The Male Gaze Is Good, Actually!

Summary

The video script discusses the controversy surrounding the video game 'Stellar Blade,' which features an attractive female protagonist. Critics argue that the game is outdated and overly sexualized, while supporters see it as a refreshing change from current gaming trends. The script also touches on the broader debate about sexuality in gaming, contrasting 'Stellar Blade' with other titles like 'Baldur's Gate 3' and the societal implications of 'safe horny.' It concludes by suggesting that games with traditional attractiveness, like 'Stellar Blade,' may signal a shift back to more appealing character designs in the gaming industry.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Stellar Blade, previously known as Project Eve, is a video game that features an attractive female main character and has been a topic of discussion online.
• 🗣️ Critics argue that the game's character design is outdated and reminiscent of the 2000s, suggesting it's not appealing to modern audiences.
• 👎 Some professional games journalists have chided Stellar Blade for its unrealistically attractive female lead, comparing it unfavorably to other games like Forspoken.
• 🔥 The game has received backlash from those who believe it relies on sex appeal instead of quality gameplay, which they argue is a sign of lacking talent.
• 👍 Despite criticism, Stellar Blade has a significant amount of support because of its sex appeal, challenging the progressive narrative that sex no longer sells in games.
• 😅 Public reactions to the game in New York varied, with some people making comments about the character's age and appearance, showing a disconnect from reality.
• 🌐 The game's character is based on a real person, Korean model Shin Jun, which contradicts claims that she is unrealistic.
• 💸 The financial success of Stellar Blade and similar games could signal a turning point in the industry, showing that traditional attractiveness still has a place in video games.
• 🚫 The script criticizes the 'soy boy' mentality and the double standards in what is considered appropriate sexuality in video games, with some games being criticized more harshly than others.
• 🎉 The script suggests that gamers will vote with their wallets, supporting games that feature traditionally attractive characters and rejecting those that do not.

Q & A

What is 'Stellar Blade'?

Stellar Blade is a video game that was announced as 'Project Eve' back in 2019. It was initially planned for PS4 and Xbox One, but development shifted to the PlayStation 5, becoming a timed exclusive for the platform.

Why is Stellar Blade considered 'refreshingly unafraid'?

Stellar Blade is considered 'refreshingly unafraid' because it prominently features an attractive female main character, which is a departure from the trend of recent games that avoid overtly sexualized characters due to progressive influences.

What was the reaction to Stellar Blade's character design in 2019 and 2021?

In 2019 and 2021, the character design of Stellar Blade was criticized for being unrealistic and reminiscent of an older era, with some suggesting it was inappropriately sexualized and not appealing to a modern audience.

What is the significance of the comparison between Stellar Blade and 'Forspoken'?

Forspoken is used as a comparison to Stellar Blade to highlight the contrast in character design. While Stellar Blade features a traditionally attractive female lead, Forspoken has been criticized for its less appealing character models, even though it aims for a more realistic look.

What does the term 'soy Golems' refer to in the context of the script?

In the script, 'soy Golems' is a derogatory term used to describe professional games journalists who are perceived as overly progressive or 'woke', criticizing Stellar Blade for its character design.

Why do some people find Stellar Blade's main character design appealing?

Some people find Stellar Blade's main character design appealing because it represents a return to traditionally attractive characters in video games, which they believe is a refreshing change from the current trend of less sexually appealing characters.

What is the controversy surrounding the character design in 'Immortals of Aam'?

The controversy surrounding 'Immortals of Aam' is that despite having 10 years of new technology, the game's character design, specifically the design of Mary Jane, has regressed in quality and is considered unattractive.

What is the 'safe horny' concept mentioned in the script?

The 'safe horny' concept refers to the idea that certain types of sexual content are deemed acceptable because they align with progressive values, while others are deemed problematic or oppressive, often based on political beliefs rather than objective criteria.

What does the term 'pathological fear of straight male sexuality' imply?

The term 'pathological fear of straight male sexuality' implies an irrational and deep-seated aversion to traditional expressions of male heterosexuality, particularly when it comes to the portrayal of attractive female characters in media.

What is the significance of the Joe Cat controversy mentioned in the script?

The Joe Cat controversy is significant because it illustrates the backlash that can occur when content creators, even those with progressive views, produce content that is deemed sexually objectifying or problematic by their own audience.

What is the main message of the script regarding the gaming industry?

The main message of the script is that the gaming industry should focus on creating games that appeal to the desires of its audience, including the portrayal of traditionally attractive characters, rather than trying to push a progressive narrative that may not resonate with gamers.