I preface this with the disclosure that I have never played the game, but...
When people defend the sexuality of Bayonetta, I die a little inside. The promotional material, clips I've seen of the game in play and trailers, all consistenly promote the worst aspects of using sexuality in games. I would use it as an example in the opposite version of this thread.
It is the character of Bayonetta that completes the image. For me, her being a sexy character works because she acts like it, and I am completely fine with that being a design of some writer, at least they own it up and make it fitting unlike so many other "sexy" characters who just look sexy but then don't have any character trait to go with it.
The Charr from Guild Wars are done well because both genders look like large angry cat people and female Charr don't have breasts, though that does make it harder to tell if it's a male or female Charr at a glance until they start talking since they are slightly different in their frame. The other alternative was to give female char 6 nipples like cats according to the devs, so maybe sticking with none is a good idea...unless that is your thing.
The Asura as well in Guild Wars 2 are designed to be very alike each other with only some slight alterations in facial structure to differentiate between males and females.
Kojima is a legendary developer but his treatment of women in his games is deplorable. They are generally nothing more than titillating objects to be gawked at. A lot of them come with special modes or "secret" button presses to allow you to get a closer look.
In case of EVA it's used for narrative effect, though. In the beginning when Naked Snake meets EVA you get your first prompts to look at her cleavage from Snake's perspective and, as we all know by now, that's exactly what she wants because seduction is her MO. However, as the game progresses, EVA and Snake's relationship matures too and right before taking on the Shagohod there's a very clear would-be tit-cam moment where Snake instead looks into her eyes and kisses her. A nice detail that makes sense considering all the things they have been through since that initial meeting.
It's not a huge thing. It's not "genius." But dismissing these prompts as pure titillation is reductive.
Basically everyone from Borderlands. Their sexualities aren't a big deal at all in game. There are plenty of Gay, Bi, and straight characters and that always impressed me. No stereotypes even.
For example, Hammerlock is gay, Athena is gay, Moxxi is bi, even Tiny Tina apparently has a crush on Maya. (Personally I think Moxxi is the lowest of these examples, but whatever, she's Moxxi)
Even Jack doesn't care about peoples sexuality, in one of the logs found in the Wildlife Exploitation Preserve mentions two sets of gay couples and no real attention is drawn to it.
Everyone is a person. Go Gearbox.
I feel like Life is Strange did well with sexuality even if it wasn't exactly directly addressed.
I've really admired the fact that Max wasn't made crazy hot or anything, she's a very average nerdy-type. Not a sexual object, which still seems to be a problem often in games with female characters.
Additional Edits:
It's more gender equality than sexuality but Pokemon has never had a problem showing female trainers to be every bit as capable as male trainers. Heck, we've had three Champions who were female.
The Dragon Age series especially Inquisition has handled sexuality extremely well. Even if I feel Dorian was a little ham handed, he was done far better than most gay characters, and Sera was certainly unique.
Christie from DoA. All the girls in DoA are generic sexy but Christie is different. She's Bayonetta in fighting game form. Her character is a dominatrix assassin and slightly into BDSM. She's also the least moe anime looking female fighter
I would agree in this case. Eva is atleast a better done example as she has legitimate reason to be gawked over (it's literally her intention), and that's something I suppose. However, it doesn't change that she is hypersexualized for the titillation of the player. Having a legitimate excuse for it isn't enough to necessarily be a positive depiction in my mind, especially since Eva's character is that she has been forced into this role by the Chinese government.
Writing a stupid backstory to justify the sexualisation of a character on screen does not make it ok.
I've not played MGS5 but i imagine the design meeting went something like this:
"Oh look guys, i just designed a character who is an elite soldier, but she has her tits out constantly."
"She's hot dude, but don't you think her design is a little exploitative?"
"Nah man, we'll just say that she exposes herself ALL THE TIME so she can get an unfair advantage over her enemies by distracting them with her boobs."
"That's awesome dude. We can even convince people that we designed her as a 'strong female character' when all we really wanted to do was show off our new boob rendering techniques."
I've always wondered if those who are offended because a female character in a video game show of tits or go in a bikini, also offends and covers his eyes when going to the beach or going to cinema.I also wonder why there is a new gaf thread each time a female character shows part of tits or ass. Many threads about this do not see in any other forum videogames in the world.
I completely agree, but it's as all fiction is fabricated, you have to figure out where you draw the line at whats 'obviously exploitive' and 'somewhat justified' and 'fully justified and all the inbetweens of those. Quiet is an extreme example of obviously exploitative. Eva is on the same spectrum, but less severe, as being a spy, seduction would be one of her talents. Still exploitative, but I find Eva to be less obvious about it atleast.
I've always wondered if those who are offended because a female character in a video game show of tits or go in a bikini, also offends and covers his eyes when going to the beach or going to cinema.I also wonder why there is a new gaf thread each time a female character shows part of tits or ass. Many threads about this do not see in any other forum videogames in the world.
It's great seeing Chloe love in the thread! I only play Halo with friends, so I don't really have as much an opinion on Cortana outside of a) likeable character, b) when the technology allows, we're going to have so many naked AI ladies in the future. Spoiler-spoiler-spoiler -
I really like her armored Halo 5 design
.
I agree with OP, Bayonetta is always my first thought as a character that manages to somehow be extremely exploitive whilst actually managing to be quite positive. She's not a magically perfect depiction of sexuality, and I do very much understand why she doesn't work for people. She's basically the weirdest female power fantasy ever, whilst still being male-gaze jerk-off material. (I'll try not to add to the essays OP mentioned on my girl Bayo! The temptation is so strong. Dear Jubileus, it has been months since my last extremely long Bayonetta essay, I am about to sin again...) The shorter TL;DR version that is still quite long:
1. Bayonetta is aware of every single second she is being objectified, but in serious moments/when she's distracted, the camera respects her and focuses on her face. What she's going through as a character is more important, and the game never objectifies her without being aware of it. It's one of my favourite aspects of the series. My poor Miranda in ME2. Poor, poor Miranda.
2. Bayonetta constantly plays the effortless hero role, and the only time she's damseled is when she's saved by another woman. (Jeanne's brief damsel role in B2 isn't perfect, though.) It also has one of the few moments ever where I've seen a female character hand off a kid to the male love interest as she runs off to save the day. Bayo proceeds to save the day spectacularly, and it's never even a concern that she may not be able to.
3. Speaking of which, Jeanne's and Bayo's relationship is awesome. Shoot angels, buy expensive clothes, punch aeroplanes. Just Witch Things (TM). Between the two and the spoiler character in B2, the series is about witches getting shit done. Bayonetta halso as a great relationship with Madame Butterfly, and seeing them fist bump in the trailer for the first time Made My Year.
4. In a weird way, Bayonetta's sexuality is kept out of game play, which is surprising for how much of the time she spends, you know, vaguely half naked. Her combat grunts are guttural (sans her purposeful sexual taunts) and her combat sounds are never remotely sexual. Hellena Taylor is fantastic! Just as importantly, Bayonetta's stance always sensibly reflects the kind of weapon she is using. Shuraba/Durga/Salamandra/Takemikazuchi/Chain Chomp aren't little delicate weapons, and Bayonetta will take huge power stances using them. I eye-roll for days when I see female characters delicately holding big-ass weapons. Go big, or go home.
5. It's insanely refreshing to have a female character that is extremely sexual and isn't punished for it. I've seen it so rarely before, in any medium. Sexual assault could have been so easily used as a threat against her in both games by the villains, but there is never even a hint of it. (The only caveat I can think to this is the Bayonetta 2 Bonus Boss fight, where she's left naked and foetal after one of his attacks. The Boss' intention isn't sexual, but it's still a way you never see her at any other moment in the games. It's pretty disturbing. I will absolutely say Platinum dropped the ball there.)
6. Don't get me wrong, Bayo is still Kamiya's glasses wearing jerk-off material, but there's also such an interesting element with Mari Shimazaki's design. You can go through the insane amounts of concept art material that they went through in the artbook. The intentions behind Bayonetta's design were fashionable clothes, silhouette and gameplay visiblity first, then jerk-off material second. It's a very... unique blend for a character design to walk out of the fashion pages of Vogue and then right into a Playboy centrefold.
Again, Bayonetta isn't a perfect depiction, but I prefer Platinum's no bullshit approach to Bayonetta than the more insidious approach other companies have with their female characters. Reboot Lara Croft is one that really constantly depresses me, especially being a character I want to enjoy so much! The reboot is lauded for having her practically dressed, but that's not really true. She's still sexualised, as an extremely well-fitted spaghetti strap singlet with form fitting pants is not the most practical outfit for her adventures in either reboot game. Unless you had the DLC for TR1, she didn't have the common sense to pick up a protective jacket the entire game! (I'm glad she has acquired one for the snow in Rise.) So sadly Lara's still sexualised, but now she's constantly gasping/groaning, and she's perpetually in pain. Her combat grunts are more mild-orgasm than Imma-pickaxe-you-in-the-face! While I don't think it's intentional on their behalf, CD's approach to Reboot Lara is really insidious. Bayo's not perfect, but she's more along the lines of old school Lara's power fantasy, as opposed to wanting to protect Reboot Lara. In this case, I want to save her from Crystal Dynamics.
Getting off the Bayonetta topic (still a mini-essay, sorry, OP), as people have mentioned, Borderlands is still the best all-rounder example off the top of my head! Ellie is confident in both her sexuality and her body, and with each game we unravel another layer of Moxxi. Moxxi becomes more and more deconstructed as a cliché re: how much of her persona* is for show. Lilith apparently nearly destroyed her computer with viruses because she looked up an incredible amount of porn without decent ad blocks. Maya - my fav! - is awesome, and she just happens to be asexual. Nisha is almost another category to herself! Props to Burch/2K Australia for making a counterpart to Handsome Jack where he looks like the mellow puppy in the relationship. She's extremely sexual, and confident about it. It's a surprisingly healthy relationship between two extremely awful people. The Pre-Sequel and Tales from the Borderlands also have great depictions of sexuality with both a long-standing character Athena and TPS newcomer Janey (lesbians, 100% adorable, UST that pays off). It's just wonderful to have so many women with many different types of sexuality, none of which are used negatively or exploited.
Persona 4 is an interesting mention! Rise is a bit of a rare character in a lot of JRPGs, as she's a female character that is confident and forward with her sexuality. She definitely knows what she wants! I love all the P4 gals, but was surprised how much I enjoy Rise. The game also does do interesting things with sexuality and identity with Chie and Naoto. That being said, I am concerned that whilst P4 often tries to explore these issues, it still tries to push the characters towards the status quo anyway. (I'm 3/4 of the way through P4:G at the moment, so I can't be completely definitive re: Naoto's Social Link yet.) The constant sexual harassment towards the female cast is shitty (like in P3), and the Amagi Hot Springs/pageant scenes are really exploitative, too. Poor Naoto. I would also like to put Teddie and 30% of Yosuke in a dumpster. Junpei can join.
*I'm now wondering at what Moxxi's persona would be.
1. Bayonetta is aware of every single second she is being objectified, but in serious moments/when she's distracted, the camera respects her and focuses on her face. What she's going through as a character is more important, and the game never objectifies her without being aware of it. It's one of my favourite aspects of the series. My poor Miranda in ME2. Poor, poor Miranda.
Not to tarnish an otherwise excellent post with a minor quibble, but this isn't strictly true. Right before the Space Harrier mission in 1, Luka is staring at her boobs while water drips down from the tip. Of course, it makes sense as that scene is taking place from Luka's perspective, so it's not sexualization for the sake of it, but to help characterize Luka further (Though perhaps unnecessarily).
Otherwise, yes, I don't think there is another moment where she isn't participating in the male gaze willfully.
Kainé's gestalt was not originally a hermaphrodite. She was a normal female with a fiancé, but her replicant was born as a hermaphrodite due to an error in the long-running replicant system.
I'd argue that Kainé in NieR had a pretty good reason for her exposure, or at least what I read from her character as this is never explicitly said in game. This is just what I interpreted her as, major spoilers below. Beware if you haven't played NieR, which you should:
She was bullied at a young age, partly due to being a hermaphrodite. She constantly gets criticised by Weiss for her choice of clothing, to which she almost always responds with an insult. I think she dresses this way to expose the womanly parts of her body as a way to tell people around her that she identifies as a female. She has trouble communicating with other people after all.
Now, to remind you, this is just my interpretation and I could be completely off the mark.
exactly this, glad somebody mentioned it. Also, all the female ninjas in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden series. Exposing a lot of skin is a legit strategy on how to distract your opponent.
edit: Here is an explanation "Kunoichi have always been known to expose themselves as much as possible so that the enemies underestimate them. Seduction and distraction are staples of female ninjutsu. On the other hand males used to undress before combat to show their confidence and lack of fear, Spartans, for example, were known to go to battle naked."
exactly this, glad somebody mentioned it. Also, all the female ninjas in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden series. Exposing a lot of skin is a legit strategy on how to distract your opponent.
exactly this, glad somebody mentioned it. Also, all the female ninjas in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden series. Exposing a lot of skin is a legit strategy on how to distract your opponent.
I don't know about sexual, and it's not an actual relationship, that's uh, "fan input." Chris and Piers have a particularly close relationship for two dudes in a video game, but there's nothing any more explicit romantically or sexually than with Chris and Jill. Piers is Chris's subordinate who idolizes him, but has to deal with that Chris is prone to emotional outbursts and stubbornness. Chris has PTSD like 3-4 times over by now to the point that it's a defining character trait and that's not really going to be addressed because this is Resident Evil. Not really a series that much cares for progressing its characters' development, you can just look at the endless cycle of Leon and Ada for that.
That would disturb the arrangement. The devs assert their moral seriousness as artists, and the moralists decode the problematic messages and enlighten the masses. (Edit: And the shareholders realize value.)
It's the same reason the Catholic Church kept the mass in Latin for so long.
Mona Sax is one of the better answers I've seen in this thread, although she still draws on a lot of femme fatale noir tropes that are, at best, "complicated" in their depiction of women.
Really, guys. Kunoichi have always been known to expose themselves as much as possible so that the enemies underestimate them. Seduction and distraction are staples of female ninjutsu. On the other hand males used to undress before combat to show their confidence and lack of fear, Spartans, for example, were known to go to battle naked.
This whole discussion makes me more emboldened as a creator to shape a character that is sexually empowering to gay men. I just need to figure out which elements of his design and presentation to emphasize.
This whole discussion makes me more emboldened as a creator to shape a character that is sexually empowering to gay men. I just need to figure out which elements of his design and presentation to emphasize.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bayonetta never actually has any kind of sexual relationship with another character in the games, right? If the story never actually shows her having any romantic or sexual agency, I can't buy the argument that she's owning her sexuality and not just serving as eye candy.
As for positive examples, I'd almost be willing to say Ciri from Witcher 3. There's one section in the game where you play as Ciri while she's recovering from injury in a small town, and during this section you can choose whether she pursues or rejects a male suitor. If she chooses to romance him, the game makes it very clear that Ciri is the more experienced and sexually aggressive one in the relationship, without ever shaming her or judging her. There are no negative consequences for rejecting him, and she can even state her reason to be that she's more attracted to women. The character has agency over her sexuality because the player has agency while playing as that character. It's a very small moment, but I thought it was a nice touch and definitely shows how having a playable female protagonist can go a long way.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bayonetta never actually has any kind of sexual relationship with another character in the games, right? If the story never actually shows her having any romantic or sexual agency, I can't buy the argument that she's owning her sexuality and not just serving as eye candy.
exactly this, glad somebody mentioned it. Also, all the female ninjas in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden series. Exposing a lot of skin is a legit strategy on how to distract your opponent.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bayonetta never actually has any kind of sexual relationship with another character in the games, right? If the story never actually shows her having any romantic or sexual agency, I can't buy the argument that she's owning her sexuality and not just serving as eye candy.
Bayonetta embodies agency. I wrote a post on this a while back, around when Bayonetta 2 was released and people started misunderstanding her all over again. I'm going to go ahead and paste a slightly edited version here.
Monocle said:
Bayonetta is all about power and poise and confidence. The way she exults in her sexuality and wields it as a weapon is entirely consistent with her persona. She's never ever reduced to a sexual ornament for male characters or the audience. She claims equal standing with, or flat out dominates, every man she meets. She's isn't the damsel in distress who waits for the studly hero to sweep her off her feet and save the day. She pulls her own weight and takes care of her friends. Bayonetta is the superhero everyone else relies on. Her sexuality is self-gratifying and intimidating, not inviting, and that's one of the core strengths of her character.
It's worth mentioning that Bayonetta's designer is a woman who took inspiration for Bayonetta's extended proportions from fashion illustrations, whose figures are tall and elegant to emphasize physical grace rather than sexuality. If Bayonetta was supposed to pander to a straight male audience, where are the balloon tits and other stereotypical features of the woman-shaped background props that countless games employ for no other reason than cheap sex appeal? Why the bizarre spider-like limbs and long neck, exaggerated qualities that enhance her acrobatic movements and statuesque poses while she fights? Her design complements her actions, which complement her personality, which complements both.
Bayonetta is a fully realized character, possibly the only self-actualized female protagonist in complete control of her sexuality that the entire medium has to offer.
exactly this, glad somebody mentioned it. Also, all the female ninjas in Dead or Alive/Ninja Gaiden series. Exposing a lot of skin is a legit strategy on how to distract your opponent.
As for positive examples, I'd almost be willing to say Ciri from Witcher 3. There's one section in the game where you play as Ciri while she's recovering from injury in a small town, and during this section you can choose whether she pursues or rejects a male suitor. If she chooses to romance him, the game makes it very clear that Ciri is the more experienced and sexually aggressive one in the relationship, without ever shaming her or judging her. There are no negative consequences for rejecting him, and she can even state her reason to be that she's more attracted to women. The character has agency over her sexuality because the player has agency while playing as that character. It's a very small moment, but I thought it was a nice touch and definitely shows how having a playable female protagonist can go a long way.
As I said already "Kunoichi have always been known to expose themselves as much as possible so that the enemies underestimate them. Seduction and distraction are staples of female ninjutsu. On the other hand males used to undress before combat to show their confidence and lack of fear, Spartans, for example, were known to go to battle naked."
As I said already "Kunoichi have always been known to expose themselves as much as possible so that the enemies underestimate them. Seduction and distraction are staples of female ninjutsu. On the other hand males used to undress before combat to show their confidence and lack of fear, Spartans, for example, were known to go to battle naked."
I'm aware of that historical tidbit, actually, but the series never (or let's say rarely, in case I'm forgetting something) presents nudity as the characters' purposeful strategy. They're treated as nothing more than sex dolls. The fact that they're busty women in provocative outfits contributes absolutely nothing to their stories. It doesn't enrich their characters a bit. Christie might be an exception, come to think of it, but what about the others?
Cue that "she kicks high" commercial. That's about as male-gazey as you can get.
I bet it helps them to breathe easier too. Such good characters.
Bayonetta embodies agency. I wrote a post on this a while back, around when Bayonetta 2 was released and people started misunderstanding her all over again. I'm going to go ahead and paste a slightly edited version here.
I appreciate you giving a fairly detailed response, but it doesn't actually answer my question (which again, I am asking because I haven't played the game and genuinely don't know). At any point does Bayonetta actually get to have a say in whether or not she has a romantic or sexual relationship with somebody? Does she ever have a genuine romantic/sexual moment with someone? Does she ever reject someone's advances? Or is it all just that teasing "do you want to touch me?" stuff?
The answer to why she doesn't cater to the "typical" straight male audience is pretty obvious though, which is that she caters to one straight male's very particular tastes.
I appreciate you giving a fairly detailed response, but it doesn't actually answer my question (which again, I am asking because I haven't played the game and genuinely don't know). At any point does Bayonetta actually get to have a say in whether or not she has a romantic or sexual relationship with somebody? Does she ever have a genuine romantic/sexual moment with someone? Does she ever reject someone's advances? Or is it all just that teasing "do you want to touch me?" stuff?
Actually, yeah. Her relationship with Luka in the first game covers all of those things.
BTW, you seem to be implying that her sexual expression is inauthentic unless she engages in a romantic or sexual relationship. Which kind of goes against the individualism that's defined her from the beginning. Choosing not to engage with potential partners is a valid option for a sexually liberated person, and arguably more meaningful when that choice is made by an attractive woman in her prime.
The answer to why she doesn't cater to the "typical" straight male audience is pretty obvious though, which is that she caters to one straight male's very particular tastes.
That's dismissing a lot of the developers' intent, including the designer Mari Shimazaki's whole approach to the character. Kamiya might crush on Bayonetta, but that doesn't detract from any of her qualities as a uniquely well realized female protagonist.
It's pretty rare that a female(or male) embraces her sexuality and is self aware of what an advantage it is to have good looks. Bayonetta and Poison from SF come to mind here.
I can't answer that because I haven't picked that option, but the option to have Ciri say that comes when you're talking to the male love interest's sister, so I'd guess at the very least that she can flirt with her. Either way you don't get to follow through on your chosen love interest, because
the Wild Hunt attacks the village before anything can happen
Actually, yeah. Her relationship with Luka in the first game covers all of those things.
BTW, you seem to be implying that her sexual expression inauthentic unless she engages in a romantic or sexual relationship. Which kind of goes against the individualism that's defined her from the beginning.
Okay, I might check out some of Bayonetta's story stuff and see what those interactions look like. And definitely wasn't my intention to suggest that she has to be in a relationship, which is why I also asked whether she gets to reject someone's advances.
Intent's all well and good, but in the end it's up to each consumer to interpret things their own way. And when I see the director of the game hugging a body pillow with the main character printed on it, "empowered woman in charge of her sexuality" isn't the first thing that comes to mind.
I'm aware of that historical tidbit, actually, but the series never (or let's say rarely, in case I'm forgetting something) presents nudity as the characters' purposeful strategy. They're treated as nothing more than sex dolls. The fact that they're busty women in provocative outfits contributes absolutely nothing to their stories. It doesn't enrich their characters a bit. Christie might be an exception, come to think of it, but what about the others?
Cue that "she kicks high" commercial. That's about as male-gazey as you can get.
I'd argue that Kainé in NieR had a pretty good reason for her exposure, or at least what I read from her character as this is never explicitly said in game. This is just what I interpreted her as, major spoilers below. Beware if you haven't played NieR, which you should:
She was bullied at a young age, partly due to being a hermaphrodite. She constantly gets criticised by Weiss for her choice of clothing, to which she almost always responds with an insult. I think she dresses this way to expose the womanly parts of her body as a way to tell people around her that she identifies as a female. She has trouble communicating with other people after all.
Now, to remind you, this is just my interpretation and I could be completely off the mark.
I don't know, I think it's complicated. You could argue that it's justified, but it's hard to say it's sexuality being shown in a positive way since it's related to a trauma, and her way of dealing with it. It's not celebrating her sexuality in the same way that Bayonetta is.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have an issue with Kainé, on the contrary, I love her for many reasons, but I feel like this thread is better applied to positive as in "shown as a good thing", rather than just justified.
I think it isn't "positive" in that way, but that is also the point, it's not meant to be, and for that reason I think it's cool.
Maybe Drakengard 3 would fit better. But I didn't play it yet (even preordered it, but still didn't get around to playing it), so I'm just going by what I've read.
Persona 4 is an interesting mention! Rise is a bit of a rare character in a lot of JRPGs, as she's a female character that is confident and forward with her sexuality. She definitely knows what she wants! I love all the P4 gals, but was surprised how much I enjoy Rise.
I preface this with the disclosure that I have never played the game, but...
When people defend the sexuality of Bayonetta, I die a little inside. The promotional material, clips I've seen of the game in play and trailers, all consistenly promote the worst aspects of using sexuality in games. I would use it as an example in the opposite version of this thread.
Seems to be an unpopular opinion around here, but I agree. Bayo gets praised for empowerment, but it's still needlessly sexualized. It's better than most forms of sexualization in that she's not objectified per say, but it's still a grossly pandering game.
I preface this with the disclosure that I have never played the game, but...
When people defend the sexuality of Bayonetta, I die a little inside. The promotional material, clips I've seen of the game in play and trailers, all consistenly promote the worst aspects of using sexuality in games. I would use it as an example in the opposite version of this thread.
That's the problem right here, without context she's just another DOA doll, but that's not really the case or at least the opinion of a lot of people that actually played the game.
The amount of writing analyzing Bayonetta's sexuality that's been done could fill books, and if Bayonetta 3 is ever announced, it will fill much more. Bayonetta's sexuality is much more present in 1 than 2, but both have elements of it. I understand people's arguments for how they view Bayonetta as textbook exploitative, as the game utilizes the male gaze quite frequently for Bayonetta's numberous nude scenes, almost none of which are necessary. That said, I always felt reducing Bayonetta's depiction to just those aspects was reductionist thinking. I feel the fact that she enjoys being sexual is an important thing, and more importantly that she makes the specific choice to be sexual. Bayonetta is a very carefree soul where despite the extremely dark situations she's in, she finds levity in humor. She teases Luka, she makes poses, she dances her way around enemies...everything about her actions is fun, fun, fun. When she recieves her iconic guns, she can't simply pick them up, no, she has to toss them into the air and catch them while doing a breakdance. So all the gratutious sexuality comes off as her way of having fun, and that's key. You could very well argue that Bayonetta doesn't provide male gaze for the player, but she dances and poses because she enjoys it, and the player just happens to be lucky enough to come along for the ride. Bayonetta's story isn't particularly well written, but I always found it ironic how getting this aspect correct has prompted far more character analysis than dozens of comparatively better written stories. In fact, I don't think I've seen any other videogame character command the attention of the gaming community as much as she has.
She is having fun with her sexuality because the creators made her so. And they made her so because, to the creators, it was sexy and titillating.
I think the only way to really truly have a positive depiction of sexuality in any media is to have the sexual person himself or herself to do it 100% of his or her own will and love for what he or she does, 100% in the way he or she looks without any outside force deciding what that appearance should be like.
A sexual game character is nothing more than a robot who has been programmed to titillate the player in a way or another. It doesn't matter what motivations have been programmed to that character as it's just and only a programmed thing. Bayonetta is what she is because Kamiya and whoever was the main designer of her gets titillated by it.
Not that there's something inherently wrong with that. I just don't see much difference in Bayonetta or some more obviously "sexy" video game character. A dominant character is still sexualized because people get titillated by feeling dominated by that certain character design.
It's nothing less and nothing more.
I think a positive depiction of sexuality in video games can't come from the sexual characters themselves, but it should be brought out by the world and characters around that sexual character. Trying to do that with just an "empowered" sexy character is mostly only "reverse sexism." The character itself can be as shallow it can be, yet it still can be used to say something positive about sexuality if the world and the characters reflecting that person are depicted well.
