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[Cleve]

Huh. That's cool I guess.

I misheard the line as WHAT your heart desires and was assuming they were going to expand on some goal he had that didn't fit in line with the shaolin ideology.

Completely forgot about it until this thread.

 

[Deified Data]

It's really cool of Netherrealm to do this. I know some jackholes will squeal about "doing it the right way" or some bullshit, but it's high time gay men receive proper representation in games.

Shit, is there a single gay dude in a fighting game who isn't a completely awful stereotype? Kung Jin's a fucking trailblazer just by virtue of being treated with the same dignity and respect his peers get. Adding to this, MKX being a game with only 3 white dudes in the entire cast, a main female lead, a biracial relationship featuring a Japanese/Vietnamese male and African-American female, and several non-white, non-male characters being featured in prominent roles, and we have a game that sold gangbusters while also being incredibly diverse. Like, somehow, actually featuring non-white dude protagonists didn't fucking implode the universe. Fancy that.

MKX and Fast 7 are both really encouraging.

I mean, it's something that thoughtful people have known since forever, but it's useful for the people who guard the gates of what media does or doesn't see the light of day to see it so boldly illustrated in these two blockbuster franchises.

 

[Mesoian]

it's good EXACTLY because it's gonna fly over most people heads

This is an interesting mindset that I feel is gaining a lot of traction. Is it the fact that he's gay and included that's important, or is it the fact that he's gay and the fact that he's gay is irrelevant to the situation that's important?

 

[Son Of D]

The "they won't accept" part.... Isn't Kung Jin talking about his past as a dishonorable thief as opposed to a proud warrior like his ancestors?

Where the f does the gay part come from?

The line “They care about only what is in your heart; not whom your heart desires.” perhaps?

Also this part:

The interpretation of this particular character beat—first talked up at Gay Star News— was seemingly confirmed in a tweet by NetherRealm cinematic director Dominic Cianciolo, where he said, “I see people are picking up on the subtle exposition contained in Kung Jin’s flashback. Glad we have observant fans!”

 

[Weiss]

The "they won't accept" part.... Isn't Kung Jin talking about his past as a dishonorable thief as opposed to a proud warrior like his ancestors?

Where the f does the gay part come from?

It's a double meaning. Kung Jin is revealed as a thief so it's easy to think that he's worried that he'll be rejected for that, but his primary concern is that the Shaolin won't accept him for his sexuality, and Raiden assuages that fear by telling him they'll accept him because they're only concerned with who he is, not who he loves.

 

[WarRock]

Shit, is there a single gay dude in a fighting game who isn't a completely awful stereotype? Kung Jin's a fucking trailblazer just by virtue of being treated with the same dignity and respect his peers get. Adding to this, MKX being a game with only 3 white dudes in the entire cast, a main female lead, a biracial relationship featuring a Japanese/Vietnamese male and African-American female, and several non-white, non-male characters being featured in prominent roles, and we have a game that sold gangbusters while also being incredibly diverse. Like, somehow, actually featuring non-white dude protagonists didn't fucking implode the universe. Fancy that.

Venom in Guilty Gear.

 

[Krejlooc]

MKX and Fast 7 are both really encouraging.

I mean, it's something that thoughtful people have known since forever, but it's useful for the people who guard the gates of what media does or doesn't see the light of day to see it so boldly illustrated in these two blockbuster franchises.

cassie cage is a fucking badass. she is so damn cool.

i was shocked, actually, by how great all the new characters are. erron black and cassie cage have my favorite personalities, but kung jin is my main thus far. his play style is fucking sick, especially in shaolin mode.

 

[akidnamededdy]

How does "Whom your heart desires..." relate to being a thief?

You know

coz he's a fanny bandit!

I'll see myself out.

This is an interesting mindset that I feel is gaining a lot of traction. Is it the fact that he's gay and included that's important, or is it the fact that he's gay and the fact that he's gay is irrelevant to the situation that's important?

I think it's the fact that he's gay but "gay dude" isn't his whole character. He's a dude who happens to be gay.

 

[Alrus]

This is an interesting mindset that I feel is gaining a lot of traction. Is it the fact that he's gay and included that's important, or is it the fact that he's gay and the fact that he's gay is irrelevant to the situation that's important?

Both, it's refreshing to see Gay characters who are not solely defined by their sexuality and have nothing else.

 

[CaptainTiptop]

Picked up on that, thought it was handled quite well. Man, MKX is pretty diverse.

 

[SimonM7]

The "they won't accept" part.... Isn't Kung Jin talking about his past as a dishonorable thief as opposed to a proud warrior like his ancestors?

Where the f does the gay part come from?

I'm sure his heart desires stolen goods, yes.

edit: beaten by everybody.

 

[Son Of D]

It's really cool of Netherrealm to do this. I know some jackholes will squeal about "doing it the right way" or some bullshit, but it's high time gay men receive proper representation in games.

Shit, is there a single gay dude in a fighting game who isn't a completely awful stereotype? Kung Jin's a fucking trailblazer just by virtue of being treated with the same dignity and respect his peers get. Adding to this, MKX being a game with only 3 white dudes in the entire cast, a main female lead, a biracial relationship featuring a Japanese/Vietnamese male and African-American female, and several non-white, non-male characters being featured in prominent roles, and we have a game that sold gangbusters while also being incredibly diverse. Like, somehow, actually featuring non-white dude protagonists didn't fucking implode the universe. Fancy that.

Between the success MKX has had so far for the launch as well as the massive success Fast and the Furious 7 has had I wonder if it will have an effect on films and games, if even a small one.

And before anyone argues that they're part of big franchises they've both broken franchise records with the new entries (best MK launch and F&F7 is nearly at $1 billion worldwide already).

 

[lupinko]

Venom in Guilty Gear.

Eagle in SF1 and CvS2.

 

[AEREC]

That line in the game went over my head. Has Boon or anyone officially acknowledged it (if it isn't already obvious enough).

 

[bigdaddygamebot]

This year...between Pillars of Eternity and (who would have thought) Mortal Kombat X...Bioware should hang their fucking heads in shame.

 

[Kai Dracon]

I caught it in that cut scene after a minute of reflection and appreciated how well it was done.

Also, as said in this thread MKX is pretty nice for being all over the spectrum with characters and frankly, I think it is to the game's benefit. Mortal Kombat may be purposefully hammy, but it has always been rooted in paying tribute to Hong Kong cinema and gonzo martial arts films. It has stayed very true to those roots even as it has become a big once more, and that includes the ethnicity of characters.

 

[Krejlooc]

That line in the game went over my head. Has Boon or anyone officially acknowledged it (if it isn't already obvious enough).

yes, they posted on twitter that they are happy that people picked up on it.

 

[TheOGB]

I figured since he's a Shaolin monk, he's not supposed to have desires male or female anyway, but than again MK Shaolin monks are sort of weird anyway.

This was my first thought too as I was watching along, but then I remembered Liu Kang liking Kitana and the Great Kung Lao having descendents.

I thought they handled it pretty well, as well as Jacqui and Takeda

Spoiler

my only problem there being that Jacqui's chapter was so late in the game

.

 

[Osu 16 Bit]

That line in the game went over my head. Has Boon or anyone officially acknowledged it (if it isn't already obvious enough).

Yes, Dominic Cianciolo, of NRS confirmed this on twitter.


The Raiden line in story mode is not the only mention of this with Kung Jin. A few fight intros hint at is as well.

 

[Deified Data]

This year...between Pillars of Eternity and (who would have thought) Mortal Kombat X...Bioware should hang their fucking heads in shame.

Bioware's been doing just fine diversity-wise for a long time now.

 

[Krejlooc]

I caught it in that cut scene after a minute of reflection and appreciated how well it was done.

Also, as said in this thread MKX is pretty nice for being all over the spectrum with characters and frankly, I think it is to the game's benefit. Mortal Kombat may be purposefully hammy, but it has always been rooted in paying tribute to Hong Kong cinema and gonzo martial arts films. It has stayed very true to those roots even as it has become a big once more, and that includes the ethnicity of characters.

the style and setting of mk has consistently been one of my favorites in gaming. i like how they keep reinventing the style. mk1 was straight up hong kong cinema, mk2 was very dark and twisted, mk3 was full of hip hop and american gothic, mk4 was straight up satanic, etc.

these games ooze style.

 

[Weiss]

This is an interesting mindset that I feel is gaining a lot of traction. Is it the fact that he's gay and included that's important, or is it the fact that he's gay and the fact that he's gay is irrelevant to the situation that's important?

The way I see it in the story of MKX which already features Johnny and Sonya patching things up, and the couply banter between Takeda and Jacqui, it's a missed opportunity not to have a romance for Kung Jin, but for his role in the story romance was irrelevant. He's Cassie's snarky Number Two who butts heads with the rest of the team and has a chip on his shoulder, and then goes to great lengths to show his compassion, and challenges Kotal to save the life of someone he doesn't know.

So, yeah, I'll always want them to go farther, but I think it's important to have characters who are gay, but aren't completely defined by being gay, so for Mortal Kombat X, I thought they did it well.

 

[Mechazawa]

First characters without monster balloon tits and now this.

Netherrealm doin' work.

 

[TheChillyAcademic]

Ugh, why can't he look like Johnny Cage or something, not a fan of his design at all!

 

[DYLANH24]

"Subtle"
Pfffffft

 

[Lulubop]

It's really cool of Netherrealm to do this. I know some jackholes will squeal about "doing it the right way" or some bullshit, but it's high time gay men receive proper representation in games.

Shit, is there a single gay dude in a fighting game who isn't a completely awful stereotype? Kung Jin's a fucking trailblazer just by virtue of being treated with the same dignity and respect his peers get. Adding to this, MKX being a game with only 3 white dudes in the entire cast, a main female lead, a biracial relationship featuring a Japanese/Vietnamese male and African-American female, and several non-white, non-male characters being featured in prominent roles, and we have a game that sold gangbusters while also being incredibly diverse. Like, somehow, actually featuring non-white dude protagonists didn't fucking implode the universe. Fancy that.

Eagle from SF.

 

[pinkurocket]

Shouldn't have clicked over to Kotaku. Even with this realistic reveal of a gay character, people still consider it pandering and just asking for attention.

 

[Toxi]

"Subtle"
Pfffffft

I'm starting to think I'm so dense Kung-Jin could have kissed a dude on-screen and him being gay would have still passed over my head.

Ugh, why can't he look like Johnny Cage or something, not a fan of his design at all!

It's the silly gold tiara helmet. Makes him look like an elf from Lord of the Rings. Would work better without the cheek guards as a pure headband/tiara.

 

[Weiss]

So if anyone else is interested, the latest Tales game, Tales of Zestiria, contains the franchise's first same-sex romance with

Spoiler

its main character Sorey and his friend Mikleo

It is fairly blatant and not just wish fulfillment of fans, and is confirmed in-game and if I'm not mistaken by the developers as well.

 

[RM8]

Capcom, please bring Eagle back for SFV! That'd be awesome. Also, yeah, this is pretty cool and I like how they handled it. Props to NRS!

 

[Carlisle]

Seems kind of weird to make mention of it in a game where peoples intestines are being crushed in different ways.

But regardless, neat.

Mortal Kombat is an equal opportunity intestine-crusher.

 

[Alrus]

Shouldn't have clicked over to Kotaku. Even with this realistic reveal of a gay character, people still consider it pandering and just asking for attention.

Straight people complaining about pandering in a freaking MK game are hilarious.

 

[Its Quite Toasty]

listening to that portion i was thinking " who the hell does he like that the monks would not approve of?" I some how settled on that it must have been the family statue because he was willing to steal for it but i knew that it was stretching. This is much easier to believe.

 

[Unicorn]

Would be quite unfortunate.

I guess if they wanted to be completely offensive about it and burn the good will they just generated, sure.

So, it would fit right in with all of the other issues with the game!

 

[Shizuka]

So if anyone else is interested, the latest Tales game, Tales of Zestiria, contains the franchise's first same-sex romance with

Spoiler

its main character Sorey and his friend Mikleo.

It is a fairly blatant and not just wish fulfillment of fans, and is confirmend in-game and if I'm not mistaken by the developers as well.

I guess I'll have to play a game on my PS3 years after decided to retire it.

 

[TheChillyAcademic]

I'm starting to think I'm so dense Kung-Jin could have kissed a dude on-screen and him being gay would have still passed over my head.

It's the silly gold tiara helmet. Makes him look like an elf from Lord of the Rings. Would work better without the cheek guards as a pure headband/tiara.

Would work better with a fucking fade or something, his hair is a god damn mess. Too slender a face/frame as well.

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

lui kang had an extensive history dating kitana. kung lao is a descendant of the great kung lao. clearly, in mk, seeing other people isn't a big deal for shaolin.

I guess. Though people can leave the Shaolin temple so it can still work in real life too.

 

[TheChillyAcademic]

I guess I'll have to play a game on my PS3 years after decided to retire it.

Girl...

 

[Its Quite Toasty]

It's the silly gold tiara helmet. Makes him look like an elf from Lord of the Rings. Would work better without the cheek guards.

honestly i thought that the crown was one of the coolest parts of his design. takaeda on the other hand i realize a lot of people like his design but im really not to hot on it. not sure what it is but it just doesnt jive with me.

 

[FranXico]

Both, it's refreshing to see Gay characters who are not solely defined by their sexuality and have nothing else.

This. Kung Jin is an excellent example of a gay character, precisely because he is not a token character. There are many things to him besides his sexuality. You know, like real people.

 

[SerTapTap]

Cool to see stuff like this introduced subtly like that. That's how it should be, not "WOW LOOK FIRST GAY CHARACTER stop asking thanks" or painfully obvious, painfully cringey "gay character" look/story.

 

[tearsintherain]

When I heard Raiden mention 'who his heart desires', I understood it as a reference to him liking a forbidden princess, or something along those lines.

I'm playing MK X story mode right now and literally just played this cutscene a minute ago, I'm an idiot I thought he was a MILF chaser and lusted after sonya blade haha.

 

[Sou Da]

honestly i thought that the crown was one of the coolest parts of his design. takaeda on the other hand i realize a lot of people like his design but im really not to hot on it. not sure what it is but it just doesnt jive with me.

His Shirai Ryu variation looks pretty good to me.

 

[TheChillyAcademic]

Cool to see stuff like this introduced subtly like that. That's how it should be, not "WOW LOOK FIRST GAY CHARACTER stop asking thanks" or painfully obvious, painfully cringey "gay character" look/story.

This helps.

 

[RiverBed]

Is he playable in north Indiana?

 

[bishoptl]

Seems kind of weird to make mention of it in a game where peoples intestines are being crushed in different ways.

But regardless, neat.

something something shoving gay agenda down throats then pulling out intestines something something

 

[Toxi]

something something shoving gay agenda down throats then pulling out intestines something something

That's Kung-Jin's third fatality.

 

[ItIsOkBro]

Spoiler

takeda

x

Spoiler

jacqui

deserves a mention too, tbh.

 

[TheChillyAcademic]

something something shoving gay agenda down throats then pulling out intestines something something

Yeah...super cute 😆

 

[EulaCapra]

I applaud Netherrealm for doing this and not making it a big deal to his character in a game with a shitload of shirtless, hulking, sweaty men too. But that won't stop me from making a big deal out of it with the $1 million question: what is the right ship for Kung Jin?

Erron Black? (cause of his shirtless alt)
Sub-Zero? (only Kung Jin can melt Sub-Zero's cold, lonely, muscly silver fox heart)
Ermac? (one of those souls inside him gotta be gay)

I think I shall ship Kung Jin x human Scorpion. He's human now and nothing can ever replace the love for his wife and kid, so he might as well fill that love with some D.