Korean Video Game Slammed For “Disgusting” Oversexualization Of Women

The director said it’s important to make the character’s rearview visually appealing.
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Koreaboo

The latest action-adventure video game, “Stellar Blade” — released this month by Shift Up and Sony Interactive Entertainment — has sparked significant controversy over its depiction of women, particularly its main character, Eve.

Despite receiving generally positive feedback for its gameplay and story, the game faces backlash for what many see as an unnecessary sexualization of its female protagonist.

stellar blade eve 1
| Yahoo

“Stellar Blade” is set in a post-apocalyptic scenario where humanity has been forced off Earth by monstrous entities known as Naytibas. Players follow Eve, a cybernetically enhanced soldier, and her team as they embark on a mission to reclaim Earth.

stellar blade eve
| Shift Up

However, the game has not escaped criticism, especially concerning Eve’s character design and marketing tactics. Critics have pointed out that the game’s promotional materials heavily focus on Eve’s sexual appeal, featuring her in revealing outfits and suggestive poses.

According to reviews, Eve is portrayed with disproportionately exaggerated physical features and spends the majority of the game in a form-fitting suit. Players can even put her in an alternative costume called the “skin suit,” which makes the character look almost nude.

These design choices have been defended by the game’s director, Kim Hyung Tae, who claims that since the game is played from a third-person perspective focusing on the character’s rearview, it is important to make this angle visually pleasing. Further stirring controversy, Shift Up revealed that Eve’s body was digitally modeled after Shin Jae Eun, a well-known South Korean influencer, chosen for what the game director described as her “most attractive-looking body.”

“Stellar Blade”‘s depiction of Eve has led to an uproar among certain segments of the gaming community. Critics have argued that such a portrayal is not only impractical for a combat scenario but also undermines the game’s narrative integrity. They question the effectiveness of a combatant who wears such revealing attire on the battlefield.

On the other hand, some gamers view this as a typical industry practice or simply appreciate the character design’s aesthetics without deeper scrutiny. You can watch the launch trailer for “Stellar Blade” here:

Source: Yahoo
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