Crytek have caused a bit of an Internet storm at the moment with the release of the character skins that the west will be using when they join the absolutely mammoth Warface that currently has over 7 million Russian players.
Now it doesn’t take much to see their points, here is the male version of the Rifleman.
Looks perfectly acceptable. He’s not overly muscular for a soldier and is wearing the appropriate headwear. Now we take a look at the female version.
Far more skin being shown, is that make up? Oh and if you look carefully you can see that her top doesn’t reach her pants. But hey it’s not that bad right?
Well here is the male sniper
Again he’s got the camouflage style and all the goodies you expect. Then you get the female one.
Thankfully they gave her a hood but they really could have given the poor lady a top that fitted at least.
So it isn’t surprising that parts of the Internet are up in arms and in response the developers had the following to say.
The skins we’re showing right now are the skins that basically came out of our Russian region. They’re not what our players at first requested in the Russian region. They tended to be considerably more extreme that what we ended up shipping with.
Apparently at first the requests were to have the ladies in high heel shoes and less clothing which they decided were totally ridiculous. However he goes on to say the Chinese skins are also different
We leaned a little Russian in these characters but we’re doing another set of characters for our Chinese market, for example, and those are leaning in a different direction. It’s interesting to see they are also somewhat unrealistic as compared to the males but differently than the Russians. […] You look at the Chinese models and they’re also disproportionate but in a way that’s more… Chinese? I don’t even know what language to use for that but they’re different.
So basically the huge player base asked for these modifications and they got stuck between pleasing their customers and keeping things on the right side of seedy. I get that, personally I think the cleavage is just too far and they really should have covered their ladies up but I get that they want to keep their business alive.
What I don’t get is the Wired journalist’s next question
Are you tempted to say, that’s not right — we’re going to do it our way and you either get on board with this or you take your misogynistic views elsewhere?
It’s not misogynistic. For all that is holy people stop using this word where it doesn’t apply. It doesn’t make you seem any more intelligent.
Misogynistic means to hate women, it’s Greek origin literally means
Greek misogynia, from misein to hate + gyn? woman
This is not hating women; this is being sexist and objectifying women, not hating women. There is a vast difference.
Is it okay to objectify women? Well yes, to the same extent that men are objectified. It’s human nature and in certain circumstances there is no problem with it. Doing it in a workplace or general public is absolutely unacceptable while ogling over a stripper is acceptable from both genders.
Is it okay to be sexist? No, judging someone on their gender, race, creed or shape is not acceptable and should be called out and stopped.
Last Updated: October 11, 2013
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Admiral Chief of Rivia
October 11, 2013 at 13:31
(facepalm)
RapturedMossel
October 11, 2013 at 13:34
lol as I was looking at the last image I thought to myself: damn thats not realistic at all! Then I saw you named it: not realistic!
TiMsTeR1033
October 11, 2013 at 13:36
What is wrong with a lil titties on display! They trying to keep things fresh, that’s all!
Vampyre Squirrel
October 11, 2013 at 15:03
It just reminds me of the armor in WoW… surprised it’s called armor and not a swimsuit.
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 15:09
Hey man! Guess what, looks like we are getting some money from Rockstar! 🙂 http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/51565/grand-theft-auto-online-half-a-million-gta-stimulus-package-this.html
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 15:21
OH SNAP! I’m going to spend it all on hookers, crack and upgrades to my car. Who the hell needs an apartment anyways. 😛
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 15:46
Yes my children, the Southern Massives offer many rewards http://www.jonathanrosenbaum.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/aceventura-animals.gif
Vampyre Squirrel
October 11, 2013 at 15:58
Would help if you could spell our crew’s name…
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 16:46
Don’t judge me! I’m the *hick Leader, I am neva wrong *hick you nunderstand!?
Vampyre Squirrel
October 11, 2013 at 15:30
Sweet! Can get my apartment and xtra garage! 🙂
#IloveyouRockstar!
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 15:10
Tits on display is fresh? Where do you live, in a nunnery?
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 15:28
Said nunnery, also know as “Hooters”, also fresh.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 15:16
It’s been proven that for female characters the less you wear the more your defense stats are buffed!.
Natty Dave
October 11, 2013 at 17:37
i’m to busy staring at boob’s to not notice bullets or axes flying at my head aka defense.
Grant Hancock
October 11, 2013 at 13:38
Not that I agree with female characters getting the teenage-dream treatment and the male characters not … but that female sniper is über sexy with that lil hoodie thing
My opinion… can have sexy female player skins, but then male skins should look like 80’s action heroes (Rambo, JCVD, Arnie etc.)
Airborne
October 11, 2013 at 13:45
Agreed! When the start stripping down the females, it seems wrong on so many levels, but it does get the testosterone up, and the only way to bring that down, is to show more beef. If a game prides itself of realism, then it should be across the board, dammit…
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 13:41
BOOBS! I must have this game now!
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 13:46
Beiber has no BOOBS!
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 13:50
I googled this Beber person, but all I got was pictures of people drinking water. So we’ll rely on your expertise in this matter!
ElimiNathan
October 11, 2013 at 13:42
Gosh really ? Who cares !? I think they look great!
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 13:45
I don’t think it would’ve had the same reception with the men wearing shirts that don’t go down to their pants and exposed chests.
Airborne
October 11, 2013 at 13:46
I dont htink that anyone would give a toot, provided that the game rocks!
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 13:49
Nah. I agree. I mean, just look how some of the guys on games like Tekken are dressed, and this game does look interesting…
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 13:56
It would be popular in Mediterranean countries.
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 13:46
Wow, epic fail there people. 2013 and this shit is still going on?
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 14:58
You went maximum White Knight right there.
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 15:05
Oi, that’s Maximum White 9000+ Knight beatch.
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 15:12
Over 9000!!!!
I’m out!
NecroRince
October 11, 2013 at 15:13
Don’t let the door hit you on your way! *wipes thumb across nose “my work here is done” Jumps onto broom, and giddiups on his way.
Johan Fourie
October 11, 2013 at 13:51
¬_¬
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 13:54
What I find appalling is that no one has brought up the obvious. I’m going to assume they’re all so distracted by breasts (BOOBS!) that they haven’t noticed she’s called a rifleMAN. Shocking!
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 13:59
I was staring at that for a moment and then forgot about it.
If the male rifleman had a short-sleeve shirt on and just a beret, then they wouldn’t have looked that dissimilar.
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 14:20
Really?
You actually find the use of the word “Rifleman” as opposed to “Riflewoman” to be
appalling? Really?
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 14:35
I thought my sarcasm was pretty clear :/
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 14:54
You didn’t use Sarcasm Font dood!
Plus you know I take everything you say as gospel truth, has my trust been misplaced? Are you saying I shouldn’t use you as my moral compass any more?
Say it ain’t so Trevor, say it ain’t so…..
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 11, 2013 at 14:58
Don’t make me choose between honesty & having a faithful minion lol
Vampyre Squirrel
October 11, 2013 at 16:00
sarcasm font
B4d R0b0t
October 11, 2013 at 14:02
Dumb,
That Israeli Solider in World War Z who got her hand hacked off by Brad, that was a believable character in so far as females as combat soldiers go. Guess it’s right, they have over 50% females in the IDF.
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 14:05
Dude. Call spoiler first.
Sounds interesting though…
B4d R0b0t
October 11, 2013 at 14:19
they all die, it’s a old film now. sorry mate 🙁 feel sorta bad but yea, they all die
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 14:24
You’re an evil evil man.
Lord Chaos
October 11, 2013 at 14:26
And the book is even older and better.
Downloadable content John
October 11, 2013 at 14:40
Ah, but you forget the age old saying that an old book is a new book to someone who hasn’t read it yet.
boet
October 11, 2013 at 14:52
Even a small spoiler is still a spoiler. Seriously weak stuff.
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 14:16
Personally I don’t see any issue from my raw male perspective.
That being said I believe most males have been socially conditioned to find these images abhorent (even when deep down inside we do like them).
Such is life.
Any man that says he’s insulted by such imagery is in fact lying and putting up the front that society expects.
/Discuss
Lord Chaos
October 11, 2013 at 14:21
That… that’s as close to perfect as I’ve seen on the internet. You just hit the nail on the head with a sledge hammer.
Objectification happens, if you look good, take a compliment. But slap any who take it past your personal boundaries.
Grant Hancock
October 11, 2013 at 14:25
I don’t find sexy females abhorrent … but if gonna be over the top, then should be over the top for male and female… or conservative for both. I wouldn’t mind running around as a Rambo look-alike … even though my 2 metre wide shoulders would make me an easy target to other players 😛
Lord Chaos
October 11, 2013 at 14:27
That’s why you shoot from a shoulder front perspective. Now if only I could suck in this gut.
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 14:48
I agree.
I think ideally the game should have the options for both realistic and stylized skins for both male and female.
Then again if your market is mostly male then that sexy man rambo and Full Metal Jacket GI Jane skins, may be a waste to implement.
Lardus-Resident Perve
October 11, 2013 at 14:29
I do not care about this game, so I can admit to loving the cleavage! Even digital cleavage is cleavage, and I do love the cleavage! PS, I get discount for every mention of cleavage, so I say cleavage a lot!
Rags
October 11, 2013 at 14:32
First model reminds me of the UT female models.
http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/images/ut_thundercrash.jpg
Brenz
October 11, 2013 at 14:48
Oh look, more moaning and getting of panties in a twist over sexualisation of woman and “sexism”.
Cleavage too far? Are we in prohibition America or is this the next century, Im confused.
Woman are sexy beautiful creatures and it is normal to show off their features and sometimes exaggerate them a bit, its not demeaning or sexist, and anyone who gets themselves all worked up over it is either:
A man who thinks he is a doing the fragile females a service by sticking up for their honour.
OR
A female who was not blessed with those looks or assets and is thus bitter.
ToshZA
October 11, 2013 at 15:03
I like boobies.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 15:15
Hahahaha! Oh Crytek… (epic fail)
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
October 11, 2013 at 15:27
Who cares??? Honestly. It’s a game. It’s fake game characters. It’s PIXELS. So they made some sexy female characters. Is that so wrong? I don’t believe so.
I’ve seen far worse (sexualised) woman in other games that I would rather point out as being far more “sexist” than these characters.
*throws hands up in frustration*
PS: Gav, not an outburst to you or your view. Sexism is wrong and I agree that it must not happen. But I don’t see the above as sexism because I see woman walk around in far less in shopping malls than what is pictured above.
Sageville
October 11, 2013 at 15:37
AHMEN!
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 15:31
At least we can choose a female character… here’s looking at you Battlefield of Honour XX and COD Fishhead Copy and Paste 10 000!
Vampyre Squirrel
October 11, 2013 at 16:02
My GTA Online character is fem 😛
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 18:18
My first one was also a femme fatale, but then I lost her in the server meltdown 🙁
Spokker
October 12, 2013 at 03:39
I lost my female character as well, but I justified it by imagining she gave up her life of crime to go back to working in human resources. No kidding, I had her wearing a nice little pantsuit in game.
Vampyre Squirrel
October 14, 2013 at 13:00
that sucks… but it’s probably a good thing.
@timster1033:disqus @rincethis:disqus and others have been checking my character out inappropriately and getting a nightstick to the face for their troubles.
Natty Dave
October 11, 2013 at 17:33
Q_Q about overly sexed women in video games will not get you laid, nor will being a male feminist. My fiance likes the over sexed characters because she thinks their hot, she wants to play a sexy avatar that looks good and has a sarcastic, sassy attitude over some super serious hulking behemoth in big armor with giant axes all covered in blood, sure, some do, but last I checked Fredrick’s of Hollywood and Victoria’s secret were places that women shop, to buy clothes for themselves to feel sexy in, yeah they are not going to strut down the street in most the things they buy from those stores, but it doesn’t mean they don’t like to feel attractive and sexy at home. I agree that they should offer a more realistic styling option with more true to life military skins, but given the choice I know which one my fiance would want to play(we are playing diablo 3 right now, I choose the barbarian for awesome melee destructathonness, she chose the demon hunter because she was hot).
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
October 11, 2013 at 18:16
In all seriousness… “Misogyny” has joined “generic” as one of the most over-used, and dismally misunderstood and ill-applied catch-em-all terms. It’s one thing that the gaming bros and sisters get a bad rap for being overzealous in their fanboism (Sigh! I hang my head in shame over the Toys R Us Youtube drama), but it’s a whole different matter all together when the gaming media itself sucks on the retard teat.
I don’t know what happened but (i can only assume) ever since the booth girls got the boot, white knighting has become absolutely ridiculous. I mean Sessler went full retard not so long ago. The guys at Kotaku lost their freaking minds, and even corporate-nipple suckers IGN started wearing some silly white knight armour – because well.. obviously that’s where the clicks are these days! But seriously, enough already! This isn’t helping women! Nor is it helping gamers with dual X chromosomes.
And here’s the thing, I’m actually all for equality – not a feminist per se (although today’s feminism isn’t the kind my mother instilled in me because between you and me, it’s got very little to do with creating or ensuring equality and while I wouldn’t go as far as to see Modern Feminism as misandric – post-female suffrage and post-baby boomers things have become a little strange among feminist circles).
The other issue I see is this massive confusion relating to gender and sex. Good grief I could easily write a freaking tome on this issue.