The Evolution of Character Customization: Pronouns in Gaming

[allbrancereal :3]

The Evolution of Character Customization: Pronouns in Gaming

Hello fellow adventurers,

As we continue to explore the vast realms of Tamriel, I've been pondering the evolution of character customization in our beloved RPGs. With the recent buzz around Starfield introducing pronoun selection, and reflecting on similar features in games like Baldur's Gate, I thought it would be interesting to discuss how these developments compare to what we've seen in Skyrim, especially through mods like the 100kb mod[www.nexusmods.com] that introduced pronoun selection.

Here are some points to consider in our discussion:

1. Historical Context: Mods have allowed us to personalize our Skyrim experience for years. How do you feel about these features becoming standard in new games?
2. Game Development Trends: Character customization is reaching new heights, with inclusivity being a key focus. What are your thoughts on this trend?
3. Community Feedback: Does the option to select pronouns enhance your role-playing experience? Why do you think this feature has become a point of contention among gamers?
4. Comparative Analysis: How do you think Skyrim's approach to pronoun selection through mods compares to its implementation in newer games?
5. Personal Experiences: Share your stories! How has character customization, including pronoun selection, impacted your connection to the game?

I invite everyone to share their viewpoints, experiences, and insights on this topic. Let's keep the conversation respectful and focused on the feature's role in gaming. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

EDIT:
Constructive dialogue allows for the expression of different viewpoints and fosters a community where diverse opinions can coexist. The quality of a game is multifaceted, encompassing gameplay, story, graphics, and more. The gaming industry, like any other, responds to market demand. There is no justification for one group to shut down another. DEI initiatives can contribute to a more inclusive gaming culture, which can be beneficial for the community as a whole. However, it’s also valid for players to desire content-driven experiences without explicit life references.

In conclusion, it’s about finding a balance that respects the artistic vision of the developers, the desires of the player base, and the integrity of the game itself. It’s possible to have a rich, content-driven universe that also acknowledges the diversity of its players. The key is open communication and understanding that different players will prioritize different aspects of their gaming experience.

[Docsprock]

I cannot see where it makes a bit of difference in a single-player game. If it makes YOU feel good, do it.

For multi-player games, I don't care because I never play them.

[allbrancereal :3]

The perception of quality in video games like Starfield can be influenced by various factors, including political culture. Political culture encompasses the attitudes, beliefs, and values that a society holds towards politics and governance, and it can shape the way people view and interact with media, including video games.

In the context of Starfield, the inclusion of pronoun selection and character customization options may be seen through different lenses depending on the prevailing political culture. Here are some ways political culture could affect the perception of Starfield's quality:

1. Inclusivity and Representation: In political cultures that value inclusivity and diversity, the ability to choose pronouns and customize characters might be seen as a positive step towards representation and could enhance the perceived quality of the game.

2. Tradition vs. Innovation: More traditionalist political cultures might view these features as unnecessary or even disruptive to the gaming experience, potentially affecting the game's perceived quality negatively.

3. Freedom of Expression: Political cultures that prioritize individual freedom, including freedom of expression, might appreciate these features as they allow players to express themselves more fully within the game.

4. Public Discourse: The way media and influencers discuss these features within the context of political culture can also sway public opinion, impacting the perceived quality of the game.

5. Market Expectations: The expectations of the gaming market, shaped by its political culture, can influence whether such features are seen as selling points or as controversial additions.

It's important to note that the perception of quality is subjective and can vary widely among individuals and groups. Discussions around features like pronoun selection often reflect broader societal debates and can become a part of the game's identity and reception.

[allbrancereal :3]

Originally posted by Docsprock:

I cannot see where it makes a bit of difference in a single-player game. If it makes YOU feel good, do it.

For multi-player games, I don't care because I never play them.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I completely understand where you’re coming from. In single-player games, features like pronoun selection are indeed a personal choice and primarily about enhancing one’s own gaming experience. If it’s not something that impacts your enjoyment of the game, it’s perfectly reasonable to overlook it.

In the broader context of gaming, such features can be meaningful to those who seek representation and a sense of belonging within the virtual worlds we explore. But as you rightly pointed out, in single-player games, it’s ultimately about individual preference.

For multiplayer games, while they may not be your cup of tea, these options can help in building inclusive communities for those who do play them. However, the beauty of gaming is that we can all choose how we engage with these features based on what matters to us.

Your point is well-taken, and it’s a good reminder that the value of these features can vary greatly among players. It’s all about finding what makes the gaming experience enjoyable for you.

[allbrancereal :3]

I want to bring forward topic that's been at the forefront of industry discussions The influence of financial ratings on gaming investments, and how it affects both public and private gaming companies, with a special focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The Rating Process:
Financial ratings are determined through a rigorous analysis of a company's financial health, market position, and management quality. These ratings are crucial as they guide investor decisions and can significantly impact a company's future.

Public Companies:
Public gaming companies are subject to investor ratings, which may include DEI scores from firms like BlackRock. These scores can sway investment decisions, potentially overshadowing the core passion behind game development.

Private Companies:
Private gaming companies operate independently of such investor influences. They can focus on creativity and innovation without the pressure of appeasing public investors.

The Role of DEI:
DEI is becoming a part of the rating equation, reflecting a company's commitment to social responsibility. While not the sole factor, its growing importance is evident.

Other Rating Factors:
Ratings also consider financial performance, capital adequacy, market position, management quality, and regulatory environment. DEI is part of the broader ESG criteria, which are gaining prominence in the financial world.

Public Companies and Investor Influence: Public gaming companies are often subject to ratings by financial institutions, which can influence investor decisions. Investment firms like BlackRock may rate companies based on metrics such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Higher DEI scores could lead to more investments, as these firms encourage their employees to invest in companies that align with their values.

Private Companies: The Independent Giants: In contrast, private gaming companies like miHoYo, Epic Games, and Valve Corporation operate outside this sphere of investor influence. They are not beholden to DEI ratings and can focus on innovation and creativity without the pressure of appeasing public investors.

To give context, here are some examples of both private and public gaming companies:

Private Gaming Companies:
- miHoYo: Known for 'Genshin Impact'
- Epic Games: Creator of 'Fortnite'
- Valve Corporation: Known for the Steam platform and 'Half-Life' series

Public Gaming Companies:
- Activision Blizzard: Known for 'Call of Duty' and 'World of Warcraft'
- Electronic Arts (EA): Known for 'FIFA' and 'The Sims'
- Take-Two Interactive: Publisher of 'Grand Theft Auto' and 'NBA 2K'

What are your thoughts on the role of DEI in financial ratings? Do you believe it benefits the gaming industry, or does it detract from the essence of game creation? How do you perceive the investment dynamics between public and private gaming companies?

[Yellowbeard]

The more parameters set by the player is always better...specifically with RPGs. Rockstar so missed the boat with naming the main character Arthur Morgan when they could have switched it to the unisex name Morgan Arthur mid production and let the player decide which way the PC's genetics are set.

Pronouns. Depends upon the game. RPG...you are playing the character you are creating...not yourself. You can play as a character that you create in your image...as in psych profile...but that is limited by whatever level of science is written into the game universe...as well as what level of scientific peer review is written into the game universe.

Once an IP gets going and a cultural shift happens...it does not affect the IP. Something something defacing historical monuments...something something especially the monuments that helped bring about said cultural shift and/or provide acceptance for it in its own right.

[ĿIFE oƒ ƤIE]

[allbrancereal :3]

Originally posted by Yellowbeard:

The more parameters set by the player is always better...specifically with RPGs. Rockstar so missed the boat with naming the main character Arthur Morgan when they could have switched it to the unisex name Morgan Arthur mid production and let the player decide which way the PC's genetics are set.

Pronouns. Depends upon the game. RPG...you are playing the character you are creating...not yourself. You can play as a character that you create in your image...as in psych profile...but that is limited by whatever level of science is written into the game universe...as well as what level of scientific peer review is written into the game universe.

Once an IP gets going and a cultural shift happens...it does not affect the IP. Something something defacing historical monuments...something something especially the monuments that helped bring about said cultural shift and/or provide acceptance for it in its own right.

I appreciate your perspective on the importance of player choice in RPGs, particularly regarding character customization and pronouns. Your point about Rockstar’s decision with Arthur Morgan is well-taken. It’s a fascinating thought experiment to consider how the game might have been different with a unisex name and more fluid character identity options.

The role of pronouns in gaming is indeed a nuanced subject. As you rightly pointed out, in RPGs, players often create characters that are extensions of themselves or entirely new personas. The ability to choose pronouns that align with the character’s identity can significantly enhance the role-playing aspect, making the experience more immersive and personal. Your analogy of cultural shifts and their impact on IPs is compelling. While IPs may be resistant to change, they are not immune to the influence of evolving cultural norms. Games, much like historical monuments, can be both a reflection of the times and a force for change. Inclusivity in gaming is not just about political correctness; it’s about creating a space where all players can feel represented and respected. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, I believe we’ll see more developers embracing this philosophy, leading to games that are as diverse as their player base. In the end, it’s the players who breathe life into games. By providing them with the tools to craft their own stories and identities, developers can create worlds that are not only entertaining but also deeply resonant.

Thank you for sparking such a thoughtful discussion. I look forward to seeing how our favorite IPs will continue to grow and respond to the world around us.

[DontTrustDaedra]

Pronouns are a division, we don't need more division, forcing people to speak a certain way when referring to you is arrogant and narcissistic behaviour, besides all this stuff is just generated to collapse modern society and the values of the west in an attempt to install a psychopathic megalomaniac as leader of the world, all the while technology hurtles ahead while western society becomes more and more deranged, possibly the biggest threat to humanity, sentient intelligence, is just around the corner and your worried about what a character is called in a video game, WAKE UP, for real this time.

[Liquid Inc]

This just seems like massive amounts of ChatGPT use....

[allbrancereal :3]

Originally posted by Delaren:

Pronouns are a division, we don't need more division, forcing people to speak a certain way when referring to you is arrogant and narcissistic behaviour, besides all this stuff is just generated to collapse modern society and the values of the west in an attempt to install a psychopathic megalomaniac as leader of the world, all the while technology hurtles ahead while western society becomes more and more deranged, possibly the biggest threat to humanity, sentient intelligence, is just around the corner and your worried about what a character is called in a video game, WAKE UP, for real this time.

I appreciate your strong stance on the subject, and it’s clear you’ve given this a lot of thought. Your point about division and the potential for societal collapse is an interesting one. However, I’d like to offer a different angle on the matter of pronouns and customization in video games.

The essence of gaming is choice and the freedom to engage with a virtual world in ways that resonate with the player. When we consider the history of gaming, especially role-playing games like Skyrim, the core appeal has been the ability to step into another character’s shoes. This is not a new concept; it’s been a fundamental part of storytelling and play since ancient times.

The inclusion of pronoun selection in games is less about societal division and more about reflecting the diversity of the player base. It’s akin to allowing players to choose their character’s hair color or armor type. It’s a feature, much like any other in a game, designed to enhance the player’s immersion and personal connection to the story.

Regarding the concern about technology outpacing societal development, it’s a valid discussion. The rapid advancement of technology does pose questions about the future of humanity. However, this doesn’t necessarily conflict with the desire for more personalized gaming experiences. Both can be addressed simultaneously without detracting from each other.

It’s also worth noting that the gaming industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, often pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The debate around pronouns and customization is just one part of a much larger conversation about the role of technology in our lives.

In conclusion, while the concerns you’ve raised are certainly worth considering, they might benefit from a broader perspective. The features we’re discussing are optional and aim to reflect the varied preferences of gamers worldwide. They’re not intended to divide but to offer a richer, more inclusive experience for all.

I hope this provides some food for thought and I look forward to continuing this discussion.

[allbrancereal :3]

Originally posted by Liquid Inc:

This just seems like massive amounts of ChatGPT use....

While AI can be a helpful tool for generating ideas or drafting responses, the core of our conversation is the exchange of genuine thoughts and perspectives.

[DontTrustDaedra]

Genuine Question, why do you need pronouns to call your char whatever in a video game, cant you just imagine it when playing the game the same way people imagine back stories? Again pronouns are division because they promote Tribalism, us and them mentality, and all this has been engineered to collapse western societal values in an attempt to divide us and ultimately control us.

[SpeedFreak1972]

The only thing I take from this that I dislike more and more the time we're living in ....

[allbrancereal :3]

Originally posted by Delaren:

Genuine Question, why do you need pronouns to call your char whatever in a video game, cant you just imagine it when playing the game the same way people imagine back stories? Again pronouns are division because they promote Tribalism, us and them mentality, and all this has been engineered to collapse western societal values in an attempt to divide us and ultimately control us.

It's a valid scepticism and a reminder that these discussions are not simple. They touch on deeply held beliefs and values. Games have always been about stepping in another world, and for many, part of that is seeing themselves reflected in that world. The concerns about societal collapse are serious, but they are separate from the conversation about inclusivity in gaming. By offering more ways for players to express themselves, we're acknowledging the diversity that already exits. It's okay if you don't see the need for pronouns in games. It's okay if you prefer to imagine your character's identity in your own way. The beauty of gaming is that it can be so many things to people

[DontTrustDaedra]

If you have not enough faith in your own words to put forth an argument that you get an ai to do it for you that means you have not the faith in your own argument, this will be my last post in this discussion until you stop using ai generation