Marek Tymiński, from CI Games, has ignited another discussion within the gaming community, focusing this time on the apparent trend of making gaming characters less aesthetically pleasing in AAA games, as some critics have labeled it “uglification.” In a recent post on X, Tymiński posed a question to gamers:
Is it appropriate for most gamers to find video game characters generally appealing or inspiring?
Is it appropriate for most video game characters to be generally perceived as attractive or aspirational by a large number of gamers?
— Marek Tyminski (@tyminski_marek) January 17, 2025
The poll drew significant attention, garnering 11,134 votes.
The findings from the CI Games survey indicated a strong preference among participants for incorporating appealing characters prominently in video games again.
- Yes: 84.4% (Almost 9,400 votes)
- No: 2.5% (Almost 280 votes)
- I don’t care: 13.1% (Almost 1,460 votes)
Players’ feedback emphasizes the idea that games should provide an escape and inspire ambition. From assuming the role of a brave explorer to commanding the universe as a daring space commander, players desire their digital selves to be inspiring and captivating – traits typically linked with attractive and thoughtfully designed characters.
The “Uglification” Debate
The survey tackles a rising concern among gamers regarding the apparent shift in AAA games to portray less stereotypically beautiful characters, especially females. Critics suggest that some studios are intentionally minimizing traditionally feminine characteristics or assigning more masculine traits to characters, such as prominent chins and sharp features.
Originally, I might have expressed indifference, but DEI’s transformation of female characters into frightening, masculine stereotypes has changed my perspective. Therefore, let’s strive to create appealing characters, particularly ensuring female characters are portrayed as feminine and attractive, fitting the context. Examples of this western distortion can be found in…
— Badmojo7 (@Badmojo7A) January 17, 2025
Some significant instances mentioned are the likes of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare”, “Star Wars: Outlaws”, “Spider-Man 2”, and “Horizon Forbidden West” (and others too).
The decisions made in design have sparked a lot of discussion online among gamers, who are puzzled about why big-budget developers appear to be shifting away from charismatic and visually striking characters. Supporters of these changes often argue it’s for the sake of realism or diversity, but data indicates that most players enjoy the escape and imagination offered by eye-catching characters in games instead.
At its heart, gaming serves as a pastime that thrives on the concept of escape. It provides individuals with an opportunity to leave their daily lives behind and dive into a fresh realm, frequently assuming roles they admire or strive to become.
Many people find that the personas they portray on screen reflect traits they aspire to possess within themselves – courage, resilience, and certainly an appealing charm.
It’s not a fresh idea; characters such as Lara Croft, Nathan Drake, and Geralt of Rivia have consistently embodied an engaging narrative with inspiring aesthetics over time, earning their place as cherished icons in the annals of video game lore.
CI Games’ Player-First Approach
On different occasions, Tymiński has interacted with gamers by posing questions about contentious topics, such as the case of him asking player opinions regarding gender selection within medieval fantasy role-playing games.
The poll gathered more than 49,000 votes, and a significant 88% of participants preferred the conventional “male or female” character option over the contentious “Body Type A/B” system. In light of these findings, Tymiński declared that CI Games would reinstate male/female options in future games and even modify 2023’s Lords of the Fallen, eliminating the Body Type A/B feature completely.
Tymiński’s openness and eagerness to incorporate player suggestions make CI Games stand out as a studio that highly regards the views of their audience.
These surveys are evolving into a highly visible analysis of the gaming community’s demographics, providing crucial information about what players desire most. As CI Games modifies its design principles to suit fans’ tastes, other AAA studios should pay close attention.
This version maintains the original’s meaning while using simpler, more conversational language and a structure that is easier for readers to follow.
Fans appreciate being taken seriously, and nothing demonstrates the importance of listening to them quite like the controversy surrounding the Sonic the Hedgehog movie. When the initial trailer showcased a design that was heavily criticized, the studio decided to postpone its release, made improvements to Sonic so he resembled his game character more closely, and ultimately launched a successful film series as a result.
It appears that CI Games is adopting a strategy similar to engaging directly with their players, promising modifications in response to feedback, and emphasizing player happiness. This method not only increases favorability among video game enthusiasts but also sets the stage for CI Games’ future prosperity, as outlined by Tymiński.
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2025-01-21 19:55