Im writing an article on female representation in gaming and Im interested to know your views on why theres a lack of female lead characters in games.... do they make games less appealing? Is it hard to relate a female lead? Are you indifferent? etc....

Google: Final Fantasy X-2 “girl power”

I'm indifferent, but I do find it odd that there aren't more prominent female leads. I guess most geeks prefer bulging biceps and man-meat. Go figure.

I'm indifferent too, and in games where you actually have the option of making characters of either gender I've made both.

quote:

Originally posted by youandwhosearmy:
I'm indifferent, but I do find it odd that there aren't more prominent female leads. I guess most geeks prefer bulging biceps and man-meat. Go figure.

Haha, I dunno if it has anything to do with that. That's like saying guys should technically be more into chick flicks because there's more tits on it than action films (okay, sometimes there are more tits on action films, but they are represented as the objects of desire, as opposed to being the subject of the movie, who is often male). You can probably relate to the game more easily if the protagonist is the same gender as you are, because you are taking your own persona into the game. But like I said personally, I'm completely indifferent and I've made characters in either gender if given the option.

The new game Heavenly Sword on PlayStation 3 features a female lead. I played the demos and with all the weapon and martial arts animation I'd tag it as the female version of God of War.

With males being the main demographic, it might be easier for them to relate to the character. I mean, when I'm given the option of making a character I usually make them in the likeness of myself.

Having said that I like games with female leads just as much as games with male leads.

One of the forthcoming Final Fantasy games (FF13) has a female lead.

As was said before, with males being the target demographic for most games - it makes more sense to have male leads.

Or maybe this industry lacks it's Joss Whedon.

There are quite a few successful and popular games with a female lead, i.e. Perfect Dark, Metroid, Final Fantasy VI, I’m not sure what Heavenly Sword is like since I haven’t played it yet but it seems to be getting favourable reviews.

Judging from what I’ve read on FFX-2 reviews and other opinions about the game, it’s only when the over all atmosphere of a game is “girly” that seems to discourage some male gamers. Regardless, FFX-2 was a pretty (no pun intended) damn good game, if you ask me.

Lara Croft, Jade from BG&E are a couple more females in lead roles.