The Gearbox faux pas that came to light yesterday led to some interesting discussions online and in person. My male perspective on the incident was quite different than that of my partner in crime, Sctrz. This post is only sort of about that though. What our discussion over lunch at McAlister's did lead to was this brief survey. Sctrz and I designed and composed it together last night, and I published it to G+ with a very brief explanation. This is the more thorough one. Mostly The survey is to satisfy our curiosity on a couple of topics that I will explain in the results post, the timing of which will depend partly on you, Dear Reader, and whatever gamer friends you can help recruit for the survey. It's no more than seven(7) questions, plus an optional comment space. All answers are anonymous, unless you put your name in the comment box, of course. The survey is through Google Docs, so if you can't get access, it's probably because it's blocked by your internet service provider or office.
Please spread the word, in addition to taking the survey yourself. I'd like to get as much participation as I can. And thanks in advance. :D [EDIT] Also, this is our first attempt at a "neutral questionaire." Check the comment section for clarifications, etc. I have provided to others.[/EDIT] [EDIT2] I'm sorry I didn't include SP-RPG (Fallout, MassEffect, etc.). It was late. Check "Other" and fill it in.[/EDIT2]
Interesting. I'm not 100% sure how to answer some of those questions though, and since it is much easier to ask for feedback than in many other surveys, I just will:
ReplyDelete1) Feeling uncomfortable with customization choices. Does that mostly aim at feeling queasy or even offended? or also annoyed that you can't get a character to look like you would prefer, because the choice isn't there? or even slightly amused by the outlandishness of, for example, costumes with extremely padded shoulders?
2) If you're called by a racial slur, or things that hint (rather bluntly) at your sexual orientation or prowess, but they technically don't apply to you as person because you don't belong to that group, does that still count?
Thanks for asking. I'm happy to clarify:
Delete1) By uncomfortable, I mean, things like are the costume choice limited to overly skimpy sexualized clothing? Are the only physique choices too voluptuous or muscular, or skinny? Or do you have the choice to make your character how you like? Extremely padded shoulders doesn't count. :)
2) It counts if you've been called a racial slur, etc., even if the insult doesn't really apply to you. (i.e., being called a "fag," even if you are straight.)
I surveyed like a n00bsauce! I'm a bit offended by GW2 guarder belt and mini skirt on the elemenalist. I think if games like Aion have boob sliders, they should have bulge sliders too.
ReplyDeleteCan I make an observation?
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit...off-putting...to be responding to a survey on treatment of others based on gender in a post where you refer to your wife as "my lovely bride". There's no doubt that you love her, and as lovely as she may be, she no doubt deserves to be more than "a bride".
This is a pet peeve of mine that goes back a long way, so it's not directly directed at you, but I thought that this was the proper opportunity to surface that.
I could say "my wife," but that doesn't seem any better. I'd like to hear how she feels about it, since she's never commented to me about it before. What do you think, Sctrz?
DeleteI know! See edit above.
I understand it's your pet peeve, but to me it sounds like he is extremely proud to be married to her. Why is bride a negative word? She might introduce him as her handsome groom or loving husband. The term bride means a youth in marriage. They are in the puppy love stage of it and him saying, "My lovely bride" shows me he is passionate about her. I think I might be missing why calling her that is a bad thing. The edited version scream, "Hey, I sleep with this person only because we wanted a tax break."
ReplyDeleteLol. That's why I want Sctrz' input.
DeleteI neglected to note it in the survey, but I just realized that I've often been disappointed that I can't make weakling casters for male human WoW characters. They always look like steroid freaks, no matter their vocation. It's a very minor complaint, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that complaint before. It's the reason we included the customization question for male gamers. Then again, there is only one model for males or females of any WoW race. Makes Blizzard's job of creating gear models easier. OTOH, I had a friend who was irritated as all get out that he would put on "brand new" epic gear from raids and it would look like rags on his Forsaken.
DeleteTesh, that sounds to me exactly like a complaint about the limitations of customization for male models. ;)
Delete*chuckle* indeed, I just didn't think of it until later. It's never been something I lament for more than a few moments in passing. :)
DeleteI'm upset that I cannot get my GW2 character completely nekkid.
ReplyDelete9,9
DeleteSorry, I've had my head stuck in my new computer for the last weak. What's the Gearbox Crisis?
ReplyDeleteOriginal article:
Deleteeurogamer.net/articles/2012-08-13-borderlands-2-gearbox-reveals-the-mechromancers-girlfriend-mode …
First Reaction:
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/girlfriend-mode-a-storm-s-coming-and-it-s-heading-gearbox-s-way/0101160 …
Sorry they're not live links.
DeleteI feel proud to be Rowan's bride and wife. It does not offend me at the least that he chooses to call me "his lovely bride", it could be worse I could be "his ball and chain." I respect those that have commented otherwise as you are entitled to your opinion and feelings.
ReplyDeleteMwah. Lubs X*
DeleteI think it's quite sweet! Regardless, I've seen Rowan use that term all the time and I've just always figured it was a nickname, a term of endearment just like "sweetie" or "honey". As long as it means something to both of you, I think it's wonderful.
DeleteMore wondering what the discussion was about that lead to that survey.
ReplyDeleteWe'll include that in the analysis post. For now, check the links I gave to Hzero.
Delete