Female Armor in Video Games

[𝔸𝕣𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝟙]

It’s a tale as old as time- female armor is generally never realistic and often leaves far less to the imagination.

To be clear- I don’t mind, given it is to be expected and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be attractive in a game, but as I’ve grown older, I’m often just disappointed when I see it. I find something like the Sisters of Battle, armored Samus, Lady Maria, etc to be far more interesting and intimidating than a revealing outfit. Perhaps it is a matter of perception as to whether you view your character as a dress-up doll or as a person. Whether you want to be cool vs alluring.

So where do you stand? Is “less more” to you, or do you prefer realistic/heavy armor. In either case, I would be curious to hear why. How do you want your character to look/be perceived?

[L1qu1dator]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8celc7iJI8U

[HarleyIsntReal]

my face when the video game i am playing is not realistic

[Devsman]

Publicado originalmente por 󠀡󠀡:

To your point, Phire, it’s about storytelling. We’re given a story anyway; in a world where dragons exist and breathe heavy fire, it wouldn’t make sense to see a barenaked warrior nor one in furry/hairy/heavily-flammable clothing either. It’s sometimes about wanting some consistency and relative-realism from a work of fiction. This comes even more into play when games are getting more in-depth with things like lore and character building, sequels, etc. Suspension of disbelief is a given in games; but to really pull a player in sometimes some realism should exist.

They should be wearing big potholders tbh

Or maybe asbestos. Asbestos armor.

[Devsman]

Publicado originalmente por 󠀡󠀡:

Publicado originalmente por Devsman's Comet:

They should be wearing big potholders tbh

Oxo Good Grips — not gonna debate that

I can see it now--warriors running around like bright red Michelin Men fighting dragons!

[Rymuga]

Revealing "armor" is annoying, but plate-armor boobs are even more annoying. It's no less objectification, but it also looks strange and potentially dangerous to wear lmao.

[Phirestar]

Publicado originalmente por Rymuga:

Revealing "armor" is annoying, but plate-armor boobs are even more annoying. It's no less objectification, but it also looks strange and potentially dangerous to wear lmao.

The way I see it, boob-plate armor is just the female equivalent of the codpiece. (And that one was actually a historically accurate concept.)

[☎need4naiim☎]

(though it was not a game) Xena, The Warrior Princess, started this debate during 90s, with her "extraordinary" battle suit.

[𝔸𝕣𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕔 𝟙]

Interesting perspectives from the many posts I’ve read. Some pretty good answers with valid points. The setting, story, and providing player choice certainly do play a role in why it is present and whether it feels out of place. Likewise the “realistic” aspect of fantasy is hard to define. Seems everyone has a different view on what is and isn’t believable.

Only posts that are a bit annoying are those that assume I am taking a moral stance of any kind- That there is some agenda to enforce modesty. It’s merely my preference-nothing more. It need not be forced on others. Just asking to see what others think about it.

[Angel]

Fan service, men now are becoming more "attractive" too by being topless or have less armour in (some) games. Developers just want to sell their products.

[Fumo Bnnuy n Frends]

Publicado originalmente por Wan₫erlust ☄:

It’s a tale as old as time- female armor is generally never realistic and often leaves far less to the imagination.

To be clear- I don’t mind, given it is to be expected and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be attractive in a game, but as I’ve grown older, I’m often just disappointed when I see it. I find something like the Sisters of Battle, armored Samus, Lady Maria, etc to be far more interesting and intimidating than a revealing outfit. Perhaps it is a matter of perception as to whether you view your character as a dress-up doll or as a person. Whether you want to be cool vs alluring.

So where do you stand? Is “less more” to you, or do you prefer realistic/heavy armor. In either case, I would be curious to hear why. How do you want your character to look/be perceived?

video game concept came before 2001 so all knowledge of badass women were all basically spies and seductresses that helped behind the lines. And they still valued women highly. Didn't want them to die so they were never front lines. Yet the armors are still good. They just need to make them more realistic:

-if breastplates are used they should be double padded and double reienforced for anything that may pierce their chest into the heart or lungs

-if skimpy should have bonuses like: +carrying +charisma +sneak +undercover sneaking +agility +flexibility +dodging etc. since they're more agile less heavy and can have secret compartments to carry a gun or messages

-It makes no sense to have them have bulky heavy armor. I'm sorry but most women at the core biologically their skeletal structure cannot really handle heavy armor. It's just nature.

-color should matter too. Basically having pink or bright colors. More so to pick them out form the crowd but also to demoralize the enemy. Nothing like lowering enemy morale than having 1 bright pink hello kitty armored lady just slaughtering them by the handfuls.

-arms should have extra padding for weapon kickback. Even for a guy a shotgun will destroy your arms if you use them too much / firing too fast.

-weapons should have less damage but more control. Also stealth options and long range available.

-if we're going by nature rules then women armors should be lighter but bigger since in nature some female animals are usually bigger especially in the insect world.


after the concept was solidified it sorta became the norm. Plus a good chunk of video games are played buy guys. Here's one you can argue about but one you cannot and that's:

-GUYS PAY FOR GAMES MORE THAN WOMEN

yeah guys vs girls playing certain games debatable. But guys will splurge more on games than women. So hence easiest way to attract them is feminine sex appeal on women characters.

[friend robocat]

needd to be ssexy to the maax

[Rhila]

i am against slotty armors yes.

what i am not fine with is to give me gender neutral only armors. with no other options.
like New World. my character looks like a man, like she is wearing her brother's clothes.

[Q-T_3.14.exe]

If you think about it it's better to be light on your feet than being weighted down.

[sleeps]

i don't remember about female armor that much. maybe because i rarely play fantasy games. people talk about it way too much. could be me

[Kargor]

Publicado originalmente por sleeps:

i don't remember about female armor that much. maybe because i rarely play fantasy games

Oh, certain aspects of this also apply without needing to address "armor" specifically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYv_yiOHVFI