Hot Sexy Avatars - or - Would you please stop looking at my butt!

As I mentioned last post, I have this internal dissonance about what I would term the hyper-sexualized style of most female game avatars. On one hand I prefer to play a female character that I can relate to as a representation of myself (I'd rather not play a troll or dwarf or a hulking male tank) but then I have to accept that most of the female avatar choices are over-the-top-unrealistic-silicone-porn-influenced-adolescent-sexual-fantasy-renditions much of the time. And that's not the way I would choose to portray myself if given a choice. "Attractive" is a projective I'm comfortable with..."Bondage-Stripper" is, ummm, just not me. Admittedly some games are worse than others.

Perhaps it puts it into some kind of perspective to consider my age and profession, I don't know. Just processing aloud here...if you're reading this it's quite possible I'm old enough to be your mother. But I'm not really sure that many younger women don't feel the same way.

My first MMO was Lineage2, with the choices of the willowy blonde Victoria's Secret Elf who flashed her lacy panties with every spell cast, or the hyper-buxom dark elf in bondage gear that (depending upon level of "armor" har,har) often appeared to be wearing little more than a g-string. I admit I played both chars a bit, and I admit to the dissonance I felt. If you've played an MMO no doubt you've witnessed the ubiquitous sexual chat and antics, the obsessed stalkers, and other unique ways people act out their needs and urges. Personally, that's not the reason I play a game and it's not something that I enjoy.

Projection is an interesting thing, and something that a lot of gamers admit to. We see ourselves as our characters in a variety of ways, and I love discussing that topic with people.

In most every interview I've done, I ask people the question "So - do you think elf chicks are hot?" and surprisingly (or not) most males of all ages (and a few women) admit to being turned-on by avatars. Another fascinating issue to discuss.

What my husband would say is that "Sex sells" and MMOs are ultimately about making a profit for big companies. Does it really get down to hyper-sexual means more money, and if so, is that something people should think about?

Good comment previously - let the game companies know how you feel.