Rumor:No female Heroes at Activision.

[Gamasutra's Leigh Alexander looks at the apparent recasting of a female protagonist to male in what would become Activision's True Crime 3, asking whether this is symptomatic of larger issues around focus testing and female character representation in the industry.]

Games with female leads don't sell. At least that's what Activision believes, looking at top software sellers in any given year for evidence and choosing only projects that go with the trend, sources claim.

In 2007, we're told the publisher even went so far as to change the protagonist in a new concept -- the project that would become True Crime 3 -- from a female to a male, on the rationale that the female wouldn't move software units.

Numerous former employees of the company's studios tell Gamasutra that Activision relies on focus tests to a contentious extent -- and the result is that according to our research, the only titles published by Activision since 2005 that feature female leads are licenses, like Barbie and Dora.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29719/InDepth_No_Female_Heroes_At_Activision.php

so what does every one think? I'm not surprised with Activisions recent attitudes and decisions, and Kotticks involvement with a losing sexual harrasment case.

[Gamasutra's Leigh Alexander looks at the apparent recasting of a female protagonist to male in what would become Activision's True Crime 3, asking whether this is symptomatic of larger issues around focus testing and female character representation in the industry.]

Games with female leads don't sell. At least that's what Activision believes, looking at top software sellers in any given year for evidence and choosing only projects that go with the trend, sources claim.

In 2007, we're told the publisher even went so far as to change the protagonist in a new concept -- the project that would become True Crime 3 -- from a female to a male, on the rationale that the female wouldn't move software units.

Numerous former employees of the company's studios tell Gamasutra that Activision relies on focus tests to a contentious extent -- and the result is that according to our research, the only titles published by Activision since 2005 that feature female leads are licenses, like Barbie and Dora.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29719/InDepth_No_Female_Heroes_At_Activision.php

so what does every one think? I'm not surprised with Activisions recent attitudes and decisions, and Kotticks involvement with a losing sexual harrasment case.

WilliamRLBaker

That still doesn't stop the True Crime series from sucking in general and being a flop. oVENOMo

Sadly they could very well be right. Lara Croft is pretty much the only big selling one I can think of, and she's a joke imo. If only Beyond Good And Evil sold more, Jade was rockin'!locopatho

lol Leigh Alexander

Also, lol at suggesting that Kotick being involved in that case makes him a sexist, or informs Activision's policy on female player characters in the games they publish.

I'd blame the ones buying the games first. Activision is in the business of making money. Not catering to 2% of gamers who buy games with female leads. I don't think anyone wants to gamble away millions of dollars just prove they aren't sexist or have diverse game heroes. Whatever sells is what get's put on the shelf, period. If you made shoes and you realized that red shoes weren't selling. Would you waste money making them?Bread_or_Decide

If I want to escape into a simulation and become a cop, I'd rather be a male cop who hardened criminals don't second guess, rather than a female cop who would no doubt be sexually harassed by said hardened criminals.

I don't really care much for diversity if the actual character totally sucks. Faith in Mirror's Edge was about as compelling as Marcus Fenix. AAllxxjjnn

[QUOTE="AAllxxjjnn"]I don't really care much for diversity if the actual character totally sucks. Faith in Mirror's Edge was about as compelling as Marcus Fenix. oVENOMo

Probably, the only franchise I know sells well with a female lead is tomb raider. Well then again perfect dark did quite well and my shepard is female if that counts.

[QUOTE="oVENOMo"][QUOTE="AAllxxjjnn"]I don't really care much for diversity if the actual character totally sucks. Faith in Mirror's Edge was about as compelling as Marcus Fenix. AAllxxjjnn

It's Activision being Activision.:(

IW's Ghost and Solid Snake are teaming up to take down ActivistSun, so I'm praying their mission is successful.

We also have Metroid and Samus Aran.

lol Leigh Alexander

Also, lol at suggesting that Kotick being involved in that case makes him a sexist, or informs Activision's policy on female player characters in the games they publish.

Cherokee_Jack

[QUOTE="Cherokee_Jack"]

lol Leigh Alexander

Also, lol at suggesting that Kotick being involved in that case makes him a sexist, or informs Activision's policy on female player characters in the games they publish.

WilliamRLBaker

No it doesn't prove his sexism, it proves his partners sexism. All it proves is that he will get rid of people who is partner don't like.

Does anyone else remember Cate Archer being one of the coolest spies ever?

Does anyone else remember Cate Archer being one of the coolest spies ever?

SystemOnline

Rather sad isn't it? Anyway games these days are better off letting you create your own character that way if you are this pathetic and shallow you can choose.

Rather sad isn't it? Anyway games these days are better off letting you create your own character that way if you are this pathetic and shallow you can choose.

Chemical_Viking

as much as i hate to be the bringer of the ugly truth we are supposed to be upset that the ratio of male to female heros in games exactly mirrors the ratio of male to female heros in real life?

seriously, for every Madame Curie there are 50 Louie Pasteurs, for every Joan of Ark there are 50 wellingtons or william wallaces.

i'm all for fairness but reality is reality and to deny that is silly.

now if you want to talk about the individual contributions of the average woman crushing the individual contributions of the average man then you have something but that's not the subject.

meh could take it or leave it. There are some good female leads out there like lighting from 13, Narioko from HS,Madison from HR(does that count?) and samus from metroid. If the female isint anoying I could possibly like them and wont mind them for the ride.

It's Activision being Activision.:(

IW's Ghost and Solid Snake are teaming up to take down ActivistSun, so I'm praying their mission is successful.

SolidTy

LMAO wth is this?

[Gamasutra's Leigh Alexander looks at the apparent recasting of a female protagonist to male in what would become Activision's True Crime 3, asking whether this is symptomatic of larger issues around focus testing and female character representation in the industry.]

Games with female leads don't sell. At least that's what Activision believes, looking at top software sellers in any given year for evidence and choosing only projects that go with the trend, sources claim.

In 2007, we're told the publisher even went so far as to change the protagonist in a new concept -- the project that would become True Crime 3 -- from a female to a male, on the rationale that the female wouldn't move software units.

Numerous former employees of the company's studios tell Gamasutra that Activision relies on focus tests to a contentious extent -- and the result is that according to our research, the only titles published by Activision since 2005 that feature female leads are licenses, like Barbie and Dora.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/29719/InDepth_No_Female_Heroes_At_Activision.php

so what does every one think? I'm not surprised with Activisions recent attitudes and decisions, and Kotticks involvement with a losing sexual harrasment case.

WilliamRLBaker

It's business, who gives a flying ****?

All this "equality in games" nonsense is starting to piss me off; no individual developer should have any obligation to make their game one way or another based on what a people group/minority wants to see.

If you think it's sexist, or you just want to play a game with a female lead, or with a paraplegic lead, or with a transsexual extraterrestrial lead, or with a one legged homosexual cancer stricken dog lead, then vote with your wallet, but don't assume that any developer has an obligation to include you, or to cater to your preferences.

It's like the morons who were complaining about the types of romance options available in Mass Effect 2, or the fact that you won't be able to play as women in Brink; these are private companies trying to make money. They owe you nothing.

The only good female lead I can think of is Nariko from Heavenly Sword.

Metroid games sell pretty well...but I suppose it's harder to tell she's a girl :Pbobcheeseball

The only good female lead I can think of is Nariko from Heavenly Sword.

TravJon

Samus?

[QUOTE="TravJon"]

The only good female lead I can think of is Nariko from Heavenly Sword.

Espada12

Samus?

Wait games with female leads don't sell..? :?

How about Tomb Raider, Metroid, Perfect Dark & Ms Pac Man? Not only are they some of most critically acclaimed titles (the older Tomb Raiders) but they have also sold quite well too..:?

Its sad how this generation focus's on either the "Normal white guy" or the "Bald/shaved head tough white guy" :( No diversity this generation :cry:Sp4rtan_3

you dont actually care, do you? its just hard to believe.

i dont see what is wrong with either character type since theyre just little digital mans who are avatars for your game, but if youre not into them, you could always stick to a steady diet of female minority commander shepards, fallout 3 protagonists, final fantasy 13 and bayonetta.

Its sad how this generation focus's on either the "Normal white guy" or the "Bald/shaved head tough white guy" :( No diversity this generation :cry:Sp4rtan_3

I kinda like the whole normal everyday guy thing way more than the annoying cartooney mascots from the SNES/Genesis era however I am getting sick of the whole "quiet, I don't give a damn" persona a lot. Like Cole, Nathan Hale & all that jazz.

It's Activision being Activision.:(

IW's Ghost and Solid Snake are teaming up to take down ActivistSun, so I'm praying their mission is successful.

SolidTy

[QUOTE="Sp4rtan_3"]Its sad how this generation focus's on either the "Normal white guy" or the "Bald/shaved head tough white guy" :( No diversity this generation :cry:CaptainHarley

you dont actually care, do you? its just hard to believe.

i dont see what is wrong with either character type since theyre just little digital mans who are avatars for your game, but if youre not into them, you could always stick to a steady diet of female minority commander shepards, fallout 3 protagonists, final fantasy 13 and bayonetta.