was given a kid-friendly “where do I come from” video to watch when I was five. sorted me out and I wasn’t left curious with awkward parents not sure how to answer questions. I also was only allowed to watch adult rated movies if they had sex in not violence because my mother felt exposing your child to violence was far more damaging psychologically than sexual content. To put so much emphasis on sexuality is dangerous. its natural. I still dont get what all the fuss is about. I grew up with She-ra and he-man and all their characters would be classified as sexualised (their outfits were just as revealing) by default given the comments about this poster…
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 15:02
What’s really ironic is someone thinking this is a “first piece of mature art” when it’s an all too familiar type of art work said to represent all gamers.
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:03
I don’t think he can hear you over the sound of his *fap fap fap fap*… :/
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:06
No. I have, fortunately grown up. I can look at a girl, even a naked one without dropping my pants and having to masturbate furiously.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:08
Now why do you seem to assume that those of us who are against this picture representing rAge are so childish?
(I’m also making an assumption so I’m being hypocritical but I’ve come to terms with this long ago)
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:14
I was referring to Pariah’s fap fap fap comment.
Kensei Seraph
April 30, 2015 at 15:15
Yeah, after rereading his comment I understand where you are coming from.
My apologies if I was insensitive/arrogant/etc.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:16
No problem. 😛
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:12
LoL. Look, I have not been living under a rock. I know this is not the first piece of art that display women in this fashion.
I was more referring to timing, if I can put it like that. We cry for maturity, but cannot act mature.
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 15:13
I think I get your point.
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 15:24
That’s true, but (pun intended)… part of maturity is behaving responsibly. In this instance I think they’re behaving irresponsibly, and immaturely, by choosing this as the mascot for the event. Especially given the prominent criticism art work like this has been getting for use in the gaming industry over the last while.
i think it’s a really good piece of art, but for the intended use it needs to be less sexualised. Like my female colleague said, hot pants would have been a much better choice.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:43
But why should an artist bend over backwards because of negative, or as you put it, prominent criticism?
Shouldn’t art kind of be challenging the status quo?
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:47
Art, yes. Mascots for huge, international events like this? No. And it’s just re-enforcing the terrible stereotype we’ve had to endure for years as gamers, not challenging the status-quo. This IS the status-quo, as per non-gamer public perception.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:52
So you are more worried about what some passerby (who might not even give two poops about you) think about you?
Please. I am not attacking you. I just cannot fathom the mindset.
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 15:49
This IS the status quo, it’s not challenging anything. And no one’s complained about the artist, I haven’t seen anyone in the comments complain that it’s not a good piece of art. We’ve complained about the people who commissioned it for its use for the rage mascot, for which it is unsuited (again, pun intended).
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 15:51
XD @ the pun.
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 15:53
No. The status q
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 16:00
Sorry. PC troubles on that last comment.
The Status Quo today is that something like this is wrong. Look at the comments of this article. I am the only one here, challenging the vox populi at the moment. The rest of them all is going No it is bad! 🙂
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 16:05
You’re honestly going with “you’re the status quo by trying to change the status quo”? No. ;P
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 16:15
Am I going to be so wrong in saying that? Look, I have never been one to follow the crowd. And this, to me, is kind of proving my point that the crowd is yelling about wanting to be part of a society that is more mature, but not willing to be mature themselves.
waewest
April 30, 2015 at 23:11
I’m with you here. I also agree that it is about maturity. If kids are taught not to view sexuality in a negative light (and its not really appropriate to prance around in a thong in public unless if its your job) then all they will see is beautiful art. I had the same issue in grade 9, when I was bought a Boris Vallejo book and my family made me take it back to the store because the imagery was “too sexual”. Yet all I saw was beautiful work. There is a difference between sexuality and sensuality too. Sexual imagery, would be bordering pornographic and explicit. The image is more sensual and playful than sexual.
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 16:29
Got nothing to do with the artist imho.
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 16:24
I agree with you about the tentacles part, I think Zoe was really stretching things there. however you do seem to have missed the whole part about where this picture is going to be used and who will be viewing it.
I think we should be considering those things…
Gavin Mannion
May 2, 2015 at 12:00
I see tentacles… but either way it was Alessandro who wrote the article 🙂
Sageville
May 4, 2015 at 11:17
Apologies
Neo#Gamer
April 30, 2015 at 14:59
Why do we need a mascot for rAge anyways? All of the trade shows I know dont use mascots. Whats Roxy’s connection to rAge?
Matthew Holliday
April 30, 2015 at 15:23
nostalgia.
rAge has always had a mascot.
there would probably have been as much of a riot if they had simply removed the old one.
Chule Gcanga
April 30, 2015 at 15:20
Agreed Alessandro, it’s not appropriate. lets not forget Children attend Rage. What message is this giving little girl gamers, maybe the gamer women might (assumption, emphasis on the might!) not mind but this is over-sexulized. This should not be the image of rage.
With that being said. Seems like you might be into Hentai Alessandro,
Iv’e got 50 Gigs of uncensored Hentai for you if you want.
Sageville
April 30, 2015 at 15:53
I’d just like to make just one point:
The brief for this piece was: ” to create Roxy with a classic retro space pinup feel.”
I felt the artist hit the nail exactly on the head, that’s a perfect interpretation of the requirement.
As such onus or any criticism rests with Rage, not the artist herself.
Blood Emperor Trevor
April 30, 2015 at 15:57
Korrek!
Pariah
April 30, 2015 at 16:03
And it’s done so bloody well too. As a piece of art, it’s exquisite. Sad that it was for rAge.
FlintZA
May 2, 2015 at 11:25
Yup, the problem is not at all with the artist (well, except for the distortion of the human form to show off as many assets as possible at once), the blame lies solely with NAG for issuing a brief like that in the first place.
Stan Smith
April 30, 2015 at 17:15
It looks terrible. Why even replace the old one?
Dutch Matrix
April 30, 2015 at 20:44
I am hereby officially requesting that Lazygamer remove all and any traces of Mortal Kombat X from their site. My little 7 year old cousin walked into the room, saw Scorpion with those beady white eyes of his, got freaked the shit out and now my sister got hell trying to get the young brat to sleep.
He fears the white eyed monster is going to come out of the closet and murder him in his sleep.
From now on, Lazygamer, in the interest of children having nightmares everywhere, should only henceforth, display adds that are child friendly, display content that will not induce sleepless nights or allow my children, those of my brother, sister, dad, uncle, aunt in fact the whole damn planet, to get scared the shit out of them.
Thank you. That is all.
Brady miaau
April 30, 2015 at 22:01
I wish I could refute your argument. That is silly Dutch, you are taking it to the extreme Dutch. But are you? Nah, not really.
I think the main difference is the purpose. Rage says, this here mascot represents our views (agree or disagree with them, I care not) – whether they intended that or not – while the advert, that has quite frankly gotten me to spend less time on this site, is a paid for plant, that the reasonable person (not man, right? 🙂 sigh) could see is an advert. A mascot is a bit different. None of this refutes your point made here.
Gavin Mannion
May 2, 2015 at 11:59
The logic is flawed because the MKX background is paid sponsorship so if you hate it go rag on Warner Bros and secondly it doesn’t represent LG at all.
But most importantly is this site isn’t advertised as a family friendly site while rAge is specifically advertised as family friendly.
Dutch Matrix
May 2, 2015 at 13:27
I tried telling my cousin that it was only paid for advertising, and that it does not represent LG at all. And that LG is not advertised as family friendly. (even though I see no disclaimer to say exactly just that)
Guess what? The kid is still not going to go to bed easy tonight.
waewest
April 30, 2015 at 21:44
I’m sorry but there are so many games that are far worse than a little bit of sexuality coming out in this poster. Gamers attending rage should know well enough about the birds and the bees by this stage in their lives. To sensor things like sexuality actually takes us backwards as a society. Violence in games is far worse than a poster like this. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this image and I am a female gamer and comic book enthusiast. I also design lingerie and novelty clothing for a living due to my love of costume design which stemmed from the scantily clad female characters that I was obsessed with when I was 12 and bought my first issue of X-men. I really don’t think this is an issue, any kids attending rage should be old enough to know about sex, so your argument of it being a family event goes out the window. You guys are starting to sound like community college in community (tv series for those who don’t know what I am talking about) in the end their mascot looked like a freak because they were trying to design something that would be the least offensive thing to avoid all the criticism from a society that has become so overly sensitive that it sensors itself. Most importantly as a woman I don’t think it is offensive. It’s hot. I can’t believe the gaming industry is this lame to start jumping on the feminism band wagon. We are better than this. Women who are actually independent do not have a feminist chip on their shoulder like this. They just get on with it and get stuff done. We don’t make excuses of why we can’t do something because its a boys club blah blah. BTW the clothing industry used to be one of the biggest boys clubs and look, here I am with 3 businesses in it, all because I just worked hard and worked with the right people. So no, I really don’t get this argument. To clarify, the tentacles are from a space alien. That is how they depicted aliens in retro art. If you recall in Simpsons, they are also shown with tentacles. not everything has an innuendo in it. Unless if you are searching for it.
waewest
April 30, 2015 at 22:49
further to my essay of a comment earlier, another option to include ALL preferences in the gaming community, IF you absolutely must find fault with it being a “white sexualised female character with very little clothing on” then a way around this for future is that EVERY yr the character is rotated to fit a different genre of gaming. So every year, the mascot isn’t just Roxy, it becomes interpretations of gaming categories so that it includes all groups at some point or another. People could even submit their own options/art as suggestions in a contest drive. Just something of a constructive solution rather than all of us arguing with each other. Your opinion is not mine. Mine is not yours. So this may be better way to approach future mascots?
Cyberats
May 1, 2015 at 20:02
It’s just going Tentacle PORN…. I wish…. it’s just Weeaboo Teen Angst and more of it for those that did not join the club already.
Cyberats
May 1, 2015 at 20:08
All Glory to the Hypnotoad !
40 Insane Frogs
May 1, 2015 at 23:23
Dear Zeus’ flaming balls, please don’t let the social justice retards ruin Roxy too! Nothing makes those faux-care assholes happy. Just this weekend I read an article where SJ retards were moaning about how introverts are apparently victims to extrovert “social privilege”.
I mean seriously, it’s ridiculous.
Peter Pan
May 4, 2015 at 08:50
Don’t like it. Sorry. Give her a short and/or tight skirt or something if you want to “show some feminine curves”, and kill the tentacles, and then you’ll have a great mascot
Francois Knoetze
May 4, 2015 at 09:24
Well It actually doesn’t look all that bad. Sure the tentacles would make everybody steer towards “hentai” if the mind permits. but its actually a cool piece of art. Think People in general have become to overly sensitive about everything and now its “shield your eyes son! Its a womans bum and legs” GHASP! are we back in the dark ages? I know women in gaming are over sexualised in general and people want to move past this but for now isn’t this still a good representation of gaming in itself? 80’s space pin up girl? Harley Quin from the archam games and even Injustice is still sexualised and nobody complained. Anyway you are going there for the expo not for the poster. Cos play women with cleavage all over, booth girls etc. the damn show will still be sexualised none the less. making a poster of a “fictional character” back to the original bec people are offend over a piece of art seems redundant. give the artist some cred and move past the gasping and over sensitivity. Go and enjoy the show dammit!
Deceased
May 4, 2015 at 12:42
Sooo … Alessandro … Do tell us how tentacles and manga-girls relate?
Michelle
May 4, 2015 at 13:21
Is that a tentacle???
We all know what tentacles mean when there’s a girl involved.
Old Roxy is better,the new one looks like…..not acceptable.
Pierre Adriaan Du Plessis
May 13, 2015 at 13:30
My thoughts on this matter…
The outfit is slightly (SLIGHTLY) inappropriate for family friendliness, but is it sexist? I figure that…
– a single image of a
– fictional person in
– fictional fashion
– with references to past artistic cultural trends
….is not an implicit proof of either prejudice, oppression, exploitation or discrimination.
The outfit was altered so as not to offend the parents and I can see the wisdom in that, but further than that I wish people would just calm the heck down. All of this “sterilization” is feeling toxic to me.