Body Types in Video Games

On this week's episode of PBS's "GameShow" Jamin explored why video game bodies are so "extreme."

This is an issue that I haven't ever given much thought to but have subconsciously wondered about.  It seems like certain games go much further than others but that most games do really push unrealistic physical features.  Maybe that's part of the magic?  That you can play as a hulking warrior who smashes everything in sight or a lithe thief who slips through the shadows just makes sense.  But is it fair that the hulking warrior is almost always a man while the lithe thief is way more likely to be a lady?  It seems a little sexist and way too stereotypical.  Video games are a form of fantasy, so why can't my hulking warrior be a lady?  (I really feel like I am seeing that way more in games.  Jamin used the example of Zarya from Overwatch which is a great one.)

I do get somewhat tired with the same old sexy lady characters and was really glad that he explored the common design factors that are considered when making a female character.  "Butt sway?"  That's a real thing?  I am reminded of the many infamous Mass Effect 2 Miranda butt shots.  Commander Shepard is sitting in a chair having a conversation with Miranda about how her whacko genetics make her a sad panda and WHAM--cut to a butt shot of Miranda's sad (but decidedly firm looking) butt.  Really?  Or the so-called "breast physics."  I can do without the bouncing boobies, thanks.  How come guys don't get the same treatment?  Not saying I hope for a bunch of jiggling male packages in the future, but c'mon!

When the most recent Tomb Raider game re-designed Lara Croft I was floored (in a good way).  She went from being a total exaggeration of the female form to looking like a believable human woman.  Ellie, from Borderlands 2, is another of my favorite female characters in a game.  I like that Ellie is not your typical body shape, but is still a confident character.

It would be really great if more games moved away from using these sort of overemphasized and stereotypical body types and focused on a diversity of bodies.  I like that Michael in GTA V is a sort of soft former athlete and not some bulging uber-man.  It's nice to see a regular guy type of character.