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Does too much fanservice in games bother you?
- Thread starter Doosi
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Avatar quote inc.
I would go on a limb and say that mayyyybe, I mean it's theoretically possible, some people don't share your opinion / world view / are not you. That's just a supposition though, don't quote me on that.
cosmicblizzard
Banned
I imagine you were more angry at the fact all those scenarios and most things that have to do with SAO are fuckin stupid.
Ohmygoditsjrod
Banned
The proof is in the avatars
Yup. It always comes back to the avatars.
thesolidshark
Member
The proof is in the avatars
Is yours supposed to be suggestive of sarcasm? I can't tell.
Spring-Loaded
Member
That's the fun part
poodaddy
Member
This is precisely how I see it. The true form of fan service, (i.e. Wolfenstein The New Order's and Shadow Warrior's odes to the older entries with cleverly hidden secrets), is something that I genuinely appreciate in games, providing it's done tastefully and sparingly. However I won't play anything that makes my wife and daughter feel like second rate citizens or that female characters in video games are just toys to ogle and be fondled with. Shit's disgusting and immature. I love sex, and I love seeing it portrayed in media because I truly believe it's one of the most beautiful acts that two people can engage in; but I hate seeing it presented in a childish, thoughtless manner.
PdotMichael
Banned
Calling anything in Wolfenstein tasteful is sure something.
Glorifying B-movie level stuff is what holds the industry back!
Glorifying B-movie level stuff is what holds the industry back!
NotGivingMyNameToADamnCom
Banned
If I could draw I'd like to draw Elizabeth, Booker, Andrew Ryan, Chel, John Braid of 'Braid' , "The Passage guy from Passage #1 artistic game" all trying to join a pantheon of great art works and them being physically barred from it by a collection of characters from Criminal Girls, Tera, Akiba Strip, Hunie Pop, Senran Kagura, etc.
Langdon Alger
Banned
Wolfenstein has some truly repugnant stuff it in.
Serious question to those who like fanservice and wants it in all their games: do you play games alone or with other people present? And if it's the latter, what is the reaction between you and others? And how do you feel about playing a game with lingering panty shots, voyeuristic shower scenes, and tits out the wazoo in the company of others? Is it comparable to watching porn with other people or what? Just trying to understand where people are coming from. Genuinely curious and not judging
To me, fanservice is stuff like the Persona 4 spin-off games and Mass Effect's Citadel DLC. So, as someone who has greatly enjoyed Citadel and P4: Dancing All Night, I would have to say no. Does it bother me that the latter includes swimsuits and bikini armour for the teenage characters? Yes.
SoulUnison
Banned
I get annoyed when I see something in a game that obviously been put there to appeal to boys on their way through/on the tail end of puberty. I also hate when anime panders to "otaku" or "hikikomori" or whatever by making everything about "cute" girls.
I can't stand "moe" or "ecchi" or whatever.
Anime culture taught me that I don't actually like "anime."
I just like a handful of shows that managed to have a universal level of appeal and quality.
Non-sexual fanservice is cool, though. Give me continuity, clever references and a sense of in-universe progression. That's totally fine by me as long as it's decently well thought out.
That said, I love Bayonetta, and find most of the cutscenes absolutely hilarious.
She knows what she's doing. It feels completely self-aware.
I can't stand "moe" or "ecchi" or whatever.
Anime culture taught me that I don't actually like "anime."
I just like a handful of shows that managed to have a universal level of appeal and quality.
Non-sexual fanservice is cool, though. Give me continuity, clever references and a sense of in-universe progression. That's totally fine by me as long as it's decently well thought out.
That said, I love Bayonetta, and find most of the cutscenes absolutely hilarious.
She knows what she's doing. It feels completely self-aware.
Triscuitable
Member
If it actively robs women of their agency, or tries to give them less agency by factoring in "womanly traits" (i.e. Other M turning Samus into a crybaby who panics at the sight of Ridley, who she has killed at least four times by then).
When it comes to characters like Bayonetta, her agency derives from her taking her sexiness and owning it. And Cortana is another example of a character with agency and dignity who is repeatedly shown to be the Master Chief's other half--without her, he's just a soldier. With her, they're a nightmarish duo that brought down an entire alien empire.
Then there's the matter of giving women agency, but also sexy-ing them up to borderline parody (Dragon's Crown). I don't give much of a crap about that game at this point; I just think the character design is gross.
One last thing: I'm totally fine with fanservice... as long as it goes both ways. I'm totally cool with Rainbow Mika, so long as Zangief continues to wear just a thong and boots (I wish he'd slap his ass during his super arts, too).
When it comes to characters like Bayonetta, her agency derives from her taking her sexiness and owning it. And Cortana is another example of a character with agency and dignity who is repeatedly shown to be the Master Chief's other half--without her, he's just a soldier. With her, they're a nightmarish duo that brought down an entire alien empire.
Then there's the matter of giving women agency, but also sexy-ing them up to borderline parody (Dragon's Crown). I don't give much of a crap about that game at this point; I just think the character design is gross.
One last thing: I'm totally fine with fanservice... as long as it goes both ways. I'm totally cool with Rainbow Mika, so long as Zangief continues to wear just a thong and boots (I wish he'd slap his ass during his super arts, too).
I've never ever looked at fanservice (of the T&A kind) in a game and thought, 'Yep, this game is better for containing that panty shot'.
But I don't think we should attempt to enforce a culling of fanservice either; I think sexuality is a positive thing and it's fine to include it as a designer if you want to.
I just wish it was done more Bayonetta (confidently sexual character, self-aware and playing up to her attractiveness) and less... most other things (boob/ bikini armor in RPGs, women as a reward, Quiet).
But I don't think we should attempt to enforce a culling of fanservice either; I think sexuality is a positive thing and it's fine to include it as a designer if you want to.
I just wish it was done more Bayonetta (confidently sexual character, self-aware and playing up to her attractiveness) and less... most other things (boob/ bikini armor in RPGs, women as a reward, Quiet).
Battlechili
Banned
I generally play alone; I don't really like multiplayer games and most people aren't interested in watching me play video games unless its something they specifically really enjoy, in which case it wouldn't matter what content is in it. Typically if a game has extremely lewd parts or panty shots or the like I'll try to quickly skip those parts if someone is around me is watching while I play, or I'll just quit altogether and play it when I'm alone. This happened to me when Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 1 came out, and also when I tried the Dungeon Travelers 2 demo after it initially released.
However, in the few instances where someone is watching me and I'm playing these games and they do see such content, the people around me and I will usually just laugh about it.
I don't think its quite the same as watching porn together; its more akin to watching something like Game of Thrones with someone and a sex scene appears or something. Porn is especially awkward just due to how harsh it is. I wouldn't dare look at porn with someone around.
M1ch04c4n0
Banned
I am not really bothered. As I said in another thread, I expect to see Samus in sexy apparel after finishing a Metroid game.
Take that away, and then I may be mildly bothered (such as, after finishing Prime at 100%).
Take that away, and then I may be mildly bothered (such as, after finishing Prime at 100%).
Ohmygoditsjrod
Banned
Most of the time of I play a game with people around its on a handheld whether it be on my Vita or 3ds. I don't care what other people think. However I usually don't play games with other people around just because I'd prefer to be able to focus on the game and I can't do that when in a group.
And honestly my favorite games aren't even the super sexy ones. My favorite series is MGS followed by Final Fantasy and Mass Effect.
cosmicblizzard
Banned
NotGivingMyNameToADamnCom
Banned
Are we even talking about games like that? Are there even a lot of games like that? Making it to America? Oh right this whole post is a big piss take, whoops. Anyway fan service isn't the same thing as porn, if you unzip your pants every time there's fan service in a video game I guess I can see why you have such a problem with it.
Actually, I showed my older brother the fever mode from Monster Girl Quest and he laughed uncomfortably, that's hilarious though, you literally jack off the Vita.
Let me say I'm imagining that you stop typing and physically do an airquotes pantomime each time you typed sneer quotes while writing this, and I find that very funny. Please continue to talk about anime this way for all time.
Sgt.Pepper
Banned
Nope. I do find some pretty bad, and I'd most likely not even touch it.
However, people who DO like it are on their right to play them. Honestly, sometimes the arguments here for and against the sex appeal fanservice get really grating. Just accept the fact that no all games will cater to you and look for other alternatives.
Dragon's Crown stands out to me as the worst "making a mountain out of a molehill" example.
However, people who DO like it are on their right to play them. Honestly, sometimes the arguments here for and against the sex appeal fanservice get really grating. Just accept the fact that no all games will cater to you and look for other alternatives.
Dragon's Crown stands out to me as the worst "making a mountain out of a molehill" example.
I play any games I want no matter who's around, and that includes fanservice games. No idea why you're comparing them to porn. Most people I know don't care about sexual things in games.
SolVanderlyn
Thanos acquires the fully powered Infinity Gauntlet in The Avengers: Infinity War, but loses when all the superheroes team up together to stop him.
Every post is 100% serious.
poodaddy
Member
Are you married or in a relationship? Not being snarky or an ass, just legitimately asking as it does matter in this context. My post above touches on this.
I'm in a relationship, yes.
PdotMichael
Banned
Would you stop playing games with killing as main gameplay mechanic if your girl- or boyfriend doesn't support such games?
Is a silly point of discussion if such games are okay within your relationship and/or social group because is more a question of the people you are dealing with than of the games.
Ragingnight
Member
I play what I like and find fun and I don't play what I think doesn't look good and is unfun.
I'm generally okay with fanservice in terms of the sexual kind but I do realize it looks super silly most of the time.
I'm generally okay with fanservice in terms of the sexual kind but I do realize it looks super silly most of the time.
machemachete
Banned
They've been doing pretty good with diverse body types in Overwatch so far, if you ask me.
Worst blizzard design by far, very unpleasant to watch. Her proportions and that face look weird.
And yes, I like fanservice as a fan who likes to be served.
I don't think anyone wants in all of their games (althought I am sure there are a few), they just don't like people who don't like fanservice calling them names either outright or passive agressively. No one likes to be judged for something as simple as what they like.
As for the question, I personally don't mind fanservice. As stated earlier, I am cool with fanservice that services me, and if it doesn't I don't play/watch that. There are a ton of Vita games, that I rented and couldn't get past the opening...so I sent it back without even really playing it. It isn't for me. That doesn't mean its harmful for the industry and shouldn't be made. As for playing in front of folks, I don't play many games in front of people, when my dad peaks in and I am playing something as simple as NBA 2k, I get a weird anxiety for some reason lol so I imagine tits or no tits would make me clam up. Thats a personal problem more than likely tho.
In my opinion, the issue isn't the mere existence of fan service filled JRPGs/visual novels/etc. Disgaea came out in the west over 10 years ago, had its share of fan service, and handled it well. The game's entire plot was heavily centered around parodying other games and anime, so all of that stuff fit in. The bath scenes and beach scenes in the modern Persona games are super cheesy, but again it's self aware fan service, and fits in with the high school theme. I'm pretty sure you could find the same sort of scenes in the TGIF shows from the 80s and 90s.
The issue is that we are getting to the point where it's quite hard to buy games without fan service in some genres. And most of the time there is no real justification for it. It's mainly there out of a "load it full of tits and ass so the Otaku crowd will eat it up" mentality.
You mention other media, but if I am watching something like Lord of the Rings, I can be reasonably assured that I am not going to randomly see Arwen or one of the other major female characters dressed like this:
LOTR is a serious fantasy story, and that sort of thing would be completely out of place.
If I was to pick up a random JRPG published in the last 5 or so years, my chances would be much better than even that at least one female party member was garbed in something similar. Not only that, the rest of the sensibly dressed characters in the game will act like that is the most natural thing in the world to wear on a world spanning adventure. The plot will go on every bit as seriously as Lord of the Rings, but try to stick in jiggling tits, upskirts, and ass shots in as many cut scenes and victory screens as possible.
I have a little girl, who I would like to eventually play JRPGs with. However, what is she going to take from the genre if a large number of the female characters are dressed in micro skirts, bikinis, hot pants, or fetish gear while the boys wear mostly suitable (if sometimes goofy looking) clothing?
If it was just Hyperdimension Neptunia, or Disgaea, or similar titles it would be fine. I would just play something else if I wasn't looking for T&A and crude humor. Those games definitely have their place. My issue comes from the fact that that sort of stuff is seeping into series that 10-15 years ago were pretty innocuous.
FrostuTheNinja
Member
Of course not. I don't consider myself some puritanical prude, so hyper-sexualization is bordering a nonissue for me. The sensationalism of the human form is something to be celebrated, not restricted.
Elizabeth is a waifu, Booker is a male power fantasy, Andrew Ryan is a shallow caricature of Ayn Rand, Chell should be replaced by the portal gun and Braid's character is inconsequential to the game's brilliance.
More accurate would be those guys sitting around in an insular clique at a crowded party snickering at everyone else when everyone else is wondering why they think they're better than them. They're at the same party after all.
Morrigan Stark
Arrogant Smirk
poodaddy
Member
I don't play games with killing as a main gameplay mechanic because I have a young daughter, so yes I guess I would. It's not a silly point of discussion at all. You disagreeing with the view point does not invalidate it.
Battlechili
Banned
That's two different people though. The two do not represent each other.
FrostuTheNinja
Member
Ohmygoditsjrod
Banned
Don't bother. It's just shit posting.
PdotMichael
Banned
So because there is social pressure for some people not to play some types of games, at least in public, is an arguement that such games shouldn't exist in the first place?
The view itself is irrational.
I think you wouldn't an erotic thriller if your daughter is in the same room or even in the same house. But should that genre vanish although there is a market for it?
KoopaTheCasual
Junior Member
Yea it does. I find it distasteful in 90% of games. And stupid after-the-fact justifications like "she breathes through her skin, tho!" are just as bad.
If by fan service you mean including content in a game to please the fans of the game or series (like say Diablo 3 putting out massive free patch to service the fans) then yeah gimme more of that.
If by fan service you mean flooding the game with tits and ass (or pecs and dicks) then no I do not want a lot of that.
If by fan service you mean flooding the game with tits and ass (or pecs and dicks) then no I do not want a lot of that.
TouchMyBox
Member
Keep fanservice to DLC or side quests or something. Valkyria Chronicles handled it pretty well where there would be optional cutscene bits in the chapters that wouldn't automatically get selected as part of the progression that the player could click on if they felt like it, and that optional content was mostly fanservice. It makes that part of the playerbase happy without getting in the way of everyone else.
Rhazer Fusion
Member
Fan service doesn't bother me. I play and purchase what I want and do not care what people think as long as I enjoy it. I will play practically anything from Onechanbara to Witcher 3 and enjoy it regardless. Honestly, what games really have fan service these days besides some Japanese games that only seemingly exist by the handful or am I thinking about something else entirely?
Sgt.Pepper
Banned
Honestly, apart from games like Senran Kagura, DOA, and other games explicitly made with fanservice, what games are actually stopping from playing because T&A?
Most those games are niche, it means there's a group that likes them. They don't sell that much, games with serious stories are made and will still be made.
Most games just have some scenes with that kind of fanservice and maybe that "sexy" character. That is fine in and out of itself, when it becomes "degrading" (I'm using the term loosely here) I can see the problem.
Since most post I've read (I haven't read ALL the thread...) are about some niche Japanese game, I wonder how many people are actually even playing them. There are far more popular video games that lack or have little "fanservice" on them.
Most those games are niche, it means there's a group that likes them. They don't sell that much, games with serious stories are made and will still be made.
Most games just have some scenes with that kind of fanservice and maybe that "sexy" character. That is fine in and out of itself, when it becomes "degrading" (I'm using the term loosely here) I can see the problem.
Since most post I've read (I haven't read ALL the thread...) are about some niche Japanese game, I wonder how many people are actually even playing them. There are far more popular video games that lack or have little "fanservice" on them.