Sexy "Power Armor", am I 'juvenile' for liking it? (a response to recent Kill La Kill concepts)

[MrHide-Patten]

About the concept in the OP:
-It's not an armor; it's not even meant to be "clothing". It's called "human/uniform" fusion because it's... a fusion, the girl and the living clothing are meant to become one.
-The work is self-aware; they aren't playing it as practical or sensible and the girl hates how she looks. She even goes the lenghts to cover herself with a cloak so people don't see how ridiculous it is.
-It's not meant to provide protection... it's a super-form, like the Dragon Ball Super Saiyan. So the "clothing" is irrelevant since she gains God-like abilities and, like I said, the idea isn't that she is wearing the clothing. In fact, fashion is one of the main themes of the story and the catchphrase is a pun in Japanese that goes "will you wear or be worn?".
-Finally, it's a cartoony surreal show that has no pretentions about being "mature": http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14o2oo_tv%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1-%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB-%E6%9C%80%E6%96%B0pv-full-hd-1080p

I figured that's what was/is happening with this, the sexualisation is played for jokes, and the concept is a bit to surreal that it's obviously part of the whole gag.

Probably should've cemented this sort of info in the original post, but then I probably should have chosen my words more carefully.

 

[Voulan]

Anyway, while I can only advocate for the Romans and Greeks, I'm certain that other armour sets are created with the same thought in mind - mass production with the least possible cost. So, I wouldn't use it to advocate for less armour being more effective.

Well all I was showing is that it's still armor within the terms of the anime.

And on that note, 30-40% effective? Really? That's not even remotely going to keep anyone alive, especially when the particular outfit in question leaves her entire abdomen and back exposed, which is where all the organs are. You can't possibly defend this as reasonable armour.

Well I can with the two points I gave before.
1. I've seen plenty of scenes where somebody who's almost completely unarmored uses just a small piece of armor to defend themselves (bracers for example) and often it is a sound stylistic choice.
2. The uniform gives her superpowers. Superman/spiderman/etc. could go into battle buck naked for all they care, conventional armor would do nothing for them.

Also, I wouldn't call this artistic license for a non-traditional image - as Grey argued in his last Critical Miss, when the design is the lowest denominator in what people like (strong white males, sexy females) then it's not exactly ground-breaking design.

And if that artist wishes to use cliched or frequently used design choices that is their right.
There's no rule that states "artistic freedom of expression is only allowed when it's original."
After all, landscape painting was popularised by turner in the early 1800's. But we don't discount modern landscape paintings as pandering or unoriginal.

Male gaze is completely applicable here. And no, it doesn't just mean something created for a male perspective. It involves looking at others from the superior male perspective and objectifying them as a result.

I believe you are confusing factors commonly associated with male gaze, with male gaze itself. Male gaze is a very general term. And sexual objectification isn't the only thing that's indicative of male gaze.

For a woman, that means being degraded to a sex object to be looked at, rather than an actual person. So yes, objectification is the actual term to use here.

No, no it's not. It's a term people have started throwing around recently because it sounds worse and more urgent than exploitative.
When blaxploitation was all the rage people didn't say they were objectifying black people and stereotypes, they were exploiting them. Here it is the same thing, you cannot objectify a fictional character, but you can exploit stereotypes and real life issues in an insensitive or offensive manner.

And while this character isn't real, we need to discourage reducing women to their apparently only sellable parts, and looking at them as mere sex objects.

Well it's a good job we're talking about ink on paper and not a woman then.

And I'm not advocating censorship, I'm asking for some awareness -

You're saying "these kind of depictions should not be allowed to exist in volume (correct me if I'm wrong)."

it's frustrating as a female that most of the options for female characters are just like this.

Again, your extreme over-exaggeration does your argument a disservice.

If it was the reverse, would you not find it slightly depressing? I know Jim talked about how annoying the "censorship!" accusations are in one of his videos, but I forget which. I mean, the massive plethora of rationally dressed white males compared to the few female examples is staggering, and asking for a bit more consideration isn't going to ruin your vidja gaems.

Well considering it's not as bad as you make out, this is a dishonest base for a question.
Markets will always have certain trends, those trends may not be to the liking of every consumer. The potential issues with representation of female characters is in the frequency of sexualisation or exploitation of said characters. But if you have to exaggerate and cherry pick your examples to exhibit this trend then the problem probably isn't as bad as you think it is.
I hate many things about Hollywood action movies, so I avoid them. But I don't get annoyed by the fact they're the most popular genre that has the most money spent on it, I just don't watch them. And there are plently of alternate choices that cater to my needs.

And no, her design may not reflect her character, but then when she's constantly dressed like a fetish doll,

Well she isn't constantly dressed as a fetish doll, that's a combat transformation costume.

everything she does is undermined by the male gaze. How are we meant to take her seriously with half her arse hanging out?

Perhaps you aren't meant to take her seriously, or perhaps this particular anime wasn't created with you in mind.
Why is it you think fictional works should pander to your desires and no to the desires of other crowds?
And again, if a piece of fiction is designed for males, it's going to have a male gaze (because of how general the term is), that is no bad thing.

But I do agree that I can't rage at something that hasn't been released yet or simply because it exists. The OP was only asking about this one design, though, and asking about whether it is morally acceptable to like sexy female designs in general. I can't dictate what people should like - my frustration is aimed more at the constant use of these tropes in game/anime/film/advertising, with only really profit in mind. I mean, I'm sure not all guys like your standard female sex symbol design, don't you feel somewhat insulted that they assume that of you?

Hey the design in question isn't to my personal tastes at all. And this is what confuses me, because if I was forced to have designs like that in my video games/movies/tv shows I would be pissed. But I'm not. There are plenty of more realistic, dark, gritty fictional works (note, my criteria is much more specific than just "no sexualisation") that cater to my needs and do not contain any sexualisation for sexualsation's sake. They may not be as popular, they may not be AAA, but I'm fine with that.
To me, a lot of the time it seems like people are complaining about certain genres, certain subsets of fiction as if they are the whole thing.
I will say one thing though, I would like to see more highly sexualised male characters, specifically villains.
Kuja from FF9 is one of my favourite villains of all time and I would like to see more like him.

Spoiler: Kuja

I'm not offended necessarily, just disappointed that this is so typical. And when we ask for something more rational, we get told that its an exceptional case or that we're screaming for censorship. How about we agree to disagree? I hate having Internet arguments.

I really think your perception is skewed. I'm not saying this kind of stuff is "exceptional" but it certainly isn't "the majority."
For example (I've done this before for other such discussions):

Grand Theft Auto V
The Elder Scrolls Anthology
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Soul Hackers
Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning
Foul Play
Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny
Recovery: Search and Rescue Simulation
Hot Wheels: World's Best Driver

That is gamespot's list of games being released this week, less than half have the potential (the ones in bold have potential) to contain sexualised characters. Of those that have potential only a few I would estimate actually contain said sexualisation. Of those, a few would have justified sexualisation.

And when the logical implication of your points is "we shouldn't allow this stuff to exist, or exist in such volumes" you are effectively advocating censorship.

So no to the "let's drop this and call it a truce" then? Neither of us will win this argument at all. I was going to drop replying altogether, but there is one thing I need to point out first. And I'm on the iPhone again, so sorry this looks messy.

No, the male gaze is not a general term. It refers to objectifying others and viewing them from a superior masculine point of view, and making then objects. I've studied this concept for three years at university, so I know it does apply here - and, once again, yes I do mean to use the word objectification, because it involves turning someone into a passive object to be looked at. I guess I'll have to quote the term, but I can only manage the wiki page instead of an actual book because I'm out and about at the moment:

"Laura Mulvey introduced the second-wave feminist concept of "male gaze" as a feature of gender power asymmetry in film. The concept was present in earlier studies of the gaze, but it was Mulvey who brought it to the forefront. Mulvey stated that women were objectified in film because heterosexual men were in control of the camera. Hollywood films played to the models of voyeurism and scopophilia."

Down a bit further:

"The male gaze occurs when the camera puts the audience into the perspective of a heterosexual man. It may linger over the curves of a woman's body, for instance. The woman is usually displayed on two different levels: as an erotic object for both the characters within the film, as well as the spectator who is watching the film. The man emerges as the dominant power within the created film fantasy. The woman is passive to the active gaze from the man."

Also note their using objectification here again, because it turns women into objects. Hence my use of the term. And a result, she loses autonomy and respect. Are we clear now? I'll also point out to not look so one-sided that there is such thing as a female gaze, and also a gaze that looks at other ethnicities from the superior white gaze.

As for your example games there, three of those don't feature women at all anyway (which is another one of my gripes), nor should they be considered indicative of gaming as a whole. But as for your point that I'm cherry-picking examples and seeing it as a majority when you claim it's not, then how do you explain the countless female character threads, the number of posts in those threads, the amount of Jimquisitions devoted to female characters, the articles and demand for female characters alone on this website, the Internet controversies, even the sheer amount of posts in this thread arguing the same things I am? Because it doesn't seem like a non-issue to me.

I had a depressing moment when babysitting a 10 year old girl the other week. We were watching tv and a music video came on, and she sighed and said sadly, "another video where girls just dance around the men wearing underwear and nothing else." It's undeniably depressing if a young girl is already world-weary and upset about female objectification. And it's not like she's been searching for it.

My point is that there is far too much sexy characters out there for no real reason. And no, I am not advocating for censorship (I really wish I had access to Jim's video about that accusation now) - after all, as you say, there are other genres to cater to your interests. It's called porn, and there's plenty of it. Meanwhile, how about in games where the men are dressed sensibly, the women are too? Then we're all happy.

Anyway, it turns out the design is a parody of constant female sexy combat outfits in the media, which is what I'm arguing is common anyway. It wouldn't parody something that wasn't a popular concept that is hated, would they? At any rate, I'll concede defeat in trying to argue.

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

About the concept in the OP:
-It's not an armor; it's not even meant to be "clothing". It's called "human/uniform" fusion because it's... a fusion, the girl and the living clothing are meant to become one.
-The work is self-aware; they aren't playing it as practical or sensible and the girl hates how she looks. She even goes the lenghts to cover herself with a cloak so people don't see how ridiculous it is.
-It's not meant to provide protection... it's a super-form, like the Dragon Ball Super Saiyan. So the "clothing" is irrelevant since she gains God-like abilities and, like I said, the idea isn't that she is wearing the clothing. In fact, fashion is one of the main themes of the story and the catchphrase is a pun in Japanese that goes "will you wear or be worn?".
-Finally, it's a cartoony surreal show that has no pretentions about being "mature": http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14o2oo_tv%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1-%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB-%E6%9C%80%E6%96%B0pv-full-hd-1080p

I figured that's what was/is happening with this, the sexualisation is played for jokes, and the concept is a bit to surreal that it's obviously part of the whole gag.

Probably should've cemented this sort of info in the original post, but then I probably should have chosen my words more carefully.

You think?

Not including the elements of parody in your OP didn't help your case. Using the term 'power armour' pushed the entire thread into a 'lost cause' scenario.

But at least it was a nice side-show to the recent Critical Miss webcomic. Seriously how they thought that comic was a good idea is beyond me.

 

[Karthak]

"Ambles into thread". Sexy power armour? Let's have a loo...that's a stripper's outfit, not armour.

 

[SilverBullets000]

There's nothing wrong with enjoying something that's immature or juvenile. One of my favorite pasttimes is drawing stupid shit for my own amusement, like this, for example!!

Spoiler

Well, that was unexpected. Not complaining, I mean, internet and everything, and it's not like I didn't laugh, but still~

Original Topic: Nah, not at all. I kinda like it to, honestly, despite this is the first time I'm seeing it. I don't see there being much point in needing to justify what you like though, not matter how offended people are. Just let them be offended and enjoy what you do; you'll be better off for it.

 

[MrHide-Patten]

Aboudoesn't outcept in the OP:
-It's not an armor; it's not even meant to be "clothing". It's called "human/uniform" fusion because it's... a fusion, the girl and the living clothing are meant to become one.
-The work is self-aware; they aren't playing it as practical or sensible and the girl hates how she looks. She even goes the lenghts to cover herself with a cloak so people don't see how ridiculous it is.
-It's not meant to provide protection... it's a super-form, like the Dragon Ball Super Saiyan. So the "clothing" is irrelevant since she gains God-like abilities and, like I said, the idea isn't that she is wearing the clothing. In fact, fashion is one of the main themes of the story and the catchphrase is a pun in Japanese that goes "will you wear or be worn?".
-Finally, it's a cartoony surreal show that has no pretentions about being "mature": http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14o2oo_tv%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1-%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A9%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB-%E6%9C%80%E6%96%B0pv-full-hd-1080p

I figured that's what was/is happening with this, the sexualisation is played for jokes, and the concept is a bit to surreal that it's obviously part of the whole gag.

Probably should've cemented this sort of info in the original post, but then I probably should have chosen my words more carefully.

You think?

Not including the elements of parody in your OP didn't help your case. Using the term 'power armour' pushed the entire thread into a 'lost cause' scenario.

But at least it was a nice side-show to the recent Critical Miss webcomic. Seriously how they thought that comic was a good idea is beyond me.

I've learned a valuable lesson that's for sure, get your definitions right and nobody reads the original post. Also typing whilst your tired, doesn't end well.

Part of art is to 'russel some jimmies', it's always more fun when you're producing work that's going to light something on fire rather than just sit back and nobody sees it. Taking the piss out of other people's insecurities is funny.

Wasn't expecting this much of a response to be honest, the Escapist takes definitions very seriously.

 

[Smeatza]

So no to the "let's drop this and call it a truce" then? Neither of us will win this argument at all. I was going to drop replying altogether, but there is one thing I need to point out first. And I'm on the iPhone again, so sorry this looks messy.

It's not about winning, it's about learning and entertainment.

No, the male gaze is not a general term. It refers to objectifying others and viewing them from a superior masculine point of view, and making then objects.

And you don't think that's general? Especially when applied to fictional characters who are already objectified in every way before they're even conceived.

I've studied this concept for three years at university,

Oh buh-lieve me, I can tell.

so I know it does apply here - and, once again, yes I do mean to use the word objectification, because it involves turning someone into a passive object to be looked at.

All fictional characters are passive objects to be looked at.

I guess I'll have to quote the term, but I can only manage the wiki page instead of an actual book because I'm out and about at the moment:

"Laura Mulvey introduced the second-wave feminist concept of "male gaze" as a feature of gender power asymmetry in film. The concept was present in earlier studies of the gaze, but it was Mulvey who brought it to the forefront. Mulvey stated that women were objectified in film because heterosexual men were in control of the camera. Hollywood films played to the models of voyeurism and scopophilia." "The male gaze occurs when the camera puts the audience into the perspective of a heterosexual man. It may linger over the curves of a woman's body, for instance. The woman is usually displayed on two different levels: as an erotic object for both the characters within the film, as well as the spectator who is watching the film. The man emerges as the dominant power within the created film fantasy. The woman is passive to the active gaze from the man."

Well the bit in bold is exactly how I defined the term.
Everything after if just description of what that might consist of.
Because (like I said before) if what you say is correct then sexual exploitation would be the only facet of male gaze, and it's not.

Also note their using objectification here again, because it turns women into objects. Hence my use of the term. And a result, she loses autonomy and respect. Are we clear now?

Well like I've said before the term is completely redundant when applied to fictional characters, who universally, no matter how well written, come pre-objectified. Go look it up, go look up what objectification consists of and you'll see that every aspect is applicable to every fictional character in existence, of any gender, race or species.
However it seems that what you're implying here is that every incidence of an exploitative character objectifies all real-life individuals of the same gender. Why? In my experience adult humans can quite competently separate real life from fiction.

As for your example games there, three of those don't feature women at all anyway (which is another one of my gripes),

I don't think it's a problem considering they don't feature human males to any meaningful level. Well except Pro Evo but I think you and I both realise how that is justified.

nor should they be considered indicative of gaming as a whole.

Correct, it was a casual illustration, but it's certainly more indicative of gaming as a whole than your completely baseless assumption that the majority of female characters are exploitative.

But as for your point that I'm cherry-picking examples and seeing it as a majority when you claim it's not, then how do you explain the countless female character threads, the number of posts in those threads, the amount of Jimquisitions devoted to female characters, the articles and demand for female characters alone on this website, the Internet controversies, even the sheer amount of posts in this thread arguing the same things I am? Because it doesn't seem like a non-issue to me.

Illegal immigrants, paedophillia, video games encouraging violence, vaccines causing autism. I could go on for hours listing the numerous subjects both the media and general public persistently sensationalise and exaggerate to ridiculous levels, this is one of those.

Again, I'm not saying that there are no problems with the presentation of certain groups in certain fictional works. But when people start playing off video games as being relatively worse, especially in comparison to other visual media, then all you are doing is following the bullshit media narrative. Perhaps because it's profitable, perhaps because it fits your political view, there are a myriad of potential reasons.

I had a depressing moment when babysitting a 10 year old girl the other week. We were watching tv and a music video came on, and she sighed and said sadly, "another video where girls just dance around the men wearing underwear and nothing else." It's undeniably depressing if a young girl is already world-weary and upset about female objectification. And it's not like she's been searching for it.

And what? I saw and advert for Katie Melua's new album yesterday. Does that mean that the majority of female music artists are talented singer-songwriters, with a penchant for mellow, emotional music? Who would be offended by the idea of cheapening their music by stripping off to sell it?
No, of course not.
I'll level with you, I get quite annoyed at the steady stream of "artists" who sell their music exclusively using sex. But I don't get annoyed by the fact they exist, and I don't get annoyed because they make up the majority of female artists (because they don't). I get annoyed at the fact they're so popular, that they get the majority of the screen time on music video channels.
I imagine that the Nicky Minaj's and the Lady Gaga's are vastly outnumbered by the Katie Melua's, the Alicia Keys', The K T Tunstalls, the Paloma Faith's etc. etc.
See the right thing to do in that situation would have been to inform the 10 year old that the reason she sees so much of what she dislikes is because she is watching music television, the most corporate and mainstream source of music that exists. And if she were to broaden her horizons, and actually seek out alternate artists (rather than hope the general public's tastes spontaneously change and they start appearing on music television), then she would be much more satisfied.

My point is that there is far too much sexy characters out there for no real reason. And no, I am not advocating for censorship (I really wish I had access to Jim's video about that accusation now)

I've seen that video and if my memory serves me correctly it would not work for you. Because a lot of what you write does advocate or excuse censorship (see below).
And my point is that you have no proof of that and have made no attempt to even casually illustrate that is the case.

- after all, as you say, there are other genres to cater to your interests. It's called porn, and there's plenty of it.

So you're saying that sexualisation should only be allowed within the medium of pornography? And you don't think that would classify as censorship for the other mediums?

Meanwhile, how about in games where the men are dressed sensibly, the women are too? Then we're all happy.

There are plenty of games where that is the case, more than there are of the alternate. To avoid those games and then lament about the state of the industry is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Anyway, it turns out the design is a parody of constant female sexy combat outfits in the media, which is what I'm arguing is common anyway. It wouldn't parody something that wasn't a popular concept that is hated, would they? At any rate, I'll concede defeat in trying to argue.

Like I say I don't know enough about anime to make assertions for that medium. But would you say antisemitic Eastern-Europeans are a popular concept? Because Borat did an excellent job of parodying them. The only requirement for parody is that your subject exists. You'll probably be more culturally relevant if you parody something popular or mainstream, but it's not a must.
And this isn't an argument, the tone hasn't sunk anywhere near that low.

 

[Denizen]

EDIT: I put "power armor" in quotes because I didn't know what else to call it. I know that calling this armor is equivalent to calling a fork a sword.

EDIT: Now I feel tempted to make a thread with a poll asking how many people read the original post. And I do know that it's horribly impractical and asking a woman to wear for protection would warrant the fork from before inserted into my eye.

So long story, I'm an artist who has a small cult following on deviantART because I draw lots of boobs (and some Kingdom Hearts stuff before I started to get bored with the design aesthetic).

Since it's announcement, I've been very excited about the up and coming Kill La Kill anime, and been bouncing in my chair like a child doped up on sugar when I find the latest pieces of concept art pop up. But then I saw this...

Spoiler

And then I was all like... Fuck yeah. I really liked it and not in the 'in my pants' kind of way.

But then I did the usual rounds on tumblr and whatnot and the response to this has been disappointing to some. Most interpreted it as a sign that the shows going to be really dumb and stupid, not really remembering that it's being made by the guys behind Gurren Lagann (a parody of mecha genre). Which I assumed this show was in part a parody of the "Unnatural Highschool" genre (sorry I don't know the technical term).

So I felt sort of bad for liking this, especially hot off the heels of a lot of hot topic issues with female characters and their portrayal in nerd culture.

So am I disgusting manchild that needs to grow up, or as the little girl from the Taco ad says; why can't we have both? (ie. sexy if given context, Bayonetta, etc)

You shouldn't feel bad. There's plenty of other artists to list that specialize in the "sexy" aspect of character-costume design, and you can bet that they've had to deal with this. There's many people nowadays who unfortunately fail to respect the opinions of others - in this case - the opinions of people who find "sexy" designs cool and why those designs have artistic merit, and of course the artists themselves.

Inherently, this issue draws from cultural aspects for what someone would find beautiful vs. obscene or whatever. One major example of this is in western culture, particularly USA, which is generally thought of by other countries and their respective cultures for being too prudish; but that's another topic, the point is that a lot of people can't break out of cultural norms or begin to understand other norms and subcultures (what else is new).

All of those people that are complaining about this have a right to complain but that's where I would say, let them complain; but you keep enjoying what you derive creative inspiration from and drawing what you enjoy.

Here's something else to consider:

Spoiler: Click here for Elaboration

While it's a shame that the most vocal people are thought of as a voice of authority, this vocal crowd can be the hypocritical, disrespectful, insincere, and imposing people who refuse to understand the other side, such as in this case.

These types of people can be found anywhere, in any organization, under any flag, cause, or creed. It should go without saying but I'm making it clear, I'm not focusing on any group but purely the people I'm about to describe by actions. No matter what these people claim to be doing, they're always insensitively oversensitive towards something that at its most fundamental level is a harmless, ultimately insignificant, creative work.

And we let these people who don't understand, don't respect, and don't offer fairness the undeserving privilege to justify when they shame, blame, and (recently) now - control where video games go when its identity as an artistic medium is still in its infancy.

Spoiler: As for anime...

Less will be coming to the west because the Japanese would rather not deal with complaints against harmless fictional material, hence the mention of culture earlier. They recognize fiction as non-existent (astonishing) but do note that people might take their love of a fictional work too far, but they respect that is the person's choice if they do.

I'd still recommend taking note of what these people say, just so you can acknowledge those opinions exist. But I also recommend you do not take it to heart. These people would rather have you obey their standards than let you develop or keep your own.

And for something that you enjoy, derive inspiration from, which leads to creative works, which in turn inspires other people to make their own works; this means, they'd rather take away something precious from someone (creative drive) than learn to be tolerant.

Just like anyone else, let them choose to derive and project onto it what they will. In the end, all they're doing is hurting themselves so don't let it hurt or in any way affect you - just keep on enjoying what you enjoy and drawing what you enjoy.

 

[Voulan]

Snip

I'm on the computer now, so we can remove the giant quote-wall.

The thing is with the male gaze (probably because I'm not male), I can't really see any other way that a man can look at a woman who is sexualized without sexualizing her. Can you tell me what other aspects you're seeing? It's true I'm probably being very biased in my view there. And I'm not sure if you were being condescending or joking, but I only shoved in the "three years, ho!" comment to show my familiarity with the term, not tooting my own horn.

But I see your point that we can't help but objectify non-real characters anyway, I suppose. My argument is more that any potential agency she has as part of the anime is reduced to simply being the sexy girl. For an example, in the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (which if you haven't seen it, I'd highly recommend it), there is one female character that was extremely awesome and presented as a fully capable fighter. However, about half-way through, for some reason every time we saw her, the camera would choose these bizarrely unnatural angles to showcase her body. As a result, it reduced her awesomeness to mere eye-candy - her epic accomplishments were almost completely offset by the sudden need to show her arse while she did so. It was such a bizarre change in style and tone, and it didn't fit her character at all. You can't focus on her feats when all we're able to look at is her tits. Do you see what I mean? It just doesn't work.

I'm referring here mostly to the effect on the story, not any real-world applications. To do so would make me a hypocrite in the games-don't-cause-violence debacle.

The reason I haven't looked up any evidence of over-sexualization in games is mostly because I was replying to you on an iPhone and that would be time-consuming. I'll find some now (warning, mild porn below):

Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=447&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=FEvdhW39JkyDfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/3887829&docid=GJUY--WejnlqiM&imgurl=http://images.mmorpg.com/images/newsimages/452010/ForsakenWorld-Vampires2.jpg&w=800&h=450&ei=ttg3Utu0Io2jkwW-y4BY&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:63,s:400,i:193&iact=rc&page=25&tbnh=168&tbnw=299&ndsp=17&tx=149&ty=104] is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=596&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=IVZ3ehhuTBQDVM:&imgrefurl=http://photo.mmosite.com/content/2011-11-15/wow_welfare_patch_from_heavy_armor_to_sexy_thongs_2.shtml&docid=HTrmiZ-ZaxYOPM&imgurl=http://img0.mmo.mmo4arab.com/photo/2011/11/15/wow_patch/wow_s09.jpg&w=640&h=360&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:600,i:10&iact=rc&page=33&tbnh=147&tbnw=252&ndsp=22&tx=75&ty=69] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=721&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=IRSrs08eOlj-4M:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/2221790/blog/item/teras_elin_censorship_photos_released.html&docid=3anPFh9h0rbeaM&imgurl=http://images.mmosite.com/my/upload/d5/70/1cd10251c16a43d090e2399862b464a2/theme/e00e6ad2a01742af8c9a38a40b46fa5d54.png&w=591&h=539&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:29,s:700,i:91&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=185&tbnw=200&ndsp=18&tx=170&ty=141] few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=781&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=mrcvYGmBeKWl8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.playdota.com/forums/showthread.php%3Fp%3D107862&docid=-9NA6N61vHPY_M&imgurl=http://img.cheathappens.com/walls/lineage2_6_3.jpg&w=1024&h=768&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:82,s:700,i:250&iact=rc&page=42&tbnh=171&tbnw=211&ndsp=21&tx=153&ty=99] examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=mx7O47_jGUfyWM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/2057342/blog/ritem/pay_to_play_vs_free_to_play.html&docid=GtlolNK_ZbjESM&imgurl=http://twelveghosts.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/games_shaiya_000582_1.jpg&w=1024&h=768&ei=Cdo3Uq9ix5uSBYzdgfAJ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:50,s:0,i:234&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=174&tbnw=232&start=33&ndsp=21&tx=106&ty=99] of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=150&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=FPDYaa_H--WZuM:&imgrefurl=http://www.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1joyro/male_and_female_ideal_in_games_an_observation/&docid=tdSQf9RV41MTrM&imgurl=http://gaming.indigoreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/scv-taki.jpg&w=1024&h=576&ei=Pdo3Us3nPISFkAXQvICIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:100,i:196&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=168&tbnw=300&ndsp=21&tx=203&ty=134] blatant [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=689&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Oo9H_KRnURCJBM:&imgrefurl=http://www.doublehelixgames.com/forum/index.php%3Fthreads/dat-boob-flash-xd.1940/page-3&docid=7Zc9ZFmF1KRc0M&imgurl=http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101124152931/deadoralive/images/thumb/7/79/DOA4_Promo_TinaChristie.jpg/640px-DOA4_Promo_TinaChristie.jpg&w=640&h=469&ei=OrE3UrvvFMe-kQW7qYGYDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:700,i:10&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=179&tbnw=244&ndsp=22&tx=27&ty=69] sexualization [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=385&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZHskaBvn-BKi5M:&imgrefurl=http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php%3F/topic/17382-gender-portrayals-in-video-games-are-getting-ridiculous/&docid=8tXvVZuDoF8nXM&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb-4SGoX1jQ/Tu1ByvMznhI/AAAAAAAAEOE/uF7kcJcV88E/s1600/dota2femaleheroes.jpg&w=1600&h=900&ei=sto3Up-KKobVkAXHxYDoCQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:97,s:300,i:295&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=166&tbnw=289&ndsp=17&tx=191&ty=52] of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=515&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=UyXm-j0W71BmmM:&imgrefurl=http://youhadmeathalo.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/misogyny-in-video-games/&docid=01d-LAad6GJChM&imgurl=http://femmegamer.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/costumes-improves-lollipop-chainsaw-review.jpg%253Fw%253D420%2526h%253D231&w=420&h=231&ei=KNs3UuPLO8KQkwWC0oGYBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:25,s:500,i:79&iact=rc&page=29&tbnh=166&tbnw=303&ndsp=15&tx=211&ty=72] women [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=636&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=WEggliULd4crUM:&imgrefurl=http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/articles/490553-state-of-play-4-of-games-boobs-art-and-censorship&docid=K2EoSFTy-wmt0M&imgurl=http://cdn2-www.craveonline.com/assets/uploads/2013/04/Dragons-Crown-Sorceress.jpg&w=804&h=1000&ei=Xts3UsWyB8XGkwWt2YF4&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:50,s:600,i:154&iact=rc&page=36&tbnh=179&tbnw=141&ndsp=22&tx=80&ty=97] in [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=104&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=2QWgoxXYzW6gEM:&imgrefurl=http://dsngsfm.blogspot.com/2012/04/sci-fi-futuristic-concept-armor-and.html&docid=3e2uWxwX7kaA5M&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8FDSS_CNIA/T5OAUarDsHI/AAAAAAAAFBc/s_-ZrF2NLaw/s1600/female%252Bsci%252Bfi%252Bfantasy%252Barmor%252Bconcept%252Bdesign%252Bwarrior%252Belf%252Bsword%252Bninja%252Bsamurai%252Bredhead%252Bg.i.%252Bjoe%252Bgears%252Bof%252Bwar%252Bcharacter%252Bfront%252Bback.jpg&w=1600&h=1372&ei=XNw3UtWcLoKFkAWb6IGoBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:100,i:43&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=180&tbnw=206&ndsp=19&tx=109&ty=58] but [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=m72NQOt5J3vb_M:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-daily-grind-when-does-in-game-armor-go-from-sexy-to-strippe/&docid=99I4G-Wjg2KoCM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/sexyarmor.jpg&w=530&h=326&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:14,s:200,i:46&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=176&tbnw=280&ndsp=19&tx=80&ty=152] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=MqezvSwWmVQ1WM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wowwiki.com/Female_armor&docid=T92p90m_WaP3NM&imgurl=http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060531154933/wowwiki/images/b/b0/BlackMageweave.jpg&w=332&h=470&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:11,s:200,i:37&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=200&tbnw=140&ndsp=19&tx=52&ty=152] few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=jSnhe7HnLzTzgM:&imgrefurl=http://razorblade-cookies.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html&docid=yVSUrglHaNo9ZM&imgurl=http://www.platformnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/artemis-armor-set-women.jpg&w=320&h=514&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:21,s:200,i:67&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=170&tbnw=103&ndsp=19&tx=64&ty=91] games. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=185&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Eo5DGmZ1KU8frM:&imgrefurl=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details%3Fid%3Dcom.msquaredapplications.fantasyvengeancedonate&docid=7buYL6IwOjrsnM&imgurl=https://lh5.ggpht.com/vAyfHc0jNzefuWGa3KXuXtxrRZH-EkSl_ja8tLSsiytSwU5QpVNW98XLLK7s2kNAdA%253Dh900&w=854&h=480&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:100,i:286&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=158&tbnw=268&ndsp=20&tx=98&ty=135] Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=378&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yAKnU8qSrbAJcM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/211879/blog/item/mmo_boob_jobs_the_best_of_the_breast.html&docid=bnuk2OXkvIKSxM&imgurl=http://www11.onrpg.com/gamepics/articles/general/mmo_boobjob/mmo_boob_4.jpg&w=440&h=567&ei=wdc3Ut3PMojxkQXojoHYBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:300,i:286&iact=rc&page=21&tbnh=184&tbnw=151&ndsp=18&tx=95&ty=105] is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=678&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=5wBdcR1OknY0SM:&imgrefurl=http://addictedtoludus.com/tag/artwork/page/4/&docid=rN5fb8XDv3eIBM&imgurl=http://matteomazzali.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/c-female.jpg&w=540&h=1049&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:84,s:600,i:256&iact=rc&page=37&tbnh=225&tbnw=119&ndsp=19&tx=55&ty=77] some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=721&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=fY6QjU4FN7yVuM:&imgrefurl=http://www.xfire.com/communities/antihentaicult/news_items/4698585&docid=3cgTloVOJQxvHM&imgurl=http://www.f2p.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Wartune-wallpaper-1.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:38,s:700,i:118&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=186&tbnw=233&ndsp=18&tx=139&ty=103] ads [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=236&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=eGCu5zcGgyhjqM:&imgrefurl=http://twotallguysandthesmallfry.tumblr.com/&docid=OP9v_He3si2TmM&imgurl=http://images.lazygamer.net/2012/01/soulcalibur_v_ad.jpg&w=571&h=768&ei=g9o3UtTBLILHkgWRpICQAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:39,s:200,i:121&iact=rc&page=14&tbnh=183&tbnw=131&ndsp=16&tx=56&ty=85] used [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RIlX3uRrc6OFnM:&imgrefurl=http://eternalblade-forum.gpotato.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D3%26t%3D349&docid=iKL7tTltUTwaRM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/TCSvMoS.png&w=290&h=252&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:10,s:0,i:106&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=201&tbnw=232&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=85&ty=78] to [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=SKGFJBXU24QC1M:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/5364/mmo-advertising-blunders-and-boobs/&docid=MdMuxRWg5pPtJM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/qgJry.jpg&w=400&h=325&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:9,s:0,i:103&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=202&tbnw=249&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=124&ty=134] sell [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=LtLmUsXy-db1pM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/211879/blog/item/evonys_ads_titillate_mmog_advertising_market.html&docid=bRNrCdsscP2syM&imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/3732328923_6f82d579b7_o.png&w=614&h=329&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:0,i:115&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=164&tbnw=307&start=13&ndsp=19&tx=179&ty=91] some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=AIdzY_ys-RZ3XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/mobile/forums.cfm%3Fismb%3D1%26threadId%3D338626&docid=5zPnDPyHp6RaHM&imgurl=http://img8.mmo.mmo4arab.com/news/2012/01/19/qb/queens_blade_mmo1.jpg&w=640&h=929&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:12,s:0,i:112&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=206&tbnw=172&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=114&ty=145] of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xnTXKW9DF_Vo6M:&imgrefurl=http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1062548/3&docid=6FOufXAQO1cMaM&imgurl=http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/19477000/ngbbs4a4ad6ac71d9d.jpg&w=300&h=246&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:20,s:0,i:144&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=190&tbnw=233&start=13&ndsp=19&tx=64&ty=101] those [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=134&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=MM6Q4TKwxzhUpM:&imgrefurl=http://slightlylividnerdblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/things-that-annoy-me-wartunes.html&docid=HfRI9_P_HPq7BM&imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE5icB3OApY/UeLHZOko9xI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r5solXwdZZ0/s1600/mmorpg-orgy-ad-banner-sex-wartune-browser-game.jpg&w=307&h=258&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:37,s:100,i:115&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=192&tbnw=228&ndsp=15&tx=144&ty=80] games [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=149&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=aF9tRP99nNtnvM:&imgrefurl=http://ephealy.com/2011/04/20/what-effective-banners-ads-look-like-apr10-mar11/&docid=FqOT-PaTbA4exM&imgurl=http://ephealy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/weblords_mmo_inline_rectangle_300x250.jpg&w=300&h=250&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:100,i:196&iact=rc&page=10&tbnh=172&tbnw=181&ndsp=16&tx=82&ty=97] and [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=165&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=-IcmepMJpmjqnM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/08/27/from-the-mail-bag-mostly-fail-with-a-little-win-on-the-side/&docid=2Z7OJw0I7gf1tM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/3ssw5.jpg%253Fw%253D630&w=319&h=269&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:78,s:100,i:238&iact=rc&page=11&tbnh=169&tbnw=201&ndsp=20&tx=84&ty=88] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=237&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=XVdG88R2doyoXM:&imgrefurl=http://ragezone.com/2012/04/12/divina-challange-72-event-announced/&docid=goSqBayO51diWM&imgurl=http://ragezone.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Divina-Online-mmorpg-Scarlet_1024x768-600x300.jpg&w=600&h=300&ei=XN03UvvsEcTCkAWH24CgAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:40,s:200,i:124&iact=rc&page=15&tbnh=159&tbnw=318&ndsp=15&tx=128&ty=94] few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=4ofo62hwvS3eMM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gameskinny.com/8rbxb/wtf-is-going-on-in-there-inappropriate-game-advertisements&docid=5G45BsBxFiwKNM&imgurl=http://www.artrick-playground.com/static/images/2436/Presented-Without-Commentary-Aeriaas-Scarlet-Blade-Ad_1943875_profile.jpg&w=440&h=488&ei=tN03UomhCMjFkQWttoHgBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:0,i:76&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=175&tbnw=158&start=0&ndsp=11&tx=72&ty=47] extras. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=coP-RbAtLAAR6M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/wartune&docid=_O5RXxJrdyjJ8M&imgurl=http://31.media.tumblr.com/60939f759d3a5855580cdc839575ee4b/tumblr_mq2aj0wE2O1ra0cfqo1_500.png&w=500&h=419&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:4,s:0,i:88&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=205&tbnw=245&start=0&ndsp=16&tx=135&ty=102] Wait, [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=_UWHiDkNad4rHM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/03/&docid=cO2fkYee6PCBEM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/sexist2bad2.png&w=512&h=384&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:44,s:0,i:216&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=180&tbnw=190&start=31&ndsp=16&tx=91&ty=103] there [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=171&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=uIaUJ4SDAXWoVM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/rappelz/&docid=IRJVlP0NPoG2CM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/rappelz-hills-and-valleys1.jpg&w=285&h=177&ei=SN43Uqr2KY7FkQWYloCICw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:74,s:100,i:226&iact=rc&page=11&tbnh=141&tbnw=226&ndsp=15&tx=126&ty=97] is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=518&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=U2cm3qSwYsCyyM:&imgrefurl=http://exploringbelievability.blogspot.com/2012/08/getting-to-root-of-sexist-design.html&docid=qiOzCL_VnlE5rM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/dmK8j.jpg&w=320&h=442&ei=e7A3UpHMHIrBkgWR0YC4AQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:22,s:500,i:70&iact=rc&page=30&tbnh=181&tbnw=143&ndsp=21&tx=92&ty=103] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=UtA9qcWplms9uM:&imgrefurl=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2011-03-29/can_boobs_help_to_boost_player_number,1.shtml&docid=fc_SxX4Re5irgM&imgurl=http://img3.mmo.mmo4arab.com/news/2011/03/22/sexy/sexy_mmo2.jpg&w=420&h=292&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:17,s:0,i:127&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=176&tbnw=269&start=16&ndsp=15&tx=227&ty=79] few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=672&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=7f8oANExD8AaDM:&imgrefurl=http://loli-gaming.blogspot.com/2013/03/scarlet-blade-queens-blade-closed-beta.html&docid=s7KM1ZV28XlaaM&imgurl=http://www.mmoculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Scarlet-Blade-620x350.jpg&w=620&h=350&ei=4bA3UojnDMydlQWRrIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:82,s:600,i:250&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=169&tbnw=285&ndsp=17&tx=168&ty=60] more [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=re_ElNErxtR_hM:&imgrefurl=http://lorehound.com/news/allods-online-interview/&docid=RbD7TW7i9lgnRM&imgurl=http://www.lorehound.com/wp-content/gallery/allods-online-interview/allodssexappealad.jpg&w=305&h=243&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:29,s:0,i:173&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=194&tbnw=244&start=15&ndsp=16&tx=120&ty=85] examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=WmmNujgHN7jZbM:&imgrefurl=http://todaytop.lolspots.com/222648-today-in-horrible-video-game-advertising-call-of-roma-ads-invite&docid=S0nGEBzFx1tXxM&imgurl=http://content.lolspots.com/317294431660490.jpg&w=351&h=297&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:33,s:0,i:185&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=162&tbnw=192&start=31&ndsp=14&tx=106&ty=102] here. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=nsspgz6J7mtmqM:&imgrefurl=http://eternalblade-forum.gpotato.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D3%26t%3D349&docid=iKL7tTltUTwaRM&imgurl=http://www.mmoculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Eternal-Blade-Japan.png&w=620&h=350&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:40,s:0,i:206&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=169&tbnw=299&start=31&ndsp=14&tx=172&ty=79] And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=396&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RjTESbZFl-6i1M:&imgrefurl=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2009-07-28/20090728022859128,3.shtml&docid=LcINqj9gNc4rxM&imgurl=http://images.mmosite.com/news/2009/07/28/aion/a02.jpg&w=480&h=628&ei=ttg3Utu0Io2jkwW-y4BY&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:400,i:4&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=217&tbnw=164&ndsp=18&tx=107&ty=128] here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=660&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=lCYTFOhJo8bNvM:&imgrefurl=http://www.picstopin.com/187/tera-armors-for-skyrim-unp-ajilbabcom-portal/http:%257C%257Cmodgames*net%257C_ld%257C113%257C11389*jpg/&docid=-A8m0_6MQAdhVM&imgurl=http://www.elnpc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/TERA.sexism.armor_.jpg&w=630&h=350&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:600,i:196&iact=rc&page=36&tbnh=167&tbnw=301&ndsp=18&tx=149&ty=71] examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=678&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=nlwN_Tq2xBZsAM:&imgrefurl=http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-24/zera-ranger.html&docid=szY1bbtLQ-F_8M&imgurl=http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-24/art/zera-ranger.jpg&w=900&h=1130&ei=Xts3UsWyB8XGkwWt2YF4&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:93,s:600,i:283&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=210&tbnw=167&ndsp=21&tx=141&ty=93] of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9yYeFlo1udQL0M:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/tera-competing-with-bayonetta-for-the-sluttiest-women-still-wearing-clothes/&docid=dncK79cuvhAUpM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/humans.jpg&w=647&h=250&ei=Mdw3Uu-YNsSqkQXGs4DgDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:7,s:0,i:97&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=139&tbnw=314&start=0&ndsp=16&tx=166&ty=74] male vs. female [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=176&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RRjX8YpgrBG1mM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/477/view/forums/thread/348212/page/6&docid=OTAHhiMTJPg4XM&imgurl=http://mygamingbuddy.com/738-1290-thickbox/elite-druid-armor-ranger.jpg&w=440&h=500&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:92,s:100,i:280&iact=rc&page=10&tbnh=182&tbnw=161&ndsp=24&tx=100&ty=96] armour. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=111&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Ie-I2M_iA4lkXM:&imgrefurl=http://www.oberin.com/index.php%3Fname%3DPNphpBB2%26file%3Dprintview%26t%3D1059%26start%3D45&docid=jE-0XRV3mt-2uM&imgurl=http://images.nonpolynomial.com/mmorgy.com/blog/chicks_in_chains/wowarmor.jpg&w=450&h=294&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:18,s:100,i:58&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=181&tbnw=278&ndsp=17&tx=117&ty=106] And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=GG3B5ZRR3hCSyM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.games.com/2013/03/13/scarlet-blade-closed-beta-begins/&docid=qTm78GYL9dSAFM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/blog.games.com/media/2013/03/scarletblade-closedbetat.jpg&w=475&h=265&ei=tN03UomhCMjFkQWttoHgBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:3,s:0,i:85&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=168&tbnw=271&start=0&ndsp=11&tx=128&ty=84] here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ETqHNhaSa0jq1M:&imgrefurl=http://gamingtrend.com/game_reviews/hot-elves-skimpy-armor-and-mmo-action-the-tera-review/&docid=t6QbLAEpQgLuoM&imgurl=http://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tera03uc3-480x400.jpg&w=620&h=265&ei=PLI3Ur3XGsmslAW5oIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:84,s:0,i:336&iact=rc&page=5&tbnh=147&tbnw=308&start=74&ndsp=20&tx=182&ty=44] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yc8L36lVJzhNfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.readingisforsnobs.com/2012/06/sexism-and-misogyny-in-video-game.html&docid=nuwNmo-L1HPJjM&imgurl=http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/322/2/7/mai_shiranui_by_benes___colors_by_barisyilmaz-d2pjh6j.jpg&w=750&h=1121&ei=PLI3Ur3XGsmslAW5oIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:98,s:0,i:378&iact=rc&page=6&tbnh=180&tbnw=119&start=94&ndsp=17&tx=33&ty=87] bit [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=153&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=sSOJw_K_lxJcTM:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/neowiz-partners-with-epic-games-korea-for-new-unreal-3-mmorpg/&docid=CojGxqlCMNVU2M&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/10/bless.jpg&w=530&h=292&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:60,s:100,i:184&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=167&tbnw=280&ndsp=23&tx=157&ty=107] more [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=367&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=HZJXRPrqz_x-wM:&imgrefurl=http://pinterest.com/search%3Fq%3Dmmorpgs&docid=Iqb1LzQ9bbqPDM&imgurl=http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ab/ee/45/abee45ee42c659f6ebbad619c62c630e.jpg&w=236&h=317&ei=PLM3UtGRHIaMkwWV7ICoAQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:76,s:300,i:232&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=181&tbnw=129&ndsp=19&tx=99&ty=98] sexualization [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=386&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=36KxDHncmFyOLM:&imgrefurl=http://videogamewriters.com/venerable-mmo-lineage-2-now-free-to-play-34602&docid=KokMQsGtThiofM&imgurl=http://videogamewriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/L22-630x393.jpg&w=630&h=393&ei=PLM3UtGRHIaMkwWV7ICoAQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:300,i:286&iact=rc&page=20&tbnh=177&tbnw=284&ndsp=16&tx=196&ty=93] just [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=O9LkE871dVllbM:&imgrefurl=http://www.giantbomb.com/sexualized-women/3015-2362/&docid=Z30g6Zy6RsGc7M&imgurl=http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/346/223904-rachel.jpg&w=390&h=640&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:1,s:0,i:81&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=198&tbnw=119&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=84&ty=106] thrown [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=souqi7B2ye1gmM:&imgrefurl=http://shoryuken.com/2011/11/24/an-observation-of-the-sexualization-of-females-in-fighters/&docid=E9YNDH1YowHBgM&imgurl=http://shoryuken.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Ivy.jpg&w=699&h=568&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:0,i:84&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=198&tbnw=244&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=146&ty=87] in [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Qt2ShLFXygyqAM:&imgrefurl=http://www.thenerdcave.com/female-empowerment-in-video-games/&docid=S08NYTQY1f2myM&imgurl=http://www.thenerdcave.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/LadiesMortalKombat.jpg&w=1244&h=671&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:53,s:0,i:245&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=165&tbnw=306&start=39&ndsp=16&tx=147&ty=122] for [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=200&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9HDlkCsEh4W8YM:&imgrefurl=http://www.destructoid.com/the-tomb-raider-scandal-everybody-is-right-and-wrong-229455.phtml&docid=5YuDMa_fXtaWsM&imgurl=http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/229455-the-tomb-raider-scandal-everybody-is-right-and-wrong/03-620x.jpg&w=620&h=349&ei=pa83UuvOEsaCkwWl6YCQDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:19,s:200,i:61&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=168&tbnw=246&ndsp=22&tx=157&ty=63] good [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=222&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=m72NQOt5J3vb_M:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-daily-grind-when-does-in-game-armor-go-from-sexy-to-strippe/4&docid=tV5EAftkzePG2M&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/sexyarmor.jpg&w=530&h=326&ei=pa83UuvOEsaCkwWl6YCQDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:36,s:200,i:112&iact=rc&page=13&tbnh=176&tbnw=261&ndsp=16&tx=108&ty=59] measure. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=305&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=KhutvwzQumEwFM:&imgrefurl=http://laurenoutloud.com/main/index.php/2012/03/12/sxsw-day-2-when-southwest-was-a-word-you-could-still-say/&docid=3kA21cl6F8E3LM&imgurl=http://laurenoutloud.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lollipop-chainsaw.jpg&w=638&h=389&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:8,s:300,i:28&iact=rc&page=18&tbnh=175&tbnw=245&ndsp=17&tx=120&ty=89] Here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=322&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZjvtzROH-gFjcM:&imgrefurl=http://imageryandculturesp13.blogspot.com/2013/03/women-in-video-games-by-alyssa-l.html&docid=dE1-VDz3bWpahM&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ip5QJ4xmfHc/UUEh97Xf3cI/AAAAAAAAAH8/j6RMCwSVq8k/s320/Cammy_-_Street_Fighter_IV_by_Homaredou.jpg&w=227&h=320&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:31,s:300,i:97&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=188&tbnw=138&ndsp=17&tx=53&ty=116] just [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=322&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=S4vLN5JdgC6TzM:&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elexis_Sinclaire&docid=ovlZDIYtfu0CNM&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/Elexis_Sinclaire.jpg&w=300&h=398&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:27,s:300,i:85&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=188&tbnw=151&ndsp=17&tx=107&ty=100] a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=372&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=bmt1XzDmw73pbM:&imgrefurl=http://www.lazygamer.net/ps3/is-the-female-character-design-in-mgs5-overly-sexist/&docid=NtQNoeeW12cKhM&imgurl=http://images.lazygamer.net/2013/09/sexymgs.jpg&w=600&h=900&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:74,s:300,i:226&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=177&tbnw=101&ndsp=22&tx=59&ty=42] little [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=802&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=eNXjZN0VV7AQFM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/5114244&docid=GOjpY6vTXJMHyM&imgurl=http://wiki.guildwars2.com/images/7/7c/Human_light_armor_render_%28female%29.jpg&w=790&h=1712&ei=i7E3UuP4BoaGlAWWhoFA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:12,s:800,i:40&iact=rc&page=45&tbnh=180&tbnw=83&ndsp=22&tx=50&ty=70] more. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=289&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yvXQjELXBcBcbM:&imgrefurl=http://my.spill.hollywood.com/profiles/blog/list%3Fuser%3D5hrhnzeyc5s8&docid=8ZciyWqDnuMmPM&imgurl=http://www.virginmedia.com/images/deadoralive_431.jpg&w=431&h=300&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:300,i:10&iact=rc&page=17&tbnh=178&tbnw=253&ndsp=16&tx=123&ty=108] And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=QeWu8NJzQ0B_JM:&imgrefurl=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D474525&docid=hFX6Rlrbj9-qFM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/wPHDN.jpg&w=500&h=407&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:6,s:0,i:96&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=178&tbnw=183&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=133&ty=63] some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=106&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=h8MEzOscpw3OHM:&imgrefurl=http://mediarushes.com/2011/01/26/the-state-of-sexism-in-gaming-2/&docid=K4bCRcrJ-GraYM&imgurl=http://mediarushes.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/sexisim-article-banner-2-explicit3.jpg&w=1023&h=561&ei=aq83UubVCYfOkwWWx4DYBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:23,s:100,i:73&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=166&tbnw=291&ndsp=22&tx=163&ty=66] memes. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=339&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=lzpWBkaP7TNrgM:&imgrefurl=http://shogungamer.com/news/16230/quiet-storm-metal-gear-solid-v-and-depiction-female-characters-games&docid=BrUHOepMOhfQ1M&imgurl=http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121026034645/halo/images/b/bc/Evolution_of_cortana-2.jpg&w=660&h=371&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:53,s:300,i:163&iact=rc&page=20&tbnh=168&tbnw=276&ndsp=17&tx=141&ty=75]

Okay, that's enough depressing images for one day. I also found this [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=672&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9aPcJwIJlga8iM:&imgrefurl=http://vgresearcher.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/sexy-clothes-and-body-images-in-videogames-downs-smith-2010/&docid=ORP1dg-xNq70eM&imgurl=http://vgresearcher.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/downs-and-smith.jpg&w=859&h=392&ei=4bA3UojnDMydlQWRrIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:86,s:600,i:262&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=144&tbnw=309&ndsp=17&tx=274&ty=101] statistic, but I have no indication of how valid it is, so take it with a grain of salt. But anyway, not such a 'baseless assumption' is it?

Even if you can contribute the issue to media over-coverage, the responses made from fellow Escapists on these threads, which crop up very often, is not a result of media influence, but opinion. Perhaps it's best to have a look at why so many people are speaking up instead of calling it a non-issue.

I'm not saying sexualization is only for porn. But as other people have pointed it, these outfits form mainly the same role. But these are video games with interaction and story, not just for voyeuristic pleasure. It's the old idiom of 'a time and a place'. Even if games are never allowed to sexualize again (which will never happen, don't fret) there are still other places to practice those desires. I'm only asking for some less, if that's okay, or at least to make it more subtle. It's actually embarrassing to think what non-gamers must think.

The purpose of parody is to mock popularly hated topics. Borat was popular because it mocked foreigners not long after 9/11 and the still-popular comment on other ethnicities. It also showcased Americans as being somewhat xenophobic, something which the non-American audience would have appreciated. It also mocked documentaries, of which there are plenty of, and questioned their validity. So yes, it did mock popular things. Parody does utilize popular views.

The thing is, I can understand your worry about censorship. If suddenly the minority of the gaming audience demanded that games should never utilize violence again because it offended them, I'd find them pretty stupid. But you can't deny there is an issue with women in games, and that if we don't raise concerns, what else can we do?

 

[Smeatza]

The thing is with the male gaze (probably because I'm not male), I can't really see any other way that a man can look at a woman who is sexualized without sexualizing her. Can you tell me what other aspects you're seeing? It's true I'm probably being very biased in my view there.

Well to be fair sexualisation is the most common form of male gaze.
But I've read that even in the absence of female characters male gaze is possible. Times where fiction avoids, or is resistant to sexualsing males (where it might be relevant to the story or where a female might be in the same situation) are examples of male gaze. I've also read a case for "male gaze" being "white male gaze" (in the same way it's "heterosexual male gaze").
Although in refreshing my memory for this post I've realised these seem to be fringe views, so your understanding of male gaze might be more reliable.

And I'm not sure if you were being condescending or joking, but I only shoved in the "three years, ho!" comment to show my familiarity with the term, not tooting my own horn.

It was supposed to be a joke, a play on the cliched view of political/philosophical activists being angry student freedom fighters. I don't think I told it very well, my apologies.

But I see your point that we can't help but objectify non-real characters anyway, I suppose. My argument is more that any potential agency she has as part of the anime is reduced to simply being the sexy girl. For an example, in the anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (which if you haven't seen it, I'd highly recommend it), there is one female character that was extremely awesome and presented as a fully capable fighter. However, about half-way through, for some reason every time we saw her, the camera would choose these bizarrely unnatural angles to showcase her body. As a result, it reduced her awesomeness to mere eye-candy - her epic accomplishments were almost completely offset by the sudden need to show her arse while she did so. It was such a bizarre change in style and tone, and it didn't fit her character at all. You can't focus on her feats when all we're able to look at is her tits. Do you see what I mean? It just doesn't work.

I've only watched three anime but co-incidentally enough Code Geass was one of them. Unfortunately it was a while back when I watched it, way before I was aware of gender represenation issues, so they would have gone over my head.
Are we talking about Kallen here? Or that Lady Ogi falls in love with? Just because at least one incidence of fan-service for those characters springs to mind.
I'll have to give the show another watch from my now better educated perspective.

The reason I haven't looked up any evidence of over-sexualization in games is mostly because I was replying to you on an iPhone and that would be time-consuming. I'll find some now (warning, mild porn below):

My god you've made it time consuming to check and evaluate your examples.
Anyway this is exactly what I was referring to when I mentioned cherry-picking. I like to use a single weeks release as a casual illustration because it is a fair and objective cross-section of games. Whereas what you have presented below is misleading. I tried to spoiler it to save space but it's just too damn long. Luckily we seem to be the only two people left in the thread.

Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=447&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=FEvdhW39JkyDfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/3887829&docid=GJUY--WejnlqiM&imgurl=http://images.mmorpg.com/images/newsimages/452010/ForsakenWorld-Vampires2.jpg&w=800&h=450&ei=ttg3Utu0Io2jkwW-y4BY&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:63,s:400,i:193&iact=rc&page=25&tbnh=168&tbnw=299&ndsp=17&tx=149&ty=104] - Forsaken World: 2011
is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=596&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=IVZ3ehhuTBQDVM:&imgrefurl=http://photo.mmosite.com/content/2011-11-15/wow_welfare_patch_from_heavy_armor_to_sexy_thongs_2.shtml&docid=HTrmiZ-ZaxYOPM&imgurl=http://img0.mmo.mmo4arab.com/photo/2011/11/15/wow_patch/wow_s09.jpg&w=640&h=360&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:600,i:10&iact=rc&page=33&tbnh=147&tbnw=252&ndsp=22&tx=75&ty=69] - User created content.
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=721&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=IRSrs08eOlj-4M:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/2221790/blog/item/teras_elin_censorship_photos_released.html&docid=3anPFh9h0rbeaM&imgurl=http://images.mmosite.com/my/upload/d5/70/1cd10251c16a43d090e2399862b464a2/theme/e00e6ad2a01742af8c9a38a40b46fa5d54.png&w=591&h=539&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:29,s:700,i:91&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=185&tbnw=200&ndsp=18&tx=170&ty=141] - Tera: 2012
few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=781&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=mrcvYGmBeKWl8M:&imgrefurl=http://www.playdota.com/forums/showthread.php%3Fp%3D107862&docid=-9NA6N61vHPY_M&imgurl=http://img.cheathappens.com/walls/lineage2_6_3.jpg&w=1024&h=768&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:82,s:700,i:250&iact=rc&page=42&tbnh=171&tbnw=211&ndsp=21&tx=153&ty=99] - Lineage 2: 2004
examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=mx7O47_jGUfyWM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/2057342/blog/ritem/pay_to_play_vs_free_to_play.html&docid=GtlolNK_ZbjESM&imgurl=http://twelveghosts.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/games_shaiya_000582_1.jpg&w=1024&h=768&ei=Cdo3Uq9ix5uSBYzdgfAJ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:50,s:0,i:234&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=174&tbnw=232&start=33&ndsp=21&tx=106&ty=99] - Shaiya: 2007
of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=150&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=FPDYaa_H--WZuM:&imgrefurl=http://www.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/1joyro/male_and_female_ideal_in_games_an_observation/&docid=tdSQf9RV41MTrM&imgurl=http://gaming.indigoreality.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/scv-taki.jpg&w=1024&h=576&ei=Pdo3Us3nPISFkAXQvICIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:100,i:196&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=168&tbnw=300&ndsp=21&tx=203&ty=134] - Soul Calibur 5: 2012
blatant [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=689&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Oo9H_KRnURCJBM:&imgrefurl=http://www.doublehelixgames.com/forum/index.php%3Fthreads/dat-boob-flash-xd.1940/page-3&docid=7Zc9ZFmF1KRc0M&imgurl=http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101124152931/deadoralive/images/thumb/7/79/DOA4_Promo_TinaChristie.jpg/640px-DOA4_Promo_TinaChristie.jpg&w=640&h=469&ei=OrE3UrvvFMe-kQW7qYGYDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:700,i:10&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=179&tbnw=244&ndsp=22&tx=27&ty=69] - Fanart, but I assume the costumes are canon so - DOA: 1996.
sexualization [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=385&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZHskaBvn-BKi5M:&imgrefurl=http://spiderwebforums.ipbhost.com/index.php%3F/topic/17382-gender-portrayals-in-video-games-are-getting-ridiculous/&docid=8tXvVZuDoF8nXM&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lb-4SGoX1jQ/Tu1ByvMznhI/AAAAAAAAEOE/uF7kcJcV88E/s1600/dota2femaleheroes.jpg&w=1600&h=900&ei=sto3Up-KKobVkAXHxYDoCQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:97,s:300,i:295&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=166&tbnw=289&ndsp=17&tx=191&ty=52] - Dota 2: 2013
of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=515&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=UyXm-j0W71BmmM:&imgrefurl=http://youhadmeathalo.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/misogyny-in-video-games/&docid=01d-LAad6GJChM&imgurl=http://femmegamer.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/costumes-improves-lollipop-chainsaw-review.jpg%253Fw%253D420%2526h%253D231&w=420&h=231&ei=KNs3UuPLO8KQkwWC0oGYBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:25,s:500,i:79&iact=rc&page=29&tbnh=166&tbnw=303&ndsp=15&tx=211&ty=72] - Lollipop Chainsaw: 2012
women [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=636&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=WEggliULd4crUM:&imgrefurl=http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/articles/490553-state-of-play-4-of-games-boobs-art-and-censorship&docid=K2EoSFTy-wmt0M&imgurl=http://cdn2-www.craveonline.com/assets/uploads/2013/04/Dragons-Crown-Sorceress.jpg&w=804&h=1000&ei=Xts3UsWyB8XGkwWt2YF4&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:50,s:600,i:154&iact=rc&page=36&tbnh=179&tbnw=141&ndsp=22&tx=80&ty=97] - Dragons Crown: 2013
in [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=104&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=2QWgoxXYzW6gEM:&imgrefurl=http://dsngsfm.blogspot.com/2012/04/sci-fi-futuristic-concept-armor-and.html&docid=3e2uWxwX7kaA5M&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8FDSS_CNIA/T5OAUarDsHI/AAAAAAAAFBc/s_-ZrF2NLaw/s1600/female%252Bsci%252Bfi%252Bfantasy%252Barmor%252Bconcept%252Bdesign%252Bwarrior%252Belf%252Bsword%252Bninja%252Bsamurai%252Bredhead%252Bg.i.%252Bjoe%252Bgears%252Bof%252Bwar%252Bcharacter%252Bfront%252Bback.jpg&w=1600&h=1372&ei=XNw3UtWcLoKFkAWb6IGoBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:100,i:43&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=180&tbnw=206&ndsp=19&tx=109&ty=58] - Unused concept art for Gears of War
but [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=m72NQOt5J3vb_M:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-daily-grind-when-does-in-game-armor-go-from-sexy-to-strippe/&docid=99I4G-Wjg2KoCM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/sexyarmor.jpg&w=530&h=326&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:14,s:200,i:46&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=176&tbnw=280&ndsp=19&tx=80&ty=152] - Guild Wars: 2005, Aion: 2009
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=MqezvSwWmVQ1WM:&imgrefurl=http://www.wowwiki.com/Female_armor&docid=T92p90m_WaP3NM&imgurl=http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060531154933/wowwiki/images/b/b0/BlackMageweave.jpg&w=332&h=470&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:11,s:200,i:37&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=200&tbnw=140&ndsp=19&tx=52&ty=152] - WoW: 2004
few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=203&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=jSnhe7HnLzTzgM:&imgrefurl=http://razorblade-cookies.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html&docid=yVSUrglHaNo9ZM&imgurl=http://www.platformnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/artemis-armor-set-women.jpg&w=320&h=514&ei=iNw3UujTJoSckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:21,s:200,i:67&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=170&tbnw=103&ndsp=19&tx=64&ty=91] - Dynasty Warriors 6: Empires: 2009
games. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=185&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Eo5DGmZ1KU8frM:&imgrefurl=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details%3Fid%3Dcom.msquaredapplications.fantasyvengeancedonate&docid=7buYL6IwOjrsnM&imgurl=https://lh5.ggpht.com/vAyfHc0jNzefuWGa3KXuXtxrRZH-EkSl_ja8tLSsiytSwU5QpVNW98XLLK7s2kNAdA%253Dh900&w=854&h=480&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:100,i:286&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=158&tbnw=268&ndsp=20&tx=98&ty=135] - Fantasy Vengeance: 2014
Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=378&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yAKnU8qSrbAJcM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/211879/blog/item/mmo_boob_jobs_the_best_of_the_breast.html&docid=bnuk2OXkvIKSxM&imgurl=http://www11.onrpg.com/gamepics/articles/general/mmo_boobjob/mmo_boob_4.jpg&w=440&h=567&ei=wdc3Ut3PMojxkQXojoHYBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:300,i:286&iact=rc&page=21&tbnh=184&tbnw=151&ndsp=18&tx=95&ty=105] - Lineage 2 again.
is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=678&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=5wBdcR1OknY0SM:&imgrefurl=http://addictedtoludus.com/tag/artwork/page/4/&docid=rN5fb8XDv3eIBM&imgurl=http://matteomazzali.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/c-female.jpg&w=540&h=1049&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:84,s:600,i:256&iact=rc&page=37&tbnh=225&tbnw=119&ndsp=19&tx=55&ty=77] - Tera again
some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=721&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=fY6QjU4FN7yVuM:&imgrefurl=http://www.xfire.com/communities/antihentaicult/news_items/4698585&docid=3cgTloVOJQxvHM&imgurl=http://www.f2p.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Wartune-wallpaper-1.jpg&w=1600&h=1200&ei=htk3UqaDDofAkQXY-IDgDQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:38,s:700,i:118&iact=rc&page=39&tbnh=186&tbnw=233&ndsp=18&tx=139&ty=103] - Wartune: 2012
ads [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=236&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=eGCu5zcGgyhjqM:&imgrefurl=http://twotallguysandthesmallfry.tumblr.com/&docid=OP9v_He3si2TmM&imgurl=http://images.lazygamer.net/2012/01/soulcalibur_v_ad.jpg&w=571&h=768&ei=g9o3UtTBLILHkgWRpICQAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:39,s:200,i:121&iact=rc&page=14&tbnh=183&tbnw=131&ndsp=16&tx=56&ty=85] - Soul Calibur 5 again
used [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RIlX3uRrc6OFnM:&imgrefurl=http://eternalblade-forum.gpotato.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D3%26t%3D349&docid=iKL7tTltUTwaRM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/TCSvMoS.png&w=290&h=252&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:10,s:0,i:106&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=201&tbnw=232&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=85&ty=78] - Cannot find any dates for Cyber Monster
to [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=SKGFJBXU24QC1M:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmogames.com/gamenews/5364/mmo-advertising-blunders-and-boobs/&docid=MdMuxRWg5pPtJM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/qgJry.jpg&w=400&h=325&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:9,s:0,i:103&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=202&tbnw=249&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=124&ty=134] - Evony: 2009
sell [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=LtLmUsXy-db1pM:&imgrefurl=http://my.mmosite.com/211879/blog/item/evonys_ads_titillate_mmog_advertising_market.html&docid=bRNrCdsscP2syM&imgurl=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/3732328923_6f82d579b7_o.png&w=614&h=329&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:13,s:0,i:115&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=164&tbnw=307&start=13&ndsp=19&tx=179&ty=91] - Evony again.
some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=AIdzY_ys-RZ3XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/mobile/forums.cfm%3Fismb%3D1%26threadId%3D338626&docid=5zPnDPyHp6RaHM&imgurl=http://img8.mmo.mmo4arab.com/news/2012/01/19/qb/queens_blade_mmo1.jpg&w=640&h=929&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:12,s:0,i:112&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=206&tbnw=172&start=0&ndsp=13&tx=114&ty=145] - Queens Blade: 2009
of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xnTXKW9DF_Vo6M:&imgrefurl=http://www.newgrounds.com/bbs/topic/1062548/3&docid=6FOufXAQO1cMaM&imgurl=http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/19477000/ngbbs4a4ad6ac71d9d.jpg&w=300&h=246&ei=-Nw3Us7JNcbRkQXu2YGgBA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:20,s:0,i:144&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=190&tbnw=233&start=13&ndsp=19&tx=64&ty=101] - Nodiatis: Couldn't find any date info.
those [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=134&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=MM6Q4TKwxzhUpM:&imgrefurl=http://slightlylividnerdblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/things-that-annoy-me-wartunes.html&docid=HfRI9_P_HPq7BM&imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JE5icB3OApY/UeLHZOko9xI/AAAAAAAAAP8/r5solXwdZZ0/s1600/mmorpg-orgy-ad-banner-sex-wartune-browser-game.jpg&w=307&h=258&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:37,s:100,i:115&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=192&tbnw=228&ndsp=15&tx=144&ty=80] - Wartune again.
games [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=149&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=aF9tRP99nNtnvM:&imgrefurl=http://ephealy.com/2011/04/20/what-effective-banners-ads-look-like-apr10-mar11/&docid=FqOT-PaTbA4exM&imgurl=http://ephealy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/weblords_mmo_inline_rectangle_300x250.jpg&w=300&h=250&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:100,i:196&iact=rc&page=10&tbnh=172&tbnw=181&ndsp=16&tx=82&ty=97] - No way of telling which game this is for.
and [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=165&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=-IcmepMJpmjqnM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/08/27/from-the-mail-bag-mostly-fail-with-a-little-win-on-the-side/&docid=2Z7OJw0I7gf1tM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/3ssw5.jpg%253Fw%253D630&w=319&h=269&ei=Nd03UryLH8OIlAXT_YBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:78,s:100,i:238&iact=rc&page=11&tbnh=169&tbnw=201&ndsp=20&tx=84&ty=88] - Can find no date info for Batheo.
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=237&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=XVdG88R2doyoXM:&imgrefurl=http://ragezone.com/2012/04/12/divina-challange-72-event-announced/&docid=goSqBayO51diWM&imgurl=http://ragezone.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Divina-Online-mmorpg-Scarlet_1024x768-600x300.jpg&w=600&h=300&ei=XN03UvvsEcTCkAWH24CgAw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:40,s:200,i:124&iact=rc&page=15&tbnh=159&tbnw=318&ndsp=15&tx=128&ty=94] - Can find no date info for Divina.
few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=4ofo62hwvS3eMM:&imgrefurl=http://www.gameskinny.com/8rbxb/wtf-is-going-on-in-there-inappropriate-game-advertisements&docid=5G45BsBxFiwKNM&imgurl=http://www.artrick-playground.com/static/images/2436/Presented-Without-Commentary-Aeriaas-Scarlet-Blade-Ad_1943875_profile.jpg&w=440&h=488&ei=tN03UomhCMjFkQWttoHgBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:0,i:76&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=175&tbnw=158&start=0&ndsp=11&tx=72&ty=47] - Scarlet Blade: 2013
extras. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=coP-RbAtLAAR6M:&imgrefurl=http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/wartune&docid=_O5RXxJrdyjJ8M&imgurl=http://31.media.tumblr.com/60939f759d3a5855580cdc839575ee4b/tumblr_mq2aj0wE2O1ra0cfqo1_500.png&w=500&h=419&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:4,s:0,i:88&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=205&tbnw=245&start=0&ndsp=16&tx=135&ty=102] - Wartune again.
Wait, [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=_UWHiDkNad4rHM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/03/&docid=cO2fkYee6PCBEM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/sexist2bad2.png&w=512&h=384&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:44,s:0,i:216&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=180&tbnw=190&start=31&ndsp=16&tx=91&ty=103] - Rappelz: 2009
there [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=171&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=uIaUJ4SDAXWoVM:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/rappelz/&docid=IRJVlP0NPoG2CM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/rappelz-hills-and-valleys1.jpg&w=285&h=177&ei=SN43Uqr2KY7FkQWYloCICw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:74,s:100,i:226&iact=rc&page=11&tbnh=141&tbnw=226&ndsp=15&tx=126&ty=97] - Rappelz again.
is [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=518&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=U2cm3qSwYsCyyM:&imgrefurl=http://exploringbelievability.blogspot.com/2012/08/getting-to-root-of-sexist-design.html&docid=qiOzCL_VnlE5rM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/dmK8j.jpg&w=320&h=442&ei=e7A3UpHMHIrBkgWR0YC4AQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:22,s:500,i:70&iact=rc&page=30&tbnh=181&tbnw=143&ndsp=21&tx=92&ty=103] - Soul Calibur 5 again.
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=UtA9qcWplms9uM:&imgrefurl=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2011-03-29/can_boobs_help_to_boost_player_number,1.shtml&docid=fc_SxX4Re5irgM&imgurl=http://img3.mmo.mmo4arab.com/news/2011/03/22/sexy/sexy_mmo2.jpg&w=420&h=292&ei=B943UrehKMWDlAXVpYGIDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:17,s:0,i:127&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=176&tbnw=269&start=16&ndsp=15&tx=227&ty=79] - Empire of the Immortals: cannot find date info.
few [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=672&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=7f8oANExD8AaDM:&imgrefurl=http://loli-gaming.blogspot.com/2013/03/scarlet-blade-queens-blade-closed-beta.html&docid=s7KM1ZV28XlaaM&imgurl=http://www.mmoculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Scarlet-Blade-620x350.jpg&w=620&h=350&ei=4bA3UojnDMydlQWRrIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:82,s:600,i:250&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=169&tbnw=285&ndsp=17&tx=168&ty=60] - Scarlet Blade again.
more [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=re_ElNErxtR_hM:&imgrefurl=http://lorehound.com/news/allods-online-interview/&docid=RbD7TW7i9lgnRM&imgurl=http://www.lorehound.com/wp-content/gallery/allods-online-interview/allodssexappealad.jpg&w=305&h=243&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:29,s:0,i:173&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=194&tbnw=244&start=15&ndsp=16&tx=120&ty=85] - Allods Online: 2011
examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=WmmNujgHN7jZbM:&imgrefurl=http://todaytop.lolspots.com/222648-today-in-horrible-video-game-advertising-call-of-roma-ads-invite&docid=S0nGEBzFx1tXxM&imgurl=http://content.lolspots.com/317294431660490.jpg&w=351&h=297&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:33,s:0,i:185&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=162&tbnw=192&start=31&ndsp=14&tx=106&ty=102] - Call of Roma: 2012
here. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=nsspgz6J7mtmqM:&imgrefurl=http://eternalblade-forum.gpotato.com/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D3%26t%3D349&docid=iKL7tTltUTwaRM&imgurl=http://www.mmoculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Eternal-Blade-Japan.png&w=620&h=350&ei=seQ3UuiWG4eikwXV-YHwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:40,s:0,i:206&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=169&tbnw=299&start=31&ndsp=14&tx=172&ty=79] - Eternal Blade: 2012
And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=396&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RjTESbZFl-6i1M:&imgrefurl=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2009-07-28/20090728022859128,3.shtml&docid=LcINqj9gNc4rxM&imgurl=http://images.mmosite.com/news/2009/07/28/aion/a02.jpg&w=480&h=628&ei=ttg3Utu0Io2jkwW-y4BY&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:0,s:400,i:4&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=217&tbnw=164&ndsp=18&tx=107&ty=128] - Aion again.
here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=660&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=lCYTFOhJo8bNvM:&imgrefurl=http://www.picstopin.com/187/tera-armors-for-skyrim-unp-ajilbabcom-portal/http:%257C%257Cmodgames*net%257C_ld%257C113%257C11389*jpg/&docid=-A8m0_6MQAdhVM&imgurl=http://www.elnpc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/TERA.sexism.armor_.jpg&w=630&h=350&ei=Rtk3UtPgO4SckQWmx4D4Cg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:64,s:600,i:196&iact=rc&page=36&tbnh=167&tbnw=301&ndsp=18&tx=149&ty=71] - Tera again.
examples [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=678&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=nlwN_Tq2xBZsAM:&imgrefurl=http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-24/zera-ranger.html&docid=szY1bbtLQ-F_8M&imgurl=http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-24/art/zera-ranger.jpg&w=900&h=1130&ei=Xts3UsWyB8XGkwWt2YF4&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:93,s:600,i:283&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=210&tbnw=167&ndsp=21&tx=141&ty=93] - ZerA Imperan Intrigue: 2006
of [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9yYeFlo1udQL0M:&imgrefurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/tera-competing-with-bayonetta-for-the-sluttiest-women-still-wearing-clothes/&docid=dncK79cuvhAUpM&imgurl=http://gomakemeasandwich.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/humans.jpg&w=647&h=250&ei=Mdw3Uu-YNsSqkQXGs4DgDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:7,s:0,i:97&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=139&tbnw=314&start=0&ndsp=16&tx=166&ty=74] - Tera again.
male vs. female [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=176&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=RRjX8YpgrBG1mM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/477/view/forums/thread/348212/page/6&docid=OTAHhiMTJPg4XM&imgurl=http://mygamingbuddy.com/738-1290-thickbox/elite-druid-armor-ranger.jpg&w=440&h=500&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:92,s:100,i:280&iact=rc&page=10&tbnh=182&tbnw=161&ndsp=24&tx=100&ty=96] - Guild Wars again.
armour. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=111&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Ie-I2M_iA4lkXM:&imgrefurl=http://www.oberin.com/index.php%3Fname%3DPNphpBB2%26file%3Dprintview%26t%3D1059%26start%3D45&docid=jE-0XRV3mt-2uM&imgurl=http://images.nonpolynomial.com/mmorgy.com/blog/chicks_in_chains/wowarmor.jpg&w=450&h=294&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:18,s:100,i:58&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=181&tbnw=278&ndsp=17&tx=117&ty=106] - WoW again.
And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=GG3B5ZRR3hCSyM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.games.com/2013/03/13/scarlet-blade-closed-beta-begins/&docid=qTm78GYL9dSAFM&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/blog.games.com/media/2013/03/scarletblade-closedbetat.jpg&w=475&h=265&ei=tN03UomhCMjFkQWttoHgBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:3,s:0,i:85&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=168&tbnw=271&start=0&ndsp=11&tx=128&ty=84] - Scarlet blade again.
here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ETqHNhaSa0jq1M:&imgrefurl=http://gamingtrend.com/game_reviews/hot-elves-skimpy-armor-and-mmo-action-the-tera-review/&docid=t6QbLAEpQgLuoM&imgurl=http://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tera03uc3-480x400.jpg&w=620&h=265&ei=PLI3Ur3XGsmslAW5oIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:84,s:0,i:336&iact=rc&page=5&tbnh=147&tbnw=308&start=74&ndsp=20&tx=182&ty=44] - Tera again.
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yc8L36lVJzhNfM:&imgrefurl=http://www.readingisforsnobs.com/2012/06/sexism-and-misogyny-in-video-game.html&docid=nuwNmo-L1HPJjM&imgurl=http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2010/322/2/7/mai_shiranui_by_benes___colors_by_barisyilmaz-d2pjh6j.jpg&w=750&h=1121&ei=PLI3Ur3XGsmslAW5oIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:98,s:0,i:378&iact=rc&page=6&tbnh=180&tbnw=119&start=94&ndsp=17&tx=33&ty=87] - Fan art. Although the character design is canon so - King of Fighers: 1994.
bit [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=153&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=sSOJw_K_lxJcTM:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/neowiz-partners-with-epic-games-korea-for-new-unreal-3-mmorpg/&docid=CojGxqlCMNVU2M&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/10/bless.jpg&w=530&h=292&ei=ubI3Upv7EIewkAXLvIHACg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:60,s:100,i:184&iact=rc&page=9&tbnh=167&tbnw=280&ndsp=23&tx=157&ty=107] - Bless: In production, no release date set.
more [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=367&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=HZJXRPrqz_x-wM:&imgrefurl=http://pinterest.com/search%3Fq%3Dmmorpgs&docid=Iqb1LzQ9bbqPDM&imgurl=http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/ab/ee/45/abee45ee42c659f6ebbad619c62c630e.jpg&w=236&h=317&ei=PLM3UtGRHIaMkwWV7ICoAQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:76,s:300,i:232&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=181&tbnw=129&ndsp=19&tx=99&ty=98] - Queens Blade again.
sexualization [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=386&um=1&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=36KxDHncmFyOLM:&imgrefurl=http://videogamewriters.com/venerable-mmo-lineage-2-now-free-to-play-34602&docid=KokMQsGtThiofM&imgurl=http://videogamewriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/L22-630x393.jpg&w=630&h=393&ei=PLM3UtGRHIaMkwWV7ICoAQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:94,s:300,i:286&iact=rc&page=20&tbnh=177&tbnw=284&ndsp=16&tx=196&ty=93] - Lineage 2 again.
just [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=O9LkE871dVllbM:&imgrefurl=http://www.giantbomb.com/sexualized-women/3015-2362/&docid=Z30g6Zy6RsGc7M&imgurl=http://static.giantbomb.com/uploads/scale_small/0/346/223904-rachel.jpg&w=390&h=640&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:1,s:0,i:81&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=198&tbnw=119&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=84&ty=106] - Rumble Roses?: 2004.
thrown [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=souqi7B2ye1gmM:&imgrefurl=http://shoryuken.com/2011/11/24/an-observation-of-the-sexualization-of-females-in-fighters/&docid=E9YNDH1YowHBgM&imgurl=http://shoryuken.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Ivy.jpg&w=699&h=568&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:0,i:84&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=198&tbnw=244&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=146&ty=87] - Art for the Soul Calibur character, Ivy. First appeared in 1999.
in [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=Qt2ShLFXygyqAM:&imgrefurl=http://www.thenerdcave.com/female-empowerment-in-video-games/&docid=S08NYTQY1f2myM&imgurl=http://www.thenerdcave.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/LadiesMortalKombat.jpg&w=1244&h=671&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:53,s:0,i:245&iact=rc&page=3&tbnh=165&tbnw=306&start=39&ndsp=16&tx=147&ty=122] Mortal Kombat: 2011.
for [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=200&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9HDlkCsEh4W8YM:&imgrefurl=http://www.destructoid.com/the-tomb-raider-scandal-everybody-is-right-and-wrong-229455.phtml&docid=5YuDMa_fXtaWsM&imgurl=http://bulk.destructoid.com/ul/229455-the-tomb-raider-scandal-everybody-is-right-and-wrong/03-620x.jpg&w=620&h=349&ei=pa83UuvOEsaCkwWl6YCQDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:19,s:200,i:61&iact=rc&page=12&tbnh=168&tbnw=246&ndsp=22&tx=157&ty=63] - Tomb Raider 2 (I think): 1997.
good [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=222&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=m72NQOt5J3vb_M:&imgrefurl=http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-daily-grind-when-does-in-game-armor-go-from-sexy-to-strippe/4&docid=tV5EAftkzePG2M&imgurl=http://www.blogcdn.com/massively.joystiq.com/media/2011/02/sexyarmor.jpg&w=530&h=326&ei=pa83UuvOEsaCkwWl6YCQDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:36,s:200,i:112&iact=rc&page=13&tbnh=176&tbnw=261&ndsp=16&tx=108&ty=59] - I believe you've already linked that one.
measure. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=305&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=KhutvwzQumEwFM:&imgrefurl=http://laurenoutloud.com/main/index.php/2012/03/12/sxsw-day-2-when-southwest-was-a-word-you-could-still-say/&docid=3kA21cl6F8E3LM&imgurl=http://laurenoutloud.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/lollipop-chainsaw.jpg&w=638&h=389&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:8,s:300,i:28&iact=rc&page=18&tbnh=175&tbnw=245&ndsp=17&tx=120&ty=89] - Lollipop Chainsaw again.
Here's [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=322&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZjvtzROH-gFjcM:&imgrefurl=http://imageryandculturesp13.blogspot.com/2013/03/women-in-video-games-by-alyssa-l.html&docid=dE1-VDz3bWpahM&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ip5QJ4xmfHc/UUEh97Xf3cI/AAAAAAAAAH8/j6RMCwSVq8k/s320/Cammy_-_Street_Fighter_IV_by_Homaredou.jpg&w=227&h=320&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:31,s:300,i:97&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=188&tbnw=138&ndsp=17&tx=53&ty=116] - Fanart, but accurate of a design in Street fighter 4 so: 2009.
just [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=322&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=S4vLN5JdgC6TzM:&imgrefurl=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elexis_Sinclaire&docid=ovlZDIYtfu0CNM&imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/Elexis_Sinclaire.jpg&w=300&h=398&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:27,s:300,i:85&iact=rc&page=19&tbnh=188&tbnw=151&ndsp=17&tx=107&ty=100] - Sin: 1998.
a [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=372&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=bmt1XzDmw73pbM:&imgrefurl=http://www.lazygamer.net/ps3/is-the-female-character-design-in-mgs5-overly-sexist/&docid=NtQNoeeW12cKhM&imgurl=http://images.lazygamer.net/2013/09/sexymgs.jpg&w=600&h=900&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:74,s:300,i:226&iact=rc&page=22&tbnh=177&tbnw=101&ndsp=22&tx=59&ty=42] - Metal Gear Solid 5: In production.
little [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=802&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=eNXjZN0VV7AQFM:&imgrefurl=http://www.mmorpg.com/discussion2.cfm/post/5114244&docid=GOjpY6vTXJMHyM&imgurl=http://wiki.guildwars2.com/images/7/7c/Human_light_armor_render_%28female%29.jpg&w=790&h=1712&ei=i7E3UuP4BoaGlAWWhoFA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:12,s:800,i:40&iact=rc&page=45&tbnh=180&tbnw=83&ndsp=22&tx=50&ty=70] - Guild Wars 2: 2012.
more. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=289&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=yvXQjELXBcBcbM:&imgrefurl=http://my.spill.hollywood.com/profiles/blog/list%3Fuser%3D5hrhnzeyc5s8&docid=8ZciyWqDnuMmPM&imgurl=http://www.virginmedia.com/images/deadoralive_431.jpg&w=431&h=300&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:2,s:300,i:10&iact=rc&page=17&tbnh=178&tbnw=253&ndsp=16&tx=123&ty=108] - Dead or Alive again.
And [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=QeWu8NJzQ0B_JM:&imgrefurl=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D474525&docid=hFX6Rlrbj9-qFM&imgurl=http://i.imgur.com/wPHDN.jpg&w=500&h=407&ei=MK83UoXII4mBlQWE1oGoDw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:6,s:0,i:96&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=178&tbnw=183&start=0&ndsp=17&tx=133&ty=63] - Tera again.
some [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=106&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=h8MEzOscpw3OHM:&imgrefurl=http://mediarushes.com/2011/01/26/the-state-of-sexism-in-gaming-2/&docid=K4bCRcrJ-GraYM&imgurl=http://mediarushes.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/sexisim-article-banner-2-explicit3.jpg&w=1023&h=561&ei=aq83UubVCYfOkwWWx4DYBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:23,s:100,i:73&iact=rc&page=7&tbnh=166&tbnw=291&ndsp=22&tx=163&ty=66] - Mass Effect 2: 2010.
memes. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=339&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=lzpWBkaP7TNrgM:&imgrefurl=http://shogungamer.com/news/16230/quiet-storm-metal-gear-solid-v-and-depiction-female-characters-games&docid=BrUHOepMOhfQ1M&imgurl=http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121026034645/halo/images/b/bc/Evolution_of_cortana-2.jpg&w=660&h=371&ei=5a83UpmUG8bQlAWxuIHIBQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:53,s:300,i:163&iact=rc&page=20&tbnh=168&tbnw=276&ndsp=17&tx=141&ty=75] - Halo series: 2001 - 2012.

Let's remind ourselves that the assertion you are making, is that the majority of games that feature humanoids, feature pointlessly sexualised females. You have provided me with what appears to be 59 examples of games that feature such pointless sexualisation. I am going to do your side of the discussion a massive favour and just accept that none of these cases of sexualisation are justified.
But even if I do that, you can see your list of games is not 59, but actually 40. And those 40 games are spread over 19 years. Even if I discount the franchises with early dates(which is another favour to your side of the debate) it's still spread over 15 years. 40 games in 15 years, that simply isn't a majority.

Okay, that's enough depressing images for one day. I also found this [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=672&um=1&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&hl=en&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=9aPcJwIJlga8iM:&imgrefurl=http://vgresearcher.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/sexy-clothes-and-body-images-in-videogames-downs-smith-2010/&docid=ORP1dg-xNq70eM&imgurl=http://vgresearcher.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/downs-and-smith.jpg&w=859&h=392&ei=4bA3UojnDMydlQWRrIHIAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:86,s:600,i:262&iact=rc&page=38&tbnh=144&tbnw=309&ndsp=17&tx=274&ty=101] statistic, but I have no indication of how valid it is, so take it with a grain of salt. But anyway, not such a 'baseless assumption' is it?

Not anymore, because you've provided at least some examples, but it's still pretty much entirely unsubstantiated. All we've both done here is make casual illustrations of our view, but I think mine was much fairer and less biased.
In regards to that paper, here's a quote from the description. "This study examined male and female sexuality in video game characters. The top 20, best selling console (Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation2, and Nintendo GameCube) video games from the U.S." You see, even they are only looking at what sells, and not what is actually out there.

Even if you can contribute the issue to media over-coverage, the responses made from fellow Escapists on these threads, which crop up very often, is not a result of media influence, but opinion. Perhaps it's best to have a look at why so many people are speaking up instead of calling it a non-issue.

The effects of a sensationalist media can often be clearly seen in the consuming populace. Over-reporting has been a major factor in the populace of the UK consistently overestimating the extent of illegal immigrants, paedophillia and benefit fraud.
Plus the user base of this website has a heavy liberal bias.

I'm not saying sexualization is only for porn. But as other people have pointed it, these outfits form mainly the same role. But these are video games with interaction and story, not just for voyeuristic pleasure. It's the old idiom of 'a time and a place'. Even if games are never allowed to sexualize again (which will never happen, don't fret) there are still other places to practice those desires. I'm only asking for some less, if that's okay, or at least to make it more subtle. It's actually embarrassing to think what non-gamers must think.

And I would say that it's not for you, me, or anyone who isn't the creator to decide what is the right time and place within the confines of their creation.
For the record I agree that gender sexualisation bias is a bad thing. And I can believe that females are more often sexualised than males in video games.
But by no means are females sexualised in the majority of cases, that is simply untruthful.
Steps should be taken to ensure the bias corrects itself over time. Perhaps that means less sexualised females, perhaps that means more sexualised males, more likely some combination of both.
I personally think we need more sexualised males, more video games need to embrace the camp and something can't be properly camp unless everyone is sexy.

The purpose of parody is to mock popularly hated topics. Borat was popular because it mocked foreigners not long after 9/11 and the still-popular comment on other ethnicities. It also showcased Americans as being somewhat xenophobic, something which the non-American audience would have appreciated. It also mocked documentaries, of which there are plenty of, and questioned their validity. So yes, it did mock popular things. Parody does utilize popular views.

I'm guessing you've not seen much of Borat outside of the film. Because he existed and regularly appeared in "Da Ali G Show" a year before 9/11. In fact Borat did a lot between 9/11 and the release of his film 5 years later.
But I digress. So you're saying when Borat speaks of a festival in his home town called "The Running of the Jew" and shows a man dressed in a wonderfully offensive Jew costume being chased and beaten with sticks by children, he's not parodying anti-semitic Eastern Europeans? Because he definitely is.
Parody has no requirement to focus on a popular or mainstream subject. Spaceballs, for example, parodies well known series such as Star Wars and Alien. But it also alludes to Frank Kafka's "The Metamorphosis.
Like I said before, parody is going to be more culturally relevant, more popular or perhaps more well known by parodying mainstream subjects. But by no means does it have to.
In fact some parody is lauded for choosing cult, or obscure subjects to lampoon.

The thing is, I can understand your worry about censorship. If suddenly the minority of the gaming audience demanded that games should never utilize violence again because it offended them, I'd find them pretty stupid. But you can't deny there is an issue with women in games, and that if we don't raise concerns, what else can we do?

I'm not really worried about censorship, I was just trying to highlight how extreme I felt your assertions were.
We disagree harshly on the extent but I do agree there's a potential issue.
The thing is sensationalising or exaggerating the issue is completely counterproductive.
People who are resistant to the idea that there's an issue will not be won over with dishonesty, no matter how good you feel your intentions may be. It's the reason people are so critical of Anita Sarkeesian, her videos seems perfectly fair till she comments on a game you've actually played, and you proceed to notice she will selectively ignore facts and contexts that do not fit her view. Then you begin questioning every other example she made, and point that depended on it.
The same thing happens when you assert that the majority of females in video games are sexualised. Defenses go up, confidence is lost, and the chances of any meaningful, open-minded discussion happening plunge.
And considering a better educated audience is all that's really needed to rectify this potential issue (money talks), that's a very bad thing.

 

[Shia-Neko-Chan]

I agree.

The proper term is 'Stripperiffic'. Please use this in the future, fellows.

Just dropping in this thread (I'm actually really tired of this topic lately) to make a quick statement.

I hate the word slut. Definitely stop using such an insulting (and largely sexist and judgmental) word to describe this art.

I think stripperific is a word that implies that anyone who wears this is automatically a stripper, though so I wouldn't use that either.

Why not something neutral? I use the word showy (when not simply saying "less conservative"), because it simply says that it shows more skin.

 

[JarinArenos]

Smeatza, here's a slightly different question for you. Look at major game advertising over any year you care to, and look for female images in promotional material. What pattern do you observe?

 

[DefunctTheory]

I agree.

The proper term is 'Stripperiffic'. Please use this in the future, fellows.

Just dropping in this thread (I'm actually really tired of this topic lately) to make a quick statement.

I hate the word slut. Definitely stop using such an insulting (and largely sexist and judgmental) word to describe this art.

I think stripperific is a word that implies that anyone who wears this is automatically a stripper, though so I wouldn't use that either.

Why not something neutral? I use the word showy (when not simply saying "less conservative"), because it simply says that it shows more skin.

This is showy.

Showy - given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

Spoiler

This is 'less conservative.'

Spoiler

And this is what strippers wear.

Spoiler: No Strippers Are Actually Here

'Showy' (Also known as tasteless) and 'less conservative' both technically apply to what we're talking about here. But they apply to it in the same way 'warm' applies to the sun - Yes, its true, but in no way does it convey the scale of whats happening.

 

[Shia-Neko-Chan]

I agree.

The proper term is 'Stripperiffic'. Please use this in the future, fellows.

Just dropping in this thread (I'm actually really tired of this topic lately) to make a quick statement.

I hate the word slut. Definitely stop using such an insulting (and largely sexist and judgmental) word to describe this art.

I think stripperific is a word that implies that anyone who wears this is automatically a stripper, though so I wouldn't use that either.

Why not something neutral? I use the word showy (when not simply saying "less conservative"), because it simply says that it shows more skin.

This is showy.

Showy - given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

Spoiler

This is 'less conservative.'

Spoiler

And this is what strippers wear.

Spoiler: No Strippers Are Actually Here

'Showy' (Also known as tasteless) and 'less conservative' both technically apply to what we're talking about here. But they apply to it in the same way 'warm' applies to the sun - Yes, its true, but in no way does it convey the scale of whats happening.

Strippers also drink water and eat bread. *shrug*

Belly dancers also sometimes wear clothing that show a lot of skin, but belly-dancers will be offended if you say they are like strippers (I knew one for a while and saw her reaction when someone mentioned belly-dancers and strippers in the same sentence.)

less conservative is definitely the way to go here, I think.

No implications and no sense of judgment is what I'm going for here.

 

[Not G. Ivingname]

Am I looking at two different pieces of clothing? One has a back and the other doesn't :/

Actually you are.

My guess one is her "casual" clothing, and one is her "battle" clothing. Both are comically idadequaete for the task.

Now, I do not mind sexy clothing, or sexy design. I ask, however, that it fit's the character as well. Skullgirls was good with this, with all the girls wearing outfits that actually said something about them, even if it didn't cover very much.

Large shoulders, red and black, slightly demonic clothing, what does that say about the character? Maybe she fights demons, maybe her clothes are demons? Besides that, I know nothing more about her than before I even knew she existed.

 

[Voulan]

It was supposed to be a joke, a play on the cliched view of political/philosophical activists being angry student freedom fighters. I don't think I told it very well, my apologies.

That's fine, I was more worried that I came across like I was saying, "well I know the term better, so there" or something.

I've only watched three anime but co-incidentally enough Code Geass was one of them. Unfortunately it was a while back when I watched it, way before I was aware of gender represenation issues, so they would have gone over my head.
Are we talking about Kallen here? Or that Lady Ogi falls in love with? Just because at least one incidence of fan-service for those characters springs to mind.
I'll have to give the show another watch from my now better educated perspective.

Yep, It's Kallen I'm referring to. You know how she was first presented as Zero's right-hand pilot? And how most people she faces assumes she's a male because of how great a pilot she is? Well, the camera makes sure we forget about these things.

Here's a few examples of what I mean (and again, warning for mild porn below):

Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=287&client=firefox-a&hs=8K&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=8UB7Fnq_P6zORM:&imgrefurl=http://codegeass.wikia.com/wiki/File:Kallen_Kozuki-1-.jpg&docid=UOXZ1R3bcCflzM&imgurl=http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110707152050/codegeass/images/b/b4/Kallen_Kozuki-1-.jpg&w=640&h=359&ei=NyM5UrHgOoO_lQX1hoGoBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:91,s:200,i:277&iact=rc&page=17&tbnh=168&tbnw=267&ndsp=18&tx=182&ty=99] you can see an example of what she was presented as normally somewhere around halfway through the anime. But then towards the end, we suddenly get camera shots like this, [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=841&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=YX7NgVj2-ZgMkM:&imgrefurl=http://www.darkmirage.com/2008/05/04/code-geass-r2-episode-5/&docid=H8H7H8OCj7Gp7M&imgurl=http://www.darkmirage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/04_codegeass_ep05p.jpg&w=400&h=225&ei=diQ5UtyMD9GVkgXh2YDQBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:48,s:800,i:148&iact=rc&page=45&tbnh=168&tbnw=278&ndsp=20&tx=198&ty=29] this [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xsmM1mcacP1c-M:&imgrefurl=http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/CodeGeass&docid=kvIOaLEOPD8QqM&imgurl=http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kallen_dat_ass.jpg&w=450&h=256&ei=xCQ5UoyAKM7TkAXFjoHwCQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:25,s:0,i:159&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=169&tbnw=279&start=20&ndsp=19&tx=92&ty=95] and this. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=514&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xDKfOME9Vz3MCM:&imgrefurl=http://space-action-hero.blogspot.com/2008/04/anime-code-geass-r2-episode-recap.html&docid=zz3j6DdpVl9M4M&imgurl=http://lh5.ggpht.com/kenny.yeo23/SARylZxXpZI/AAAAAAAABfs/J27jefhFRvU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png&w=512&h=288&ei=gCU5UsjXEInXkAXcnoG4Aw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:23,s:500,i:73&iact=rc&page=26&tbnh=168&tbnw=296&ndsp=17&tx=103&ty=83] Granted the last image she was wearing that outfit as part of a disguise, but at the time she was shown to absolutely hate dressing like that - but the camera makes no exception!

It just made no sense nor added anything to those scenes. When it showed itself quite capable of showing her beforehand sensibly (and showing the other characters that way in turn), we suddenly get these shots. It undermines her accomplishments on the battlefield when we're suddenly shown a shot of her arse as she's doing so.

My god you've made it time consuming to check and evaluate your examples.
Anyway this is exactly what I was referring to when I mentioned cherry-picking. I like to use a single weeks release as a casual illustration because it is a fair and objective cross-section of games. Whereas what you have presented below is misleading. I tried to spoiler it to save space but it's just too damn long. Luckily we seem to be the only two people left in the thread.
[Snip]
Let's remind ourselves that the assertion you are making, is that the majority of games that feature humanoids, feature pointlessly sexualised females. You have provided me with what appears to be 59 examples of games that feature such pointless sexualisation. I am going to do your side of the discussion a massive favour and just accept that none of these cases of sexualisation are justified.
But even if I do that, you can see your list of games is not 59, but actually 40. And those 40 games are spread over 19 years. Even if I discount the franchises with early dates(which is another favour to your side of the debate) it's still spread over 15 years. 40 games in 15 years, that simply isn't a majority.

I'd like to point out that in my search, I deliberately only looked at MMOs. Other than one or two examples that were not that I put in just to illustrate more sexualization, that's still a good 40 games from a single genre that are a target here. The double-ups for the advertisements and the male vs female armour images were done deliberately, to showcase how in those examples the men were dressed sensibly, or how the game is advertised using the female avatar only in an overtly sexual image. The fact that they are spread out over a long time makes the matter look worse, I believe, in that it showcases how this is still a massive problem and almost always has been with games.

Regardless, I barely touched other game genres - like JRPGs, WRPGS, Sports, Racing, FPS, third-person shooter, Action/Adventure, puzzle, platformer, fighter, horror, survival-horror, point-and-click adventure, visual novel, stealth, strategy, 'art' games, and even casual games (along with the myriad of sub-genres in all those genres). If I went through all of those, doubtless I could turn up many other examples, but that would take far too long, and I'm limited mostly to what google images will turn up. If I can find sexualized female characters from a single genre in around 10 minutes and turn up 40 different examples (it took a good hour to actual put them in the post, as you can imagine) then imagine how many more I can turn up! I won't, though, because that was soul-crushing enough as it was.

And also:

Smeatza, here's a slightly different question for you. Look at major game advertising over any year you care to, and look for female images in promotional material. What pattern do you observe?

This is also something I'd like to know. Does it not appear almost alarming to you? The advertisements were a really interesting issue. Even games that don't feature women at all still use these blatant sexualized images.

My point being, there is clearly a lot of sexualized female characters, and usually amongst very little sexualized male characters (the examples there of rational male armour vs. the chainmail bikinis is stupidly unexplainable). If you don't like me using the word 'majority', then, perhaps 'utilized extremely frequently' is better.

Not anymore, because you've provided at least some examples, but it's still pretty much entirely unsubstantiated. All we've both done here is make casual illustrations of our view, but I think mine was much fairer and less biased.
In regards to that paper, here's a quote from the description. "This study examined male and female sexuality in video game characters. The top 20, best selling console (Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation2, and Nintendo GameCube) video games from the U.S." You see, even they are only looking at what sells, and not what is actually out there.

Fair enough, it was the closest I could find to any actual legitimate statistics about this issue. Still, if we ignore the number and the target for how many units each game sells, there's still quite an alarming number of games in the sexualized camp. But anyway, we can disregard this one.

And I would say that it's not for you, me, or anyone who isn't the creator to decide what is the right time and place within the confines of their creation.
For the record I agree that gender sexualisation bias is a bad thing. And I can believe that females are more often sexualised than males in video games.
But by no means are females sexualised in the majority of cases, that is simply untruthful.
Steps should be taken to ensure the bias corrects itself over time. Perhaps that means less sexualised females, perhaps that means more sexualised males, more likely some combination of both.
I personally think we need more sexualised males, more video games need to embrace the camp and something can't be properly camp unless everyone is sexy.

We agree with this point, then. Although I don't think making men marginalized in turn is the effective approach, but still, it is a solution. But if you're happy to concede that we should allow less sexualized females as I've been advocating for, how come you're not being accused of censorship when I was? It's a bit of a difficult issue, you see. There seems to be no other solution but to speak out when we feel it has gone too far, which many people do.

I'm guessing you've not seen much of Borat outside of the film. Because he existed and regularly appeared in "Da Ali G Show" a year before 9/11. In fact Borat did a lot between 9/11 and the release of his film 5 years later.
But I digress. So you're saying when Borat speaks of a festival in his home town called "The Running of the Jew" and shows a man dressed in a wonderfully offensive Jew costume being chased and beaten with sticks by children, he's not parodying anti-semitic Eastern Europeans? Because he definitely is.
Parody has no requirement to focus on a popular or mainstream subject. Spaceballs, for example, parodies well known series such as Star Wars and Alien. But it also alludes to Frank Kafka's "The Metamorphosis.
Like I said before, parody is going to be more culturally relevant, more popular or perhaps more well known by parodying mainstream subjects. But by no means does it have to.
In fact some parody is lauded for choosing cult, or obscure subjects to lampoon.

I haven't seen much of Borat, no, so I probably am ignorant of it. But if parody is lauded for satirizing obscure subjects, it could only be from the perspective of pseudo-intellectualism. Arguing that when this anime is parodying sexy female combat outfits it isn't doing so because it's not a very well-known or appreciated issue is going a bit extreme. It's very likely that it parodies it because many people feel strongly about it. Especially because anime takes a lot of money to make, so they'll hardly discuss the issues of some obscure topic.

I'm not really worried about censorship, I was just trying to highlight how extreme I felt your assertions were.
We disagree harshly on the extent but I do agree there's a potential issue.
The thing is sensationalising or exaggerating the issue is completely counterproductive.
People who are resistant to the idea that there's an issue will not be won over with dishonesty, no matter how good you feel your intentions may be. It's the reason people are so critical of Anita Sarkeesian, her videos seems perfectly fair till she comments on a game you've actually played, and you proceed to notice she will selectively ignore facts and contexts that do not fit her view. Then you begin questioning every other example she made, and point that depended on it.
The same thing happens when you assert that the majority of females in video games are sexualised. Defenses go up, confidence is lost, and the chances of any meaningful, open-minded discussion happening plunge.
And considering a better educated audience is all that's really needed to rectify this potential issue (money talks), that's a very bad thing.

Anita is a difficult subject to use here. As illustrated by many in a topic that recently opened up here [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.828489-Anita-Sarkeesian-Im-not-a-fan-of-gaming-leaked-2010-video-reveals] on these forums, she began her campaign through a controversial subject that garnered an extreme response, that has now lead to many people attacking her persona which has nothing to do with her arguments. As people say in that thread, many people are resorting to vague evidence and ad hominen arguments to try and discredit her. It seems anyone will find any excuse to invalidate her argument. But what many people can agree on is that while she's not very eloquent in her videos, she does illustrate a good overall point, and that's women are poorly presented in general. The response was just as interesting, because it presented a tendency to avoid looking at controversial subjects in games. Not that I'm suggesting you're looking to avoid seeing it as an issue, but it is surprising to come across someone who doesn't see it as an issue where most people see it as a given. At any rate, since I am a female, it's very hard for me to ignore the issue, which is probably why I'm apparently seeing it more than you are.

Anyway, my only real choice is to vote with my wallet. I just wish the gaming industry would at least give me some more female characters to give my vote to (although it is definitely getting better since the whole controversy about The Last of Us, Remember Me and Bioshock Infinite developers having issues trying to get women on the cover, or women in the games at all).

 

[Smeatza]

Yep, It's Kallen I'm referring to. You know how she was first presented as Zero's right-hand pilot? And how most people she faces assumes she's a male because of how great a pilot she is? Well, the camera makes sure we forget about these things.

Here's a few examples of what I mean (and again, warning for mild porn below):

Here [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=287&client=firefox-a&hs=8K&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=8UB7Fnq_P6zORM:&imgrefurl=http://codegeass.wikia.com/wiki/File:Kallen_Kozuki-1-.jpg&docid=UOXZ1R3bcCflzM&imgurl=http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110707152050/codegeass/images/b/b4/Kallen_Kozuki-1-.jpg&w=640&h=359&ei=NyM5UrHgOoO_lQX1hoGoBw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:91,s:200,i:277&iact=rc&page=17&tbnh=168&tbnw=267&ndsp=18&tx=182&ty=99] you can see an example of what she was presented as normally somewhere around halfway through the anime. But then towards the end, we suddenly get camera shots like this, [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=841&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=YX7NgVj2-ZgMkM:&imgrefurl=http://www.darkmirage.com/2008/05/04/code-geass-r2-episode-5/&docid=H8H7H8OCj7Gp7M&imgurl=http://www.darkmirage.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/04_codegeass_ep05p.jpg&w=400&h=225&ei=diQ5UtyMD9GVkgXh2YDQBg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:48,s:800,i:148&iact=rc&page=45&tbnh=168&tbnw=278&ndsp=20&tx=198&ty=29] this [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xsmM1mcacP1c-M:&imgrefurl=http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/CodeGeass&docid=kvIOaLEOPD8QqM&imgurl=http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kallen_dat_ass.jpg&w=450&h=256&ei=xCQ5UoyAKM7TkAXFjoHwCQ&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:25,s:0,i:159&iact=rc&page=2&tbnh=169&tbnw=279&start=20&ndsp=19&tx=92&ty=95] and this. [http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?start=514&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&biw=1319&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=xDKfOME9Vz3MCM:&imgrefurl=http://space-action-hero.blogspot.com/2008/04/anime-code-geass-r2-episode-recap.html&docid=zz3j6DdpVl9M4M&imgurl=http://lh5.ggpht.com/kenny.yeo23/SARylZxXpZI/AAAAAAAABfs/J27jefhFRvU/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png&w=512&h=288&ei=gCU5UsjXEInXkAXcnoG4Aw&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:23,s:500,i:73&iact=rc&page=26&tbnh=168&tbnw=296&ndsp=17&tx=103&ty=83] Granted the last image she was wearing that outfit as part of a disguise, but at the time she was shown to absolutely hate dressing like that - but the camera makes no exception!

It just made no sense nor added anything to those scenes. When it showed itself quite capable of showing her beforehand sensibly (and showing the other characters that way in turn), we suddenly get these shots. It undermines her accomplishments on the battlefield when we're suddenly shown a shot of her arse as she's doing so.

I can certainly see why one would find that frustrating and I can appreciate how you feel it detracts from the anime.
I suppose the next logical question would be, Is that typical of anime? Is it something anavoidable? Or is it just a personal issue with this particular anime?
My personal perception would be that it is more of a problem with anime than other mediums. But I don't want to put too much stock in my personal perception. After all it's almost certainly been clouded by the "Japanese people are all perverts with a fetish for schoolchildren" stereotype.
Interestingly enough one of the three anime I've watched goes against my perception; Bleach. Which sexualises males much more frequently than it does female characters.

I'd like to point out that in my search, I deliberately only looked at MMOs. Other than one or two examples that were not that I put in just to illustrate more sexualization, that's still a good 40 games from a single genre that are a target here. The double-ups for the advertisements and the male vs female armour images were done deliberately, to showcase how in those examples the men were dressed sensibly, or how the game is advertised using the female avatar only in an overtly sexual image. The fact that they are spread out over a long time makes the matter look worse, I believe, in that it showcases how this is still a massive problem and almost always has been with games.

None of this validates your claim that "the majority of games have pointlessly sexualised females." Allow me to elaborate.
First of all your list of examples isn't as MMO centric as you think. 12 of the 40 examples you gave (roughly 30%) were not MMOs.
Second of all, games that heavily feature sexualisation are by their very nature going to have sexualisation in the advertising, this shows nothing extra about said games.
Third of all the fact they are spread out over 15 years minimum does not make it worse, that's crazy. It only makes it worse if you believe sexualisation is an inherently bad thing that needs stamping out altogether, and therefore the fact it still exists after all these years is a terrible thing. Which is effectively advocating censorship again.
If I round up the average, your examples show games with sexualised females being released at a rate of 3 per year, which is freaking tiny.
I'll stress again, the examples we have both provided are just casual illustrations, but your casual illustration is not fair.

Regardless, I barely touched other game genres - like JRPGs, WRPGS, Sports, Racing, FPS, third-person shooter, Action/Adventure, puzzle, platformer, fighter, horror, survival-horror, point-and-click adventure, visual novel, stealth, strategy, 'art' games, and even casual games (along with the myriad of sub-genres in all those genres). If I went through all of those, doubtless I could turn up many other examples, but that would take far too long, and I'm limited mostly to what google images will turn up. If I can find sexualized female characters from a single genre in around 10 minutes and turn up 40 different examples (it took a good hour to actual put them in the post, as you can imagine) then imagine how many more I can turn up! I won't, though, because that was soul-crushing enough as it was.

Vary the genre's all you want, you're still not going to be able to provide indication of your "majority" claim being even close to true. Unless you're prepared to pick a pool of examples in a fair and objective manner, like I did when I used this week's releases as my examples.
I could quite easily cherry-pick a selection of films from the past 15 years in order to misrepresent the film industry. I could make it look like the majority of films are made for children.

Smeatza, here's a slightly different question for you. Look at major game advertising over any year you care to, and look for female images in promotional material. What pattern do you observe?

My apologies on the late reply, I hadn't noticed your post. The question in your post is unfair I feel. A number of misleading bias' will show up if we limit our pool of games to only the major/AAA releases. And none of those would be representative of the industry as a whole.
It's like saying "look at Hollywood action advertising over any......."
And to be honest I think that most marketing is inherently offensive by design.

This is also something I'd like to know. Does it not appear almost alarming to you? The advertisements were a really interesting issue. Even games that don't feature women at all still use these blatant sexualized images.

The majority of advertisements that feature sexualisation are advertising games that feature sexualisation, making the advertisement completely pertinent.
You are right about sexualised advertisements for games that feature no women or even humanoids though. It's a relatively recent phenomenon that I believe started with Evony. The unfortunate thing is that it works. Games that have begun employing such tactics have reported a large rise in new registrations.
How do you tackle that? There's not going to be anything you can do to stop companies employing profitable tactics, no matter how morally questionable they are, short of making them illegal.
The only solution again is to better educate the audience that buys into these questionable advertisements.
And that can't be done with fanaticism.

My point being, there is clearly a lot of sexualized female characters, and usually amongst very little sexualized male characters (the examples there of rational male armour vs. the chainmail bikinis is stupidly unexplainable). If you don't like me using the word 'majority', then, perhaps 'utilized extremely frequently' is better.

That's barely different. "A significant rate" would be an entirely reasonable way to put it.
The sexualised females vs non-sexualised males isn't unexplainable, they are games that are marketed towards heterosexual males who enjoy sexy things (and are perhaps a bit homophobic), be they pertinent to a plot/character/whatever, or be they simply titillation.

We agree with this point, then. Although I don't think making men marginalized in turn is the effective approach, but still, it is a solution.

Sexualising males is not the same as marginalising males. That hints at a rather prudish, Victorian style view of sex. I'll use Bleach as an example again. Male characters are regularly reduced to states of undress in order to showcase their slender but ripped bodies, some male character's costumes/forms are highly sexualised.

Spoiler: Look at that, isn't that just fabulous?

But these are characters with clear personalities, motivations etc. They do not exist specifically for the purpose of sexualisation. A gender is only marginalised when all or a majority of characters of that gender, exist only in exploitative representations.

But if you're happy to concede that we should allow less sexualized females as I've been advocating for, how come you're not being accused of censorship when I was? It's a bit of a difficult issue, you see. There seems to be no other solution but to speak out when we feel it has gone too far, which many people do.

When outright asked you might say you want less of them, but other things you say imply a desire to see none of them.
Like when you say:
"The fact that they are spread out over a long time makes the matter look worse, I believe, in that it showcases how this is still a massive problem and almost always has been with games."
The implication there is that any single occurrence of a sexualised female character is a bad thing, the logical conclusion of that idea being that they should not be allowed to exist.
Or when you say "We agree with this point, then. Although I don't think making men marginalized in turn is the effective approach, but still, it is a solution."
The implication is that any sexualisation of characters is inherently marginalising to that gender, therefore if you want to eradicate marginalisation.......censorship.

I haven't seen much of Borat, no, so I probably am ignorant of it. But if parody is lauded for satirizing obscure subjects, it could only be from the perspective of pseudo-intellectualism.

You're entitled to your view, but have you never been in that position? Have you never witnessed a parody or reference to something obscure that you know of? I wouldn't say it's a place of pseudo-intellectualism, more a place of being appreciative of the inclusivity, or a place of being impressed at the creators obscure knowledge.

Arguing that when this anime is parodying sexy female combat outfits it isn't doing so because it's not a very well-known or appreciated issue is going a bit extreme. It's very likely that it parodies it because many people feel strongly about it. Especially because anime takes a lot of money to make, so they'll hardly discuss the issues of some obscure topic.

Fair point. But even obscure parodies will have a relatively large cult audience that would understand them. And you can parody pretty much anything, be it truthful or a commonly held fallacy.
Although you're probably right, that's probably not what's happening here.

Anita is a difficult subject to use here. As illustrated by many in a topic that recently opened up here [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.828489-Anita-Sarkeesian-Im-not-a-fan-of-gaming-leaked-2010-video-reveals] on these forums, she began her campaign through a controversial subject that garnered an extreme response, that has now lead to many people attacking her persona which has nothing to do with her arguments. As people say in that thread, many people are resorting to vague evidence and ad hominen arguments to try and discredit her. It seems anyone will find any excuse to invalidate her argument. But what many people can agree on is that while she's not very eloquent in her videos, she does illustrate a good overall point, and that's women are poorly presented in general. The response was just as interesting, because it presented a tendency to avoid looking at controversial subjects in games. Not that I'm suggesting you're looking to avoid seeing it as an issue, but it is surprising to come across someone who doesn't see it as an issue where most people see it as a given.

I shouldn't have brought her up, neither of us want to get into that discussion I don't think. All I'll say is that I disagree with, and find little of factual/academic value in her work. Not because of how I personally feel about her or how it is presented, but because of the content. There are a number of people who feel the same way but simply don't have the words/ability to express their discontent in a rational and coherent manner. There are also a number of people who feel the same way and do.
There will always be a knee-jerk, reactionist response to any controversial ideas, but it's important not to dismiss the legitimate criticism and legitimate concern as part of the mob.

At any rate, since I am a female, it's very hard for me to ignore the issue, which is probably why I'm apparently seeing it more than you are.

I don't know how to take this. I can't tell if it's a "it concerns me more personally so the issue stands out more, perhaps inordinately so." Or a "You just can't see it because you're not female."

Anyway, my only real choice is to vote with my wallet. I just wish the gaming industry would at least give me some more female characters to give my vote to (although it is definitely getting better since the whole controversy about The Last of Us, Remember Me and Bioshock Infinite developers having issues trying to get women on the cover, or women in the games at all).

I honestly don't think anything's changed besides publishers being more eager to brag about how many female characters they have. They're all still chasing the next Call of Duty and they're still going to push against female protagonists because COD hasn't done that (well not the ones they're looking at).

 

[Voulan]

I'd just like to jump into this point immediately:

I don't know how to take this. I can't tell if it's a "it concerns me more personally so the issue stands out more, perhaps inordinately so." Or a "You just can't see it because you're not female."

I most definitely mean the former point. I do not believe that men are incapable of recognizing sexism or even for arguing against it for women. In fact, I encourage it. I've befriended people here on the Escapist simply because they've argued for female representation that are male. It's mostly just nice to see anyone who agrees with the issue, no matter who they are. Terms like "white-knighting" I really, really hate, because it implies that somehow people who argue for other's rights are only looking to benefit from it for themselves, which is simply not true. The idea that it's a women-only problem or recognized only by women is something that stemmed from the vocal-minority feminists. So, what I mean to say is that as a female gamer, I tend to want to play as female characters, but their being clearly a target for heterosexual men bothers me more, perhaps, than you who can find many other solutions to play as your gender that is targeted positively at you.

I just wanted to get that clear straight away. Seeing how you recognize sexualization as an issue is actually a relief. The only thing we seem to disagree on is the extent of the issue, or a potential solution. Which perhaps indicates that how big the issue is is not necessarily important, but rather we both agree that it is harmful or potentially unnecessary. Regardless, my ask for 'censorship' is relative to how big I see the problem is, which is likely why we're struggling to get past that hurdle.

I tried looking for an article or something to more eloquently explain why I'm not actually asking for censorship, and all I could find was this video by MovieBob. I'm not using his video in terms of his accusation against people who say the term, but rather what I'm attempting to do by criticizing the sexy female outfits. Granted this isn't exactly a sound defence, but it will do: video. [http://gameoverthinker.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/overbytes-dont-censor-me.html]

I can certainly see why one would find that frustrating and I can appreciate how you feel it detracts from the anime.
I suppose the next logical question would be, Is that typical of anime? Is it something anavoidable? Or is it just a personal issue with this particular anime?
My personal perception would be that it is more of a problem with anime than other mediums. But I don't want to put too much stock in my personal perception. After all it's almost certainly been clouded by the "Japanese people are all perverts with a fetish for schoolchildren" stereotype.
Interestingly enough one of the three anime I've watched goes against my perception; Bleach. Which sexualises males much more frequently than it does female characters.

It's hard to say that it is 'typical', but there is an entire genre devoted to such shots - we call it the 'panty-shot genre'. A whole collection of anime that goes out of its way to show upskirt shots of women, and often nudity and other such things.

Other than that, there are some more examples. Female characters are usually presented with abnormally sized breasts, and one common trope is the guy-accidentally-grabs-her moment, or the guy-falls-on-top-of-her-and-grabs-her situation. There's also the guy-imagines-girls-naked-at-public-baths moment, usually mixed with the girls-compare-breast-sizes-and-feel-each-other-up scenario. I'm having a quick think of how many anime shows I've seen have done that, and out of the 25 I've seen in completion, 10 I can recall having those issues. Not the best indication, but the shows I watch are usually the very popular, mainstream ones.

There's certainly some strange need to fetishize women this way, but usually it's done from the get-go - not randomly half-way through like in Code Geass. I use Kallen just as an example of a strong female character being undermined in such a way. Usually if its done from the start, they're already in that zone.

None of this validates your claim that "the majority of games have pointlessly sexualised females." Allow me to elaborate.
First of all your list of examples isn't as MMO centric as you think. 12 of the 40 examples you gave (roughly 30%) were not MMOs.
Second of all, games that heavily feature sexualisation are by their very nature going to have sexualisation in the advertising, this shows nothing extra about said games.
Third of all the fact they are spread out over 15 years minimum does not make it worse, that's crazy. It only makes it worse if you believe sexualisation is an inherently bad thing that needs stamping out altogether, and therefore the fact it still exists after all these years is a terrible thing. Which is effectively advocating censorship again.
If I round up the average, your examples show games with sexualised females being released at a rate of 3 per year, which is freaking tiny.
I'll stress again, the examples we have both provided are just casual illustrations, but your casual illustration is not fair.

To be fair, I simply googled for MMOs, so any that came through was the fault of Google Images.

Also, I find that games that use sexualized images as advertising for their games means that the sexualization is done deliberately with the idea of selling sex in mind. So, the design of these characters are very deliberate, and stand as little more than fetish objects.

I did spend the better half of two hours going through the list of total game releases in 2012, and eliminated ones that were collections/HD remakes/special edition releases, featured no female characters at all, or games where the gender was irrelevant (like music games). However, the sample size was enormous, and would have taken several hours of research to go through. So, for the sake of wrapping things up, I only recorded games which I was aware featured sexualized females. This knowledge was based on games I already knew of, or games featuring sexualized females on their boxart (so bear in mind there could be many other examples that I didn't have time to clarify).

These games included:

Code of Princess (3DS)
Rift: Storm Legion (PC)
Hitman: Absolution (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Way of the Samurai 4 (PS3)
Guild Wars 2 (PC)
Double Dragon Neon (PC)
Torchlight II (PC)
Marvel vs. Capcom Origins (Xbox 360, PS3)
Gungnir (PSP)
Unchained Blades (3DS, PSP)
Record of Agarest War 2 (PS3)
Heroes of Ruin (3DS)
Growlanser Wayfarer of Time (PSP)
Tera: The Exiled Realm of Arborea (PC)
Tales of Graces F (PS3)
Blades of Time (PC)
Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 (PS3)
Street Fighter X Tekken (PS3, PC, PSVita)
Lollipop Chainsaw (Xbox 360, PS3)
Borderlands 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Dead or Alive 5 (Xbox 360, PS3)
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (PC)
Hotline Miami (PC)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, WiiU)
Far Cry 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Xbox 360, PS3)
The Darkness II (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Tekken 3D (3DS)
Orcs Must Die! 2 (PC)
Serious Sam 3: BFE (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
Soul Calibur 5 (Xbox 360, PS3)
NeverDead (Xbox 360, PS3)

There are potentially more examples beyond these obvious ones that I am not aware of, but there you go. So, here's some (but not all) games released in 2012 that featured sexualized female characters.

I also did a search for some actual statistics again, and I did find a study [http://www.gameranx.com/features/id/10438/article/study-of-box-art-reveals-games-that-feature-non-sexualized-women-on-the-box-don-t-sell-well/] that looked into sexualized box art. They sampled a total of 399 games from between only 2005 and 2010 that sold over a certain threshold (so not including games that didn't sell all too well). Their findings were:

Category---------------------% of sample------Raw Number
Male characters only present---41.6%-------166
Female characters only present---6.8%-------27
Both male and female characters present---27.1%-------108
No human characters present---24.56%-------98
Female characters central---18.55%-------74
Male characters central---66.17%-------264
Female characters sexualized---20.80%-------83
(in games with females on box art)
Non-sexualized, non-central female characters present---19.26%-------26
Sexualized, non-central female characters present---25.93%-------35
Non-sexualized, central female characters present---19.26%-------26
Sexualized, central female characters present---35.56%-------48

From this, they concluded that of the 399 game boxart looked at, 135 featured women on the cover in general. Of that 135, a total of 83 of the women were sexualized, or around 62%. Women that were not central characters were sexualized 26% of the total, with main characters at 36%.

Unfortunately, the study doesn't count how many of those games feature or don't feature women, or how many men were sexualized, nor did it include Eastern or European box arts. But still, it does indicate that when women are present, the majority statistically are sexualized in some manner.

When outright asked you might say you want less of them, but other things you say imply a desire to see none of them.

Since sexualized women do absolutely nothing for me, I'm naturally inclined to rather see none of it again. But I know that will never happen and that I'm not the only audience, so I'll never get my way there. I'm not going to enforce a never-again agenda, because it's pointless. But anyway, I've already covered censorship above.

I shouldn't have brought her up, neither of us want to get into that discussion I don't think. All I'll say is that I disagree with, and find little of factual/academic value in her work. Not because of how I personally feel about her or how it is presented, but because of the content. There are a number of people who feel the same way but simply don't have the words/ability to express their discontent in a rational and coherent manner. There are also a number of people who feel the same way and do.
There will always be a knee-jerk, reactionist response to any controversial ideas, but it's important not to dismiss the legitimate criticism and legitimate concern as part of the mob.

Fair enough. I agree with what she attempts to do, at least, so seeing people dismiss her completely is a little disheartening. But anyway, we won't go into that.

 

[Galletea]

(I know someone is going to report me for this comment, but fck it, I don't care, I'll gladly take a report to point out the absurdity of this thread)

I hope you get away with it, simply because it is exactly what I was thinking.

Back to the original topic before we got dragged into another entirely pointless war about stuff most of us already know but don't really care about, liking something is not juvenile, liking it for hurr-hurr tits would be.
Personally I'm not a fan of the underboob, so if it had a bodysuit underneath it, I would like it better.

 

[Smeatza]

I most definitely mean the former point. I do not believe that men are incapable of recognizing sexism or even for arguing against it for women. In fact, I encourage it. I've befriended people here on the Escapist simply because they've argued for female representation that are male. It's mostly just nice to see anyone who agrees with the issue, no matter who they are. Terms like "white-knighting" I really, really hate, because it implies that somehow people who argue for other's rights are only looking to benefit from it for themselves, which is simply not true. The idea that it's a women-only problem or recognized only by women is something that stemmed from the vocal-minority feminists. So, what I mean to say is that as a female gamer, I tend to want to play as female characters, but their being clearly a target for heterosexual men bothers me more, perhaps, than you who can find many other solutions to play as your gender that is targeted positively at you.

Right o' I see what you're saying now.
Although I wouldn't say I'm part of a group that can find more solutions. I do avoid pointless/unfairly weighted sexualisation purely because I feel it's trashy. I'm also very partial to character creator modes (and think there are very few games that wouldn't be improved through the addition of one) so it's a minority of games in my collection where you cannot play as a female protagonist.
I don't let this affect my judgement when I look at the issue though.

I also consider "white-knighting" to be when somebody stands up for something, not because they feel it's the morally right thing to do but because they think people will like them more if they do.

I just wanted to get that clear straight away. Seeing how you recognize sexualization as an issue is actually a relief. The only thing we seem to disagree on is the extent of the issue, or a potential solution. Which perhaps indicates that how big the issue is is not necessarily important, but rather we both agree that it is harmful or potentially unnecessary. Regardless, my ask for 'censorship' is relative to how big I see the problem is, which is likely why we're struggling to get past that hurdle.

Yeah I think you're probably right.

I tried looking for an article or something to more eloquently explain why I'm not actually asking for censorship, and all I could find was this video by MovieBob. I'm not using his video in terms of his accusation against people who say the term, but rather what I'm attempting to do by criticizing the sexy female outfits. Granted this isn't exactly a sound defence, but it will do: video. [http://gameoverthinker.blogspot.co.nz/2013/08/overbytes-dont-censor-me.html]

I'm typing this from in work so I cannot watch the video right now.
If you genuinely don't advocate/tolerate censorship then your exaggerated language misrepresents your view. Like I pointed out in the last thread, a number of things you've written have implied a need or toleration of censorship.

It's hard to say that it is 'typical', but there is an entire genre devoted to such shots - we call it the 'panty-shot genre'. A whole collection of anime that goes out of its way to show upskirt shots of women, and often nudity and other such things.
Other than that, there are some more examples. Female characters are usually presented with abnormally sized breasts, and one common trope is the guy-accidentally-grabs-her moment, or the guy-falls-on-top-of-her-and-grabs-her situation. There's also the guy-imagines-girls-naked-at-public-baths moment, usually mixed with the girls-compare-breast-sizes-and-feel-each-other-up scenario. I'm having a quick think of how many anime shows I've seen have done that, and out of the 25 I've seen in completion, 10 I can recall having those issues. Not the best indication, but the shows I watch are usually the very popular, mainstream ones.

Interesting, at least one of those tropes pops up in two out of the three anime I've watched it would seem at a glance that anime's capacity for fan-service is greater than the average.

There's certainly some strange need to fetishize women this way, but usually it's done from the get-go - not randomly half-way through like in Code Geass. I use Kallen just as an example of a strong female character being undermined in such a way. Usually if its done from the start, they're already in that zone.

Fair enough, though it's important to remember that some people or the creators might have found more value in the character post-change.

To be fair, I simply googled for MMOs, so any that came through was the fault of Google Images.

Also, I find that games that use sexualized images as advertising for their games means that the sexualization is done deliberately with the idea of selling sex in mind. So, the design of these characters are very deliberate, and stand as little more than fetish objects.

Well that's a tough one to know without having been inside the board room where the decisions were being made.
Was it an artistic design choice that was used for marketing? Was it a design choice that was introduced for the purpose of marketing? Was it some combination of both?
I wouldn't call them fetish objects though, a fetish is often said to be a sexual fixation with something that isn't conventionally sexual. I would say it's pretty conventional to sexualise fictional characters.

I did spend the better half of two hours going through the list of total game releases in 2012, and eliminated ones that were collections/HD remakes/special edition releases, featured no female characters at all, or games where the gender was irrelevant (like music games). However, the sample size was enormous, and would have taken several hours of research to go through. So, for the sake of wrapping things up, I only recorded games which I was aware featured sexualized females. This knowledge was based on games I already knew of, or games featuring sexualized females on their boxart (so bear in mind there could be many other examples that I didn't have time to clarify).

These games included:

Code of Princess (3DS)
Rift: Storm Legion (PC)
Hitman: Absolution (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Way of the Samurai 4 (PS3)
Guild Wars 2 (PC)
Double Dragon Neon (PC)
Torchlight II (PC)
Marvel vs. Capcom Origins (Xbox 360, PS3)
Gungnir (PSP)
Unchained Blades (3DS, PSP)
Record of Agarest War 2 (PS3)
Heroes of Ruin (3DS)
Growlanser Wayfarer of Time (PSP)
Tera: The Exiled Realm of Arborea (PC)
Tales of Graces F (PS3)
Blades of Time (PC)
Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2 (PS3)
Street Fighter X Tekken (PS3, PC, PSVita)
Lollipop Chainsaw (Xbox 360, PS3)
Borderlands 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Dead or Alive 5 (Xbox 360, PS3)
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (PC)
Hotline Miami (PC)
Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, WiiU)
Far Cry 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Xbox 360, PS3)
The Darkness II (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Tekken 3D (3DS)
Orcs Must Die! 2 (PC)
Serious Sam 3: BFE (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
Soul Calibur 5 (Xbox 360, PS3)
NeverDead (Xbox 360, PS3)

There are potentially more examples beyond these obvious ones that I am not aware of, but there you go. So, here's some (but not all) games released in 2012 that featured sexualized female characters.

You say yourself though these are part of a much larger sample, how large? large enough to make this list seem small? And there are some games there where I could argue that the sexualisation is pertinent to the plot or character in question.
This highlights another issue with the subject. It took you 2 hours to put that list together, it took me several hours to evaluate the previous list and a while to explore my own. We've now both provided casual illustrations that reasonably effectively show our views.
This is why I call "majority" claims sensationalist. They are extreme claims with no robust evidence to back them up. There's ample evidence that there's an issue but that's not evidence that this issue afflicts the industry in it's entirety, in a majority of cases or is worse relative to other forms of visual media.

I also did a search for some actual statistics again, and I did find a study [http://www.gameranx.com/features/id/10438/article/study-of-box-art-reveals-games-that-feature-non-sexualized-women-on-the-box-don-t-sell-well/] that looked into sexualized box art. They sampled a total of 399 games from between only 2005 and 2010 that sold over a certain threshold (so not including games that didn't sell all too well). Their findings were:

Category---------------------% of sample------Raw Number
Male characters only present---41.6%-------166
Female characters only present---6.8%-------27
Both male and female characters present---27.1%-------108
No human characters present---24.56%-------98
Female characters central---18.55%-------74
Male characters central---66.17%-------264
Female characters sexualized---20.80%-------83
(in games with females on box art)
Non-sexualized, non-central female characters present---19.26%-------26
Sexualized, non-central female characters present---25.93%-------35
Non-sexualized, central female characters present---19.26%-------26
Sexualized, central female characters present---35.56%-------48

From this, they concluded that of the 399 game boxart looked at, 135 featured women on the cover in general. Of that 135, a total of 83 of the women were sexualized, or around 62%. Women that were not central characters were sexualized 26% of the total, with main characters at 36%.

The threshold they set was 10,000 copies sold though. That's low enough to get a much better idea of the industry as a whole than the previous study.

Unfortunately, the study doesn't count how many of those games feature or don't feature women, or how many men were sexualized, nor did it include Eastern or European box arts. But still, it does indicate that when women are present, the majority statistically are sexualized in some manner.

Bare in mind we're effectively talking about marketing materials when we discuss box art.
And like I said to that other guy, marketing is inherently offensive/exclusive/exploitative by design. I wouldn't want to judge any whole industry just by the marketing it produces. Evony for example, the marketing of that game is not at all indicative of the content.
And just like (as you mention) the study doesn't account for sexualised males, it also doesn't account for plot/character pertinent sexualisation.
The study also acknowledges that "The results of the regression analysis concluded that male figures on game boxes seem to influence the sale of games whereas a female character on a game box often negatively impacted sales of the game she appeared on the box for. Additionally, sexualized female characters positively influenced sales as long as they were not central to the box art." So we still face the same "if it's profitable why not?" issue.
Still it's a very interesting point to make and food for thought.