Surprising trends in female video game character preferences

A new study in Communication Research explores how female gamers feel about sexualized female characters, revealing that, despite disliking sexualization, they tend to select these characters when given a choice. Researchers found that while strength cues in female characters signify capability, they don’t offset the negative perceptions created by sexualized design.

Background: sexualization in video games and its effects

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The portrayal of female characters in gaming has been contentious, with critics arguing that sexualized designs can reinforce objectifying stereotypes. The study, led by Teresa Lynch of Ohio State University, sought to understand if strong, sexualized female characters could still positively impact player perceptions. Researchers also investigated how perceptions shift depending on whether players are passively watching or actively controlling the character.

Experiment setup and character design elements

The study included two experiments using SOULCALIBUR VI, where four character types varied in strength and sexualization. Traits such as clothing, body proportions, and weapon size were adjusted to create high and low levels of sexualization and strength. Participants rated characters based on appearance, likability, and femininity after watching pre-recorded combat clips or directly controlling a character in gameplay.

Key findings: perceptions of strength, femininity, and likability

• High sexualization: Characters with high sexualization cues were viewed as more traditionally feminine but were generally less liked, especially by female participants.
• Strength cues and likability: While high-strength cues enhanced perceptions of competence, they did not improve likability, suggesting that sexualization has a more significant impact on perception.
• Gender differences in choice: Male participants preferred strong, less sexualized characters, while female participants tended to select highly sexualized characters despite mixed feelings about them.
• Impact of gameplay control: Actively controlling a character altered perceptions of their attributes, with high-strength characters perceived as more competent during gameplay interactions.

Gender differences and a surprising twist in character choice

While male participants preferred strong but less sexualized characters, female participants showed a surprising tendency to select highly sexualized characters when asked which they would play as, despite voicing reservations. Lynch noted this may be because high sexualization aligns with traditional femininity, a trait some participants might identify with, even subconsciously.

Impact of interactive gameplay on character perception

The study’s second experiment found that controlling a character directly influenced impressions, with high-strength characters rated as more competent when players could control them. Interactive gameplay, Lynch noted, allows players to experience character traits actively, impacting how they view strength and other attributes, and influencing how deeply players identify with the character.

limitations and future research

The study used only fighting games, limiting its broader applicability. The researchers aim to investigate longer-term impacts of repeated interactions with female characters in various genres, hoping to uncover how positive traits might foster meaningful player experiences.

The study, “Examining How Sex Appeal Cues and Strength Cues Influence Impressions of Female Video Game Characters,” was authored by Teresa Lynch, Annie Dooley, and Matthew R. Erxleben.