DISCLAIMER This is a neutral and objective verbatim critical analysis of Feminist Frequency’s Tropes vs. Women in Video Games video series on YouTube. The purpose of this thesis is to show the accuracy of the facts and the strength of the arguments presented in the given video. The wording of the content presented in the video being critiqued has not been altered in any way, and is as originally intended. Conflicting evidence that has been released after the date of the given video (August 31, 2015) has not been included to debunk any arguments or facts presented, as that would be unfair. Sources and overall statistics are included at the end of this thesis.

This is not a personal attack or libelous attempt towards Anita Sarkeesian, her team, her supporters, or feminism in general, nor is it condoned. Everyone has the right to voice their thoughts, opinions, and feelings on WOMEN AS REWARD any given subject matter, regardless of how true or popular it may be. Words, sentences, statements, or video footage EXAMPLE Statements that precede a green check with red outlines involve criticisms. Each one mark are factually correct and supported with All criticisms in this thesis about the video being critiqued are given will be debunked and explained in a separate evidence in the video and/or in the description. as fair, neutral, and objective as possible. Any criticisms or corrections section, following a solid red line. Writings Note that while a statement may be factually towards this presentation is both welcome and encouraged. However, I and criticisms that continue elsewhere are correct, it may also be biased or faulty informa- ask that it be constructive and respectful, without the use of any disre- followed by a dashed line. tion or contain logical fallacies. spectful, degrading, or objectionable comments and language.

Thank you, EXAMPLE1,2,3 Any criticisms that have a numerical annotation EXAMPLE O Statements that precede a green O are ob- are backed up with the source(s) to the corre- jective. Note that while a statement may be sponding number(s). Click on the annotation objective, it may also be a research error or number to go to the source. contain logical fallacies. Brent Cherry THE CRITICISMS EXPLAINED

The criticisms and recognitions in this presenta- for, interpret, prefer, or recall information in a previously introduced problem or argument has which a new or currently-existing term is given ing evidence to support a given argument or tion fall under 4 categories: Honesty, research, way that confirms one’s beliefs or hypotheses been resolved completely or in some major way. a specific meaning for the purposes of the statement. What separates these from dishon-

logic, and objectivity. The following criticisms while giving less attention to information or OPINION: A personal view, attitude, or apprais- argument or discussion in a given context. est statements is that the integrity is not clear, are what is found in this specific analysis. The possibilities that can or does contradict such. al that is presented as fact. UNFALSIFIABILITY: A statement asserting that and could possibly be due to unawareness subcategories of each one follows afterward. CULTURAL BIAS: An interpretation and judg- OVERGENERALIZATION: A statement which is a theory or hypothesis is true or false even or assumptions. Either way, this is a great hin- ment of phenomena by standards inherent to too general to support a single, solid conclu- though the theory or hypothesis cannot possi- drance to the overall credibility towards being a LOGIC one’s own culture or societal standards. sion about the subject. bly be contradicted by an observation or the reliable source of information. A logical fallacy is incorrect argument in logic DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE: An OVERSIMPLIFICATION: A statement that outcome of any physical experiment, usually and rhetoric which results in a lack of validity, or attempt to describe a distinction between two makes something seem simpler than it really is without strong evidence or good reasons. CHERRY-PICKING: Information that is gath- more generally, a lack of soundness. While a things where no difference exists. or could possibly be. ered and presented to support only the given fallacy may have multiple names and belong DOUBLE STANDARD: A set of principles that ap- RED HERRING: A distraction from the topic HONESTY argument or statement when conflicting in certain subcategories, such as formal and plies differently and sometimes more rigorously at hand by introducing a separate argument, Dishonesty occurs when a statement or evi- evidence exists.

informal, with even more subcategories within to one group or circumstances than to another. idea, or fact in an attempt to make a correla- dence is intentionally given with only part or FACTUAL ERROR: Presented information that is those, the focus is to describe the properties of FALSE ANALOGY: A supposed similarity that is tion between that and the original topic. none of the whole truth. not factually correct. a specific one. used to prove or disprove an argument, but is REPETITION: Repeating an argument, state- too different to be effective. ment, or premise over and over again in place MISREPRESENTATION: Evidence that has been OBJECTIVITY AD HOMINEM: A dismissal or attack on an ar- FALSE CAUSALITY: A citation or conclusion that of better supporting evidence. altered and/or presented to intentionally give a Objective analyses are arguments and state- gument, individual, or subject presented based sequential events is clear evidence that the first SELF-CONTRADICTION: A statement that direct- false or misleading idea of the original material. ments that are fueled by solid facts and logic, on personal bias on the matter or a completely caused the second or more. ly or indirectly opposes a previous statement. MISSING CONTEXT: A statement or argument as opposed to personal belief or bias. This is the irrelevant point, rather than objectively or fairly INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT: An argument that SLIPPERY SLOPE: An assertion that some event that intentionally leaves out conflicting informa- absolute cornerstone to the overall credibility criticizing the argument or subject matter itself. is introduced without some sort of resolution or must inevitably follow from another without any tion in order to seem valid or true. towards being a reliable source of information.

ASSUMPTION: A statement taken to be the conclusion. Also known as an enthymeme. rational argument or demonstrable mechanism case or to be true without verification or proof. MOVING THE GOALPOST: An argument in for the inevitability of the event in question. RESEARCH CORRECT FACT: Information that is factually

CONFIRMATION BIAS: The tendency to search which a standard is arbitrarily changed once a STIPULATIVE DEFINITION: A type of definition in Research errors are mistakes made in gather- Continued on next page THE CRITICISMS (CONTINUED) correct and supported with evidence in the video and/or in the description.

OBJECTIVE STATEMENT: Statements or argu- ments that do not stem from bias or personal belief on a certain subject matter. Samus Aran, who is covered head to toe in the now ASSUMPTION “Fantastic!” iconic cybernetic “power suit”. The game’s manual No evidence provided to support the claim that the cybernetic power suit Samus referred to the protagonist with male pronouns, and Aran wears is currently iconic. described his identity as “shrouded in mystery”.

This episode comes with a content warning for game footage involving hypersexualized female characters and is not recommended for children. Metroid was notable as an early example of a game ASSUMPTION that employed multiple alternative endings, which No evidence provided to support the claim that Metroid (1987) was notable as an As always, remember that it is both possibleO and even could be unlocked based on the player’s gaming skill early example of a game that employed multiple alternative endings. OPINION necessary to be critical of the media we enjoy.O That’s and performance. What is considered to be “necessary” is subjective and debatable. going to be especially important to keep in mind, giv- en the video game franchise we are about to discuss… OPINION What is considered to be “especially important” is subjective and debatable.

If the player is able to complete the game in under five hours, a short cutscene will play featuring the protagonist without their armored helmet, revealing that Samus Aran is, in fact, a woman. This was a significant ASSUMPTION x2 moment in gaming No evidence provided to support the claim that the revealing of Samus’ gender history, especially for as female was 1. a significant moment in gaming history or 2. significant for In 1987, Nintendo released a 2D action many female gaming female gaming fans. adventure game for their Nintendo fans because, at the ASSUMPTION Entertainment System, which departed time, nearly all protago- No evidence provided to support the claim that Metroid (1987) departed from from traditional video game conventions. nists were just assumed to traditional video game conventions. Metroid starred a bounty hunter named be male by default. ASSUMPTION x3 Remember, this was back before the internet, when No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. the secrets or 2. spoilers to you couldn’t just hop online to find out about all the Metroid (1987) were not accessible via the internet or 3. the ending was a genu- secrets and spoilers. So for many players, the ending ine surprise for many players. of Metroid came as a genuine surprise. FACTUAL ERROR While the internet was not available for public use until August 6th 1991, it was invented on September 2nd 1969, which was significantly earlier than the release of Metroid (1987).1,2 So yes, Samus wasn’t a damseled woman waiting at the end of the game as a trophy. Rather, her body INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 itself became the prize awarded to players for a job No explanation why using 1. a female character’s body or 2. states of female well done. Later games in the Metroid series contin- undress as a reward is negative or more of an issue than other variations. ued the convention of rewarding players with endings featuring Samus in various states of undress. MOVING THE GOALPOST When a female character takes on the role of being a main playable protag- ASSUMPTION Still, the subversion only worked provided players were onist, it is insufficient because of the fact that particular appearances were No evidence provided to support the claim that Metroid (1987) was heavily skilled enough to achieve the surprise ending. In presented as awarded prizes to players, arbitrarily changing the standard. influenced by the Alien films. retrospect, Samus’ gender reveal perhaps should not have been as shocking as it was, considering that CONFIRMATION BIAS Metroid is heavily influenced by the Alien films. The reveal of Samus’ gender is considered to be unsurprising due to the sup- posed heavy influence by the Alien films, despite it being entirely subjective Sadly, the alternate endings did not stop to interpretation. there. The two “best” endings make Metroid MISREPRESENTATION one of the first games to exploit the Women In Super Metroid (1994), Samus is shown in the more revealing outfit every time MISSING CONTEXT as Reward trope, as both reveal Samus in she dies. Therefore, this is not exclusive to meeting particular end-game require- If the player enters the words “Justin Bailey” into the password system, various states of undress. ments, making this clip misleading and dishonest.4 Samus will be playable in a magenta leotard with the powers of the Varia Suit, which reveals the character to be a woman.3 OPINION MISREPRESENTATION What is considered to be “shocking” is subjective and debatable. In Metroid Fusion (2002), Samus is shown in the more revealing outfit every time she dies. Therefore, this is not exclusive to meeting particular end-game require- ASSUMPTION ments, making this clip misleading and dishonest.5 No evidence provided to support the claim that Metroid (1987) was one of the first games to exploit the Women as Reward trope. The better a player does, the more clothing is removed. If the player completes the game in under three hours, INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 Samus is shown without her armor and in a leotard. In one sense, Samus Aran ASSUMPTION No explanation why 1. exploiting the Women as Reward trope or 2. using states of definitely did subvert tradi- No evidence provided to support the claim that placing Samus Aran in the role undressing a female character as a reward is negative or more of an issue than tional gender tropes of the of intrepid hero subverted traditional gender tropes of the 1980s. other types. 1980s by taking on the role of intrepid hero. However, INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT OPINION she and her body were still No explanation why using a female character’s body as a reward is negative or What is considered to be “sad” is subjective and debatable. presented to players as more of an issue than other variations. prizes to be won. MOVING THE GOALPOST When a female character subverts traditional gender role by taking on the role of an intrepid hero, it is insufficient because of the fact particular assets of her a prize to be awarded to players, arbitrarily changing the standard.

If the player finishes in under one hour, they are treated to Samus in a bikini. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT The convention of earning access to cutscenes or No explanation why earning cutscenes featuring eroticized female bodies is ending vignettes with eroticized female bodies can negative or more of an issue than other variations. be found in many titles over the past 30 years.

We can trace the roots of the Women as Reward trope all the way back to the beginnings of the medium itself. As we discussed in our Damsel in Distress mini-series, upon successful completion of many arcade games, players were rewarded with the related Smooch of Victory trope, so named for the kiss the hero received as a reward for rescuing a “Apollo” kidnapped princess.

Sometimes the prize is blatant, as with the Standard CHERRY-PICKING Hero Reward, in which a king will give his daughter to Awarding heroes with the daughter of a monarch has been a common practice the hero. in European and African folklore dating back hundreds of years. Marriage was also commonly used as a form of political alliance and legal power as opposed to emotional and spiritual means. Therefore, the Standard Hero Reward trope is a “Whoa! Whoa!” reflection of real history.6 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why using the Standard Hero Reward trope when rescuing female characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. CHERRY-PICKING Awarding acts of altruism with consensual sexual activity is both common, everyday practice and natural in human sexuality.7,8 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why using the Sex of Victory or Rescue Sex tropes is negative or On other occasions, it’s taken a step further by employ- more of an issue than other variations. ing the parallel Sex of Victory or Rescue Sex trope. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT (Audience laughter) Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is: Instead of a kiss, sex No explanation why using sex with the rescued victim as a reward is negative or “Oh!” with the rescued victim is the player’s reward. more of an issue than other variations. “That was gonna get ugly. You saved us!” “You saved my life. A bit of joy as recompense is not too much to ask.”

“My pleasure, ladies.” “I’m intrigued. It’s been a tough day. I think some joy might do me good.”

SELF-CONTRADICTION If the “Women as Reward” trope has been recently coined, then Metroid (1987) was not an early example of a game that exploited it. FALSE CAUSALITY x2 (Moaning) Just because a woman or a part of a woman’s body is presented as a reward does not automatically mean it was created to 1. validate masculinity or 2. appeal to We’ve coined the Women as a male heterosexual audience, and may have been designed to appeal to other Reward trope to describe a genders and sexual orientations as well. Correlation does not equal causation. “Thank you! Thank you!… Thank YOU.” long-running pattern found in interactive media. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x14 No explanation why employing 1. females or their 2. bodies as rewards for in- It occurs when women (or more game actions, 3-4. collectible, 5-6. as tractable, 7-8. as consumable, 9-10. as often women’s bodies) are validation for masculinity, 11-12. for heterosexual, or 13-14. males is negative or employed as rewards for player more of an issue than other variations. actions in video games. The trope frames female bodies OPINION as collectible, as tractable, or What is considered to be a “validation of masculinity” is subjective and debatable. as consumable, and positions women as status symbols STIPULATIVE DEFINITION x3 designed to validate the mas- Limiting the definition of the “Women as Reward” trope as 1. validating mascu- culinity of presumed straight linity, and 2. targeting a heterosexual, 3. male audience prevents the possible male players. variations of the term. CHERRY-PICKING The entire foundation of video game functionality is how the user interacts with the required control unit. Successful completion of a video game is entirely dependent on the range of correct inputs that are required. Just like any other theme, “access to women” is no exception.9 OPINION Whatever gives a player incentive to complete an objective is subjective There’s some overlap between the Damsel in Distress and debatable. and Women as Reward, but they function differently. While the Damsel in Distress trope uses women as a After players save the damsel in both games, she will ASSUMPTION x2 OVERSIMPLIFICATION plot device to motivate male heroes, the Women as bestow a kiss on the character who earned the most No evidence provided to support the claim that the game Joe & Mac (1991) While the player may be rewarded with female affection or bodies for complet- Reward trope presents women as a formalized reward points on that stage. features 1. a damsel in distress or 2. the bestowing of a kiss to character that ing the required task, there could be various other incentives that drives one to mechanism, meaning that the reward is coded into earns the most points on a particular stage. do so, such as a sense of genuine altruism for the character or pride of complet- the game system itself. The result of this incentive ing the game overall. structure is that access to women’s bodies, women’s FALSE ANALOGY affection, or women’s sexuality is reduced to a simple While April O’Neil bestows a kiss on the character who earns the most points on that SELF-CONTRADICTION equation that guarantees delivery as long as the correct stage, it is presented as an unwelcome gesture. Therefore, the context of the situa- If the prize for rescuing a female character is along the lines of the “Smooch of set of inputs are entered into the system. tion does not meet the criteria for the Women as Reward trope mentioned eariler.10 Victory”, “Standard Hero Reward”, or “Victory Sex” tropes, then the women are positioned as status symbols based on meritocracy, making both the Damsel in In this way, the Women as Reward trope helps foster a Distress and Women as Reward tropes identical in functionality. sense of entitlement where players are encouraged to view women as something they’ve earned the right to by ASSUMPTION x3 virtue of their gaming actions, skills, or accomplishments. No evidence provided to support the claim that the Women as Reward trope fosters a sense of entitlement to women for players by virtue of their 1. gaming actions, 2. skills, or 3. accomplishments. “I owe you one.” INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why having a sense of entitlement towards aspects of female characters in video games is negative or more of an issue than other characters. OPINION x2 What is considered to be 1. an entitlement for ones accomplishments or 2. an incentive to complete an objective is subjective and debatable. Entitlement to women is made even more explicit in OVERSIMPLIFICATION many versions of Double Dragon. At the end of the While the player may be rewarded with female affection or bodies for complet- game, after the final boss has been defeated and FALSE ANALOGY ing the required task, there could be various other incentives that drives one to the damsel in distress saved, player one and player The scene in Double Dragon (1987) is presented as Marian willfully rewarding the do so, such as a sense of genuine altruism for the character or pride of complet- two must fight each other over who gets to “have” victor with a kiss, placing her in complete control of her agency and choice to ing the game overall. Marian, and with her, the smooch of victory. be the reward, meaning that her affections are granted towards the victor, as opposed to being forced.11 SLIPPERY SLOPE Notice that Marian’s While it is very possible for the Women as Reward trope to foster a sense of desires are not part INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 entitlement to women for players, it is not an absolute guarantee. of the equation. She No explanation why having 1. the desires of a female character be absent from the has no say in the reward bestowed onto the protagonist or 2. a female character simply fill the role of ASSUMPTION x3 matter. She simply fills a trophy for the player is negative or more of an issue than other characters. No evidence provided to support the claim that the game Joe & Mac (1991) is the role of a trophy for an illustration of the Women as Reward trope fostering a sense of entitlement whichever player is SELF-CONTRADICTION encouraging players to view women as something they have earned the right to This is illustrated in arcade classics like Joe & Mac and ultimately victorious. If the criteria is met for an individual to earn the willful affections of another, then by virtue of their 1. gaming actions, 2. skills, or 3. accomplishments. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. the desires of the one who gives the reward is entirely part of the equation. Easter eggs are intentionally hidden secrets or jokes ASSUMPTION x5 which developers conceal inside of their games. Like No evidence provided to support the claim that Easter eggs are 1. intentionally the eggs at a children’s Easter egg hunt, these secrets hidden secrets or 2. jokes in the game by developers, 3. similar to that of a chil- are usually difficult to find, but are meant to be discov- dren’s Easter Egg hunt, 4. usually difficult to find, or 5. meant to be discovered as ered as rewards for particularly industrious gamers. rewards for industrious gamers.

Easter eggs can be hidden messages, items, secret ASSUMPTION x6 characters, or random events, and their inclusion en- No evidence provided to support the claim that Easter eggs 1. can be hidden courages experimentation with the game’s systems and messages, 2. items, 3. secret characters, or 4. random events, or 5. designed to FALSE CAUSALITY This scene serves as inspiration for similar scenarios in mechanics in order to uncover these extra treasures. encourage experimentation with the game’s system and 6. mechanics in order Just because a game may have produced a similar or identical result from more contemporary games like Castle Crashers. to uncover them. earlier products does not automatically mean it was created out of influence by such, and may have been a result of another or multiple factors. Correlation does not equal causation.

Some can be found inside game environments, while ASSUMPTION others require a cheat code to unlock. For example, No evidence provided to support the claim that Easter eggs can be found inside if players input a specific button sequence while game environments. starting up the 1991 role-playing game Rings of Power, the title screen would change.

We’ve identified six primary ways the Women as Reward trope manifests in video games. Over the course of this episode, we will examine each in turn. In addition to the Earned Cinematics we’ve already discussed, we will cover the trope as it relates to By pressing down, right, A, B, C and the start button, INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT Easter eggs, unlockable costumes, experience points, players were rewarded with an image of a topless No explanation why rewarding players with an image of a topless woman is collectibles, and achievements. woman next to the Naughty Dog logo. negative or more of an issue than other variations. ASSUMPTION x2 Easter eggs are, of Probably one of the most famous Women ASSUMPTION No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. gaming history is filled with course, not inherently as Reward Easter eggs brings us back to No evidence provided to support the claim that Metroid (1987) has one of the examples of secrets that designers have hidden away for players to discover or problematic, and Samus Aran. most famous Women as Reward Easter eggs. 2. Easter eggs are frequently used to reward players with women’s bodies. gaming history is filled with examples of neat CONFIRMATION BIAS secrets that designers Easter eggs are not considered to be problematic, despite it being entirely have hidden away for subjective to interpretation. players to discover. But too frequently, Easter INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT eggs are used as anoth- No explanation why using rewarding players with female characters’ bodies in er way to reward players the form of Easter eggs is negative or more of an issue than other variations. with women’s bodies.

OPINION x3 Tony Hawk Pro Skater What is considered to be 1. “problematic”, 2. “neat”, or 3. “too frequent” is 4 included a secret subjective and debatable. unlockable character named Daisy, who bore the likeness of porn star Jenna Jameson. The original Metroid used a password system to save progress. By inputting the secret code “Justin Bailey” into this system, gamers would unlock a powered-up playable version of Samus wearing only her leo- tard-style bathing suit.

INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 Daisy’s sexualized appearance and skateboard tricks No explanation why using 1. a sexualized female character or 2. movements as a are designed as a reward for those players who unlocked reward or 3. such a code is negative or more of an issue than other variations. her. One way to do that is by entering this code…

Incidentally, this is the same outfit we covered earlier SELF-CONTRADICTION as an end-game reward, only here, she has the If the same outfit is accessible by entering a code, then Samus’ gender reveal is powers of the Varia Suit and its associated color palette not limited to beating the game within a certain time frame. swap, which changes her hair color to green. Players can then play the entire game as Samus without her space armor. So she ends up exploring a INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT hostile alien world and fighting off deadly monsters No explanation why portraying a female character in underwear in the given in her underwear. fictional context is negative or more of an issue than other variations.

There are so many Women as Reward-style Easter ASSUMPTION x2 eggs in the Metal Gear Solid series that it would take No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. the Metal Gear Solid series “Welcome to the Hovercon intergalactic hover- several hours to go over them all. First released for contains a plethora of Women as Reward-style Easter eggs or 2. Metal Gear Solid board competition!” the PlayStation in 1998, and then remade for the was first released for the PlayStation in 1998. GameCube in 2004, Metal Gear Solid featured not CONFIRMATION BIAS There’s a bizarre Easter egg in the original one, but two separate Easter eggs that allow players INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT The Easter egg featured in Ratchet & Clank (2002) is considered to be bizarre, Ratchet & Clank: If the player does a series to see Meryl Silverburgh in her underwear. No explanation why presenting female characters in their underwear as Easter despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. of side-flips in front of a green-skinned eggs is negative or more of an issue than other variations. alien, the woman’s breasts will suddenly INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT begin to inflate. No explanation why inflating a character’s breasts through a series of gymnastics is negative or more of an issue than other variations. OPINION What is considered to be “bizarre” is subjective and debatable.

INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why presenting female characters in their underwear as Easter eggs is negative or more of an issue than other variations. The second of these Easter eggs requires players to fol- low Meryl into the ladies room and interrupt her while MISSING CONTEXT she is changing. If this is done quickly enough the Meryl will be caught in her underwear if the player acts fast enough for the The more gymnastics stunts performed, the larger her next cutscene will play with Meryl in her underwear. reason that she will not have enough time to be fully clothed. Therefore, the boobs will become. scene contains context that explains the given situation.12 ASSUMPTION x4 No evidence provided to support the claim that Easter eggs 1. are not accidents, 2. are not glitches, 3. are intentionally put into the game by designers, or 4. indi- cate the value of the given female characters by their creators. “Anyway, how did you recognize me in disguise?” FALSE CAUSALITY Just because a certain gameplay mechanic is in place does not automatically indicate the value placed on a particular element, and may have had various opinions when creating such. Correlation does not equal causation.

“Memories began to resurface from his childhood, OVERSIMPLIFICATION when he fought for Solidus in the Liberian Civil War.” Gameplay or narrative elements may not necessarily indicate the value of a character by either the designer or player. ASSUMPTION x2 No evidence provided to support the claim that the game designers intentionally communicated to players that the women presented exist to be 1. exploited or 2. experimented with for their personal amusement. “I never forget a lady.” CONFIRMATION BIAS x2 Easter eggs that involve female characters are considered to be communicating the message that they exist for players to 1. exploit and 2. experiment with, despite no evidence to support this claim. FALSE CAUSALITY Just because a certain gameplay mechanic is in place does not automatically indicate the value placed on a particular element, and may have had various opinions when creating such. Correlation does not equal causation. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why having female characters designed to be 1. exploited or 2. ex- perimented with for amusement is negative or more of an issue than other variations. Keep in mind that Easter eggs are not accidents or Jumping ahead to the fourth game, the protagonist is glitches. They are intentionally put into the game by the OPINION assigned a psychologist for PTSD counseling. designers, and as a result, indicate the value that the Whatever notion is perceived by the player through presented gameplay and/or designers themselves place on these female characters. narrative elements is subjective and debatable. CULTURAL BIAS The Metal Gear franchise is developed and published in Japan, a country that They communicate to players that, yes, these women SLIPPERY SLOPE is known for breast fetishes. Furthermore, “breast jiggle” is commonly seen as exist for players to exploit or experiment with for their While it is possible for a player to perceive the notion at particular characters are attractive in Japanese culture.13,14 own amusement. created to for the amusement of players, it is not an absolute guarantee. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 ASSUMPTION x7 No explanation why putting players in control of breasts 1. bouncing or 2. jiggling No evidence provided to support the claim that unlockable outfits 1. are is negative or more of an issue than other variations. additional costumes earned during gameplay, 2. allow gamers to dress up player party members, 3. are sometimes called “alternative skins”, 4. come in Unlockable outfits are additional costumes earned all shapes and 5. sizes, 6. are typically just cosmetic changes, or 7. sometimes during gameplay, which allow gamers to play dress up come with special abilities. with player characters or party members. Alternative “skins”, as they are sometimes called, come in all shapes OVERGENERALIZATION During these remote sessions, if players shake their and sizes, and are typically just cosmetic changes to Not all alternative costumes are unlockable through gameplay. Some PlayStation controller, the psychologist’s breasts will the character’s appearance, although sometimes they games offer additional costumes exclusively through expansion packs bounce and jiggle in response. add special abilities. or downloadable content (DLC), such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015).15 CHERRY-PICKING Many unlockable costumes are cool, wacky, or bizarre. While there are many revealing and hypersexualized outfits for But when applied to female characters, we see a female characters, some also exist for male characters as well, distinct pattern of revealing, hypersexualized outfits. such as in Resident Evil: Revelations (2012).16 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why using 1. revealing or 2. hypersexualized out- fits on female characters is negative or more of an issue than other characters. OPINION x3 What is considered to be 1. “cool”, 2. “wacky”, or 3. “bizarre” is subjective ASSUMPTION x2 and debatable. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. the certain types of unlockable “Hey, why were you wearing that stuffy-looking suit outfits are pernicious or 2. almost every major release in the Resident Evil franchise of armor?” has included the Women as Reward trope. “Oh? You didn’t like it? It’s pretty sturdy, and protects my body quite nicely. See? Look at this beautiful skin, free CONFIRMATION BIAS of bruises and blemishes!” Certain unlockable outfits are considered to be undermining characters who are usu- “Very nice… I’m actually worried where my eyes ally presented as professionals, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. might wander.” “You don’t look all that worried to me.” INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 “I’ve just got a good poker face. So, you’re okay? You No explanation why 1. giving certain types of outfits undermine female charac- don’t mind leaving your armor behind?” ters or 2. undermining female characters is negative or more of an issue than “It’s sturdy, but it’s heavy. Walking around with that on other characters. tires me out.” “Hey, no complaints here. I prefer eye candy to scary MISSING CONTEXT armor any day.” With the exception of Code Veronica (2000), every single installment in the main storyline of Resident Evil as of the release of this video, as well as The Mercenaries 3D (2011), has included sexy and silly costumes for both male and female charac- ters rewarded as status symbols for meeting particular in-game requirements.16-25 OPINION x3 What is considered to be 1. “pernicious”, 2. “undermining”, 3. “appropriate” for a character is subjective and debatable. ASSUMPTION x4 No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. fetishized bunny, 2. cat, 3. maid, OVERSIMPLIFICATION or 4. nurse costumes are commonly used to pander to a straight male audience. Depending on the context of the situation at hand, such outfits may not under- mine a character, but empower them. CONFIRMATION BIAS x4 1. Fetishized bunny, 2. cat, 3. maid, and 4. nurse costumes are considered to be SLIPPERY SLOPE designed to appeal to a heterosexual male audience, despite no evidence to While it may be possible for certain outfits to undermine a particular character, it support this claim. is not an absolute guarantee. These types of unlockable outfits can be especially INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x4 pernicious, since they often end up undermining ASSUMPTION No explanation why designing 1. fetishized bunny, 2. cat, 3. maid, or 4. nurse women who are otherwise appropriately dressed for No evidence provided to support the claim that the Resident Evil franchise costumes to appeal to a straight male audience is negative or more of an issue active or professional roles. The Resident Evil franchise began in the mid 90s. than other variations. Fetishized bunny, cat, maid, or nurse costumes are has been particularly guilty of this over the years. commonly used by developers as a way to pander to Almost every major release in the series has included CONFIRMATION BIAS OVERSIMPLIFICATION an assumed straight male player base. the Women as Reward trope. The Resident Evil franchise is considered to be unusual for containing a large Such costumes may not entirely be designed to pander to a straight male audi- number for playable female characters while having a history of employing the ence. Other genders with various sexual orientations may have been considered It’s important to remember that sexualization is not Resident Evil is a bit unusual in that, since its beginnings Women as Reward trope, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. as well. necessarily just about the amount of skin showing, in the mid 90s, the franchise has featured a large but is instead connected to the question of whether number of playable female protagonists, most of OPINION x3 OPINION or not a costume is eroticized for the express purpose whom are skilled zombie fighters and have impressive What is considered to be 1. “unusual”, 2. “skilled”, 3. “impressive” is subjective What is considered to be “important” is subjective and debatable. of titillation. professional résumés, to say the least. and debatable. ASSUMPTION No evidence provided to support the claim that Rebecca Chambers can be dressed in a cheerleader costume. CHERRY-PICKING x2 1. The game Resident Evil Zero (2002/HD) allows Rebecca Chambers to be dressed in cowgirl and leather outfits.17 2. Depending on the platform the game Resident Evil (1996/Director’s Cut/2002 remake/HD) is played on, Rebecca Chambers can also be dressed in cowgirl and an alternate STARS outfit.18

MISREPRESENTATION Rebecca Chambers is a police officer and medic in Claire Redfield is a member of a human rights organi- CHERRY-PICKING x3 Rebecca Chambers can only be dressed the Special Tactics and Rescue Service. Players can zation that provides aid during bioterrorism incidents. 1. Depending on the platform the game in the “sexy nurse” costume in Resident dress her up in “sexy nurse” and cheerleader costumes. She can be turned into a motorsport umbrella girl. Resident Evil 2 (1998) is played on, Claire Evil: The Mercenaries (2011), which is a Redfield can also be dressed in biker spin-off title and not a major installment in the Resident Evil franchise. Therefore, and purple outfits.19 this description is misleading and dishonest.24 2. In Resident Evil: The Mercenaries (2011), Claire Redfield can be dressed in a ASSUMPTION business suit.24 No evidence provided to support the claim that Jill 3. In Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Valentine is the master of unlocking. (2009), Claire Redfield can be dressed in Western and biker costumes.26 CHERRY-PICKING x2 1. Depending on the platform the game Resident MISREPRESENTATION Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) is played on, Jill Valentine can In Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015), also be dressed in uniforms such as biker, STARS, Claire can also be dressed in the sniper police officer, disco, “Regina” from Dino Crisis outfit, cowgirl outfit, and signature (1999), casual, and classy.20 costume from Resident Evil 2 (1998). 2. In Resident Evil: The Mercenaries (2011), Jill Therefore, this description is misleading Valentine can be dressed in the casual outfit from and dishonest.25 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999).24 MISREPRESENTATION MISREPRESENTATION x2 Sherry Birkin also has an alternate costume called “Retro”, which 1. Depending on the platform the game Resident mimics the original PlayStation’s graphics and the non-sexual- Evil (1996/Director’s Cut/2002 remake/HD) is played on, Jill Valentine ized version of her schoolgirl outfit from Resident Evil 2 (1998). can also be dressed in casual outfits, as well as alternate STARS, Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.27 BSAA, and army uniforms. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.18 Jill Valentine is a high-ranking Special Operations Agent MISSING CONTEXT 2. While Jill Valentine can be dressed in a pirate outfit in Resident in the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance, and Sherry Birkin is a US government agent working with While Sherry Birkin’s alternative costume is revealing, it is based Evil: Revelations (2012), she can also be dressed in her standard also the master of unlocking. She can be placed in the Division of Security Operations, and here, she’s off of her schoolgirl outfit from her first appearance in the fran- BSAA outfit. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.16 sexy police woman and sexy pirate outfits. wearing a schoolgirl outfit. chise Resident Evil 2 (1998).28 AD HOMINEM Dismissing the Halloween costumes as “patronizing” is based on personal bias. ASSUMPTION x2 No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. the alternative costumes are rewards for completing the main game under specific conditions or 2. “sexy” Halloween costumes are mass produced every year. CONFIRMATION BIAS x13 The 1. sexy adult Halloween costumes for women are considered to be patronizing and 2. alternative outfits for Rebecca Chambers, 3. Jill Valentine, 4. Claire Redfield, ASSUMPTION 5. Sherry Birkin, 6. Helena Harper, and 7. Sheva Alomar to be inappropriate for the No evidence provided to support the claim that Helena Harper is a missions given and 8-13. reducing them to sexual objects for the voyeuristic enjoy- former member of the CIA. ment of players, despite them being entirely subjective to interpretation. MISREPRESENTATION FACTUAL ERROR x4 Helena Harper also has an alternate costume called “Retro”, 1. The “Pirate Jill” costume can only be unlocked by completing the Ghost which mimics the original PlayStation’s graphics and the alter- Ship bonus stage in Resident Evil: Revelations (2012), not the main campaign.33 native, fully-clothed costume of her. Therefore, this description is 2. The special costume for Claire Redfield can only be unlocked by completing misleading and dishonest.29 the Battle Game minigame in Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000), which is accessible after the main campaign is completed.34 ASSUMPTION Helena Harper is a Secret Service agent and a 3. Both the schoolgirl costume for Sherry Birkin and 4. the police costume for No evidence provided to support the claim that Sheva Alomar operates in the former member of the CIA. Her unlockable costumes Helena Harper can only be unlocked by obtaining an A rank or higher in the West African branch of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance include another “sexy” police woman, complete with Mercenaries Mode with the respective characters in Resident Evil 6 (2012), not mini skirt and garter belt. through completing the main campaign.35 CULTURAL BIAS x2 As a reward for completing the main game under 1. Due to consistently warm weather in Africa, clothing is not considered to be a specific conditions, players gain the ability to shove INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x4 necessity to maintain body warmth and protection, which in part results in the these female police and special agents into the dig- No explanation why 1. “sexy” Halloween costumes for women, 2. placing female style, especially in various tribes throughout the continent.30 ital equivalent of those patronizing “sexy” Halloween characters into costumes that are patronizing, 3. viewing capable female 2. Body painting has been, and continues to be, an important part of the daily costumes we see mass produced every year. These characters as sexual objects, or 4. having a voyeuristic and sexual enjoyment of and spiritual lives in worldwide cultures, often showcasing one’s inner qualities, ensembles are not only completely inappropriate female characters is negative or more of an issue than other characters. wishes for future, images of gods, and many natural or war themes. It is often for the mission at hand, but also reduce otherwise applied for occasions such as weddings, war, death, or funerals, showcasing of capable characters to sexual objects for the voyeuris- MISREPRESENTATION x2 position and rank, and rituals of adulthood.31 tic enjoyment of players. 1. “Sexy” and “silly” costumes are not exclusive to female characters in the Resident Evil franchise. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 For example, both Chris Redfield and Keith Lumley No explanation why 1. using racist traditions to portray female characters, 2. com- have the costumes “Sailor” and “Ninja” respectively bining sexualization of a female character with exotification of women of colour, or in Resident Evil: Revelations (2012). Therefore, this 3. portraying women of African ancestry in such a manner is negative or more of description is misleading and dishonest.16 an issue than other variations. 2. DLC for Resident Evil 5 (included in the Gold Edition released in 2010) contains an alternative costume for Chris Redfield called “Warrior”, which presents him as shirt- MISREPRESENTATION less and in leather pants. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.22 The tribal costume is not the only unlockable costume for Sheva Alomar in Resident Evil 5 (2009). Others unlockable and down- OPINION x4 loadable costumes include “Clubbin’”, “Business”, and “Fairytale”. What is considered to be 1. “patronizing”, 2. “inappropriate”, 3. a “sexual object”, Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.32 or 4. a “voyeuristic enjoyment” is subjective and debatable.

OPINION Sheva Alomar is an agent for the Bioterrorism Security OVERSIMPLIFICATION What is considered to be “disconcerting” is subjective and debatable. Assessment Alliance, operating in the West African Viewing someone as a sexual object may not necessarily be degrading or a branch. The tribal print bikini outfit is especially discon- reduction in status, but empowering and liberating instead. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 certing, because it combines the sexualization of a Portraying a woman of colour as 1. erotic or 2. a sexual being may not necessar- female character with the racist tradition of exotifying SLIPPERY SLOPE ily be racist or otherwise discriminative, especially if characters of other ethnici- women of color, particularly women of African ances- While it may be possible for particular appearances to reduce another in status, ties share the same traits or functionality within the game world. try. More on that topic in an upcoming video. it is not an absolute guarantee. ASSUMPTION x2 And when men are stripped down to their beachwear, OVERGENERALIZATION No evidence provided to support the claim that the 1. cowgirl outfit for Claire it’s most often meant as a lighthearted joke. Not all instances of stripped-down males are shown as empowering. In Far Redfield or 2. ninja outfit for Moira Burton in Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) are Cry 4 (2014), the mission “The Mouth of Madness” requires the protagonist offered via downloadable content. to fight in an arena naked, and presented as a form of humiliation.36 CONFIRMATION BIAS OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 The practice of offering over-the-top alternative costumes to playable characters 1. Having a female character 1. in less clothing than usual may not necessarily in the Resident Evil franchise is considered to be condescending, despite it being be considered sexually objectifying or 2. be sexually objectified may be consid- entirely subjective to interpretation. ered a power fantasy for some women to identify with. 3. Having a male character is less clothing may not necessarily be considered MISREPRESENTATION x6 empowering, nor may it be something straight males always identify with. 1. Players are able to unlock two other costumes for Claire. The 4. “Tough guy” fantasies may appeal to other genders and sexual orientations as well. first being the “Sniper” outfit, and the second being her signature “None of this makes any sense. What did we do?” costume from Resident Evil 2 (1998). Therefore, both this clip and “I wish I could tell ya.” ASSUMPTION 2. description are both misleading and dishonest.25 No evidence provided to support the claim that men being stripped down to 3. The alternative costume for Moira Burton is offered to the player The latest game in the series, 2015’s Resident Evil: beachwear is often portrayed as a lighthearted joke. as an option, and is not “forced” in any way. This description is Revelations 2 continues this condescending tradi- misleading and dishonest.25 tion by offering DLC that puts Claire Redfield into a OPINION 4. Players are able to unlock one other costume for Moira, which sexualized cowgirl outfit and forces Moira into… What is considered to be a “joke” is subjective and debatable. is the torn, but fully-clothed “Survivor” costume. Therefore, this clip and 5. description are both misleading and dishonest.25 OVERGENERALIZATION 6. Players are able to unlock one other costume for Barry, which is Not all instances of stripped-down male characters are presented as his signature costume from Resident Evil. Therefore, this description Shifting to an example of a game that does humorous. In the Outlast (2013) DLC expansion Whistleblower (2014), is misleading and dishonest.25 alternative female costumes right, Alice: Madness one scene portrays the protagonist and other male characters as Returns features a wide assortment of imaginative not only naked, but tortured in graphic and horrific manners.37 OPINION unlockable dresses. What is considered to be a “condescending” is subjective and debatable. CONFIRMATION BIAS The game Alice: Madness Returns (2011) is considered to be an example that SELF-CONTRADICTION does alternative female costumes properly, despite it being entirely subjective If a game offers unlockable costumes through DLC, then they are not necessarily to interpretation. accessible through gameplay alone. OPINION x2 What is considered to be 1. a “right way” of portraying alternative female cos- tumes or 2. “imaginative” is subjective and debatable. ASSUMPTION No evidence provided to support the claim that alternative costumes for male …whatever the hell this is supposed to be? The develop- SELF-CONTRADICTION characters are rarely objectifying. ers call it an “urban ninja” costume? [Sigh] Meanwhile, If an unlockable costume can be applied to a female character, then that the male playable character Barry gets a gentleman’s character is tractable and positioned as a status symbol, fulfilling the criteria for DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE Commandant alternative costume. the “Women as Reward” trope defined earlier. If a lack of clothing on female characters is objectifying, then it is the same when applied to males. And if you must go the “bunnygirl” or “catgirl” route, CONFIRMATION BIAS x2 this right here is definitely the way to do it. The 1. “bunnygirl” and 2. “catgirl” costumes portrayed in the game Alice: Madness DOUBLE STANDARD Returns (2011) are considered to be examples of such female costumes done When a female character is dressed is less clothing, it is considered to be sex- properly, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. ually objectifying. When applied to males, it is a “tough guy” power fantasy for straight men. OPINION What is considered to be a “right way” of portraying alternative female costumes INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT In many games, experience points (or XP) are earned is subjective and debatable. No explanation why having objectifying alternative costumes for men be a rarity by completing tasks like defeating monsters or finishing is negative or more of an issue than other variations. quests. Once enough experience points have been ASSUMPTION x5 accumulated, player characters can periodically lev- No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. many games award experience OPINION x3 Alternative costumes for men are rarely objectifying. el up, making them stronger, or giving them access to points by defeating monters or 2. finishing quests, 3. experience points awarded in What is considered to be 1. “sexually objectifying”, 2. a “tough guy”, or 3. a They’re instead presented as “tough guy” power fanta- new abilities. games can be utilized to level up, 4. improve player statistics, or 5. gain access to “power fantasy” is subjective and debatable. sies for other straight men to identify with. new abilities. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 Unfortunately, designers sometimes tie the awarding directly to sex. The God of War games, for instance, ASSUMPTION x2 No explanation why 1. awarding experience points in the form of sexual interac- of experience points directly to sexual interactions with established a tradition of including mini-games that No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. a number of games outside tions with female characters, 2. treating female characters as sexual conduits for female characters, effectively transforming women reward the player for successfully having sex with one the God of War franchise tie experience points directly to sex or 2. the God of experience points, or 3. using female characters in such a way to gain experi- into conduits, which players can utilize to become or more women. War franchise has established a tradition of sex mini-games. ence points is negative or more of an issue than other variations. more powerful warriors. FACTUAL ERROR OPINION In the 2007 game Conan, for example, dozens of As of the release of this video, God of War: Ascension (2013) is the What is considered to be “unfortunate” is subjective and debatable. half-naked “maidens” are chained up throughout only major installment in the franchise that does not feature a sex the game. mini-game.41 ASSUMPTION x2 No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. there is more than one INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT half-naked maiden in the game Conan (2007) or 2. the experience points No explanation why gaining experience points via means of playing a sex mini- received in the game are used to unlock more powerful fighting moves. game is negative or more of an issue than other variations. CHERRY-PICKING x2 1. According to the developer of the game Robert Huebner, having sexualized and half-naked women was believed to be an integral element when telling a “Take me and crush me with your love!” story about Conan the Barbarian.38 (Moaning) 2. In almost every appearance and story of Conan the Barbarian since his When rescued, they essentially function as sexual- conception in 1932 by Robert E. Howard, sexualized and naked women have ized treasure chests rewarding the player with experi- Completing these little quick-time events earn players ASSUMPTION x2 been a consistent element in almost every medium the Conan mythos has been ence points… red orbs that are used to upgrade attacks and magic. No evidence provided to support the claim that the red orbs obtained in the adapted into.39 God of War franchise are used to upgrade 1. attacks or 2. magic. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why portraying female characters as 1. half-naked or 2. re- No explanation why using sex to gain experience points is negative or more of an strained is negative or more of an issue than other variations. issue than other variations. MISREPRESENTATION x4 1. While the game includes maidens to be rescued throughout the game and awards the player for doing so, it is entirely optional, and in no way forces the player to rescue them. Therefore, this clip is misleading and dishonest.40 2. In the beginning of the game, Conan is required to rescue male characters from enemies. Although no reward is given for these actions (outside of game progression), they are captured in similar fashion, making this clip and 3. de- scription misleading and dishonest.40 4. While the game Conan (2007) includes maidens to be rescued throughout and …which are then used to unlock more powerful Beginning with the third game, the Grand Theft Auto ASSUMPTION x2 awards the player for doing so, it is entirely optional, and in no way forces the fighting moves. series allows players to buy sex from prostitutes… No evidence provided to support the claim that buying sex from prostitutes player to rescue them. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.40 1. started with the third installment in the Grand Theft Auto series or 2. rewards the player by restoring their health meter. FACTUAL ERROR As of the release of this video, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (2009) is the only installment in the franchise after Grand Theft Auto III (2001) that does not allow players to pick up prostitutes.42 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why 1. allowing players to by sex from female prostitutes or 2. awarding players with health from having sex from such is negative or more of an issue than other variations.

“…just a bit longer” “We’ve reached Athens. Get your things and get out.” “Get in the car.”

A number of other games tie experience points …and rewards them by restoring their health meter. MISREPRESENTATION While having sex with prostitutes in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) awards the player with experience points, it is entirely optional, and is never at any point explicitly encouraged. Therefore, this clip is misleading and dishonest.45

ASSUMPTION x4 In Grand Theft Auto V, players are given additional No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. buying sex from prostitutes in encouragement to solicit prostitutes in the form of an Grand Theft Auto V (2013) rewards the player by increasing their stamina rating increase to their character’s stamina rating, which or 2. increasing a character’s stamina rating enables them to sprint, 3. swim, or enables those characters to sprint, swim, or ride a bike 4. ride a bike faster for longer periods of time. faster for longer periods of time. ASSUMPTION x4 “Greetings to the honorable gentleman. Welcome. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. sexual scenarios with female INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT Make yourself at home. What have you come for? characters are designed to validate the masculinity of straight male players or No explanation why awarding players with stamina improvements from having We’re prepared to fulfill your every whim.” 2. absorbing expressions of female sexuality carries with it the ability for male sex from female prostitutes is negative or more of an issue than other variations. characters to grow stronger, 3. faster, or 4. more capable. MISREPRESENTATION x4 CHERRY-PICKING In Grand Theft Auto Online (the multiplayer component of Grand Character and player development is an essential factor in order progress in the Theft Auto V), female characters are just as capable of soliciting video game world, and every element that creates such is based on mathemat- sex from prostitutes as male characters, and are rewarded with ical equations in order to provide proper functionality. Interactions with female the same improvements to their stamina. Therefore, this is not characters to gain valuable points are no exception.46 an exclusive option for male characters, making both 1. this clip and 2. description misleading and dishonest.43 FALSE CAUSALITY 3. While having sex with prostitutes increases the character’s stamina statistics, Just because a relationship grants experience points for the player does not it is entirely optional, and is never at any point explicitly encouraged. Therefore, automatically mean it was designed as validation to a specifc audience, and both this clip and 4. description are misleading and dishonest.44 may have been created from other, multiple factors, or appeal to other demo- graphics. Correlation does not equal causation. OVERSIMPLIFICATION “I like you. Like how you look. Like how you smell.” Allowing a player to take advantage of a particular game mechanic does not INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x5 mean it is encouraged, especially if the consequences result in a less enjoyable No explanation why designing sexual scenarios with female characters for the experience or punishment. intentions of 1. validating masculinity of straight male players, 2. making the char- acter be stronger, 3. faster, or 4. more capable, or 5. reducing a female character for male empowerment is negative or more of an issue than other variations. OPINION x2 What is considered to be a 1. validation of male heterosexual masculinity or 2. reduction in status is subjective and debatable. OVERGENERALIZATION x2 Not all sexual scenarios that involve women and reward expe- ASSUMPTION rience points in video games are designed 1. to validate het- No evidence provided to support the claim that buying sex from prostitutes in erosexual masculinity or 2. as consumption to increase male wealthier districts rewards more experience points than in the poorer districts. power. In Grand Theft Auto Online (the multiplayer component When women are used as sexualized experience of Grand Theft Auto V), female characters are just as capable INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 point dispensers, the sexual scenarios are themselves of soliciting sex from prostitutes as male characters, and are No explanation why earning experience points for 1. buying sex from female a reward designed to validate the masculinity of rewarded with the same improvements to their stamina.43 prostitutes or 2. being rewarded for having sex with more expensive female presumed straight male players. But there’s a dual prostitutes is negative or more of an issue than other variations. reward here. Absorbing these expressions of female OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 Similarly in The Witcher 3, Geralt earns a handful of sexuality carries with it the ability for male characters 1. Depending on the situation at hand and one’s view on sex, portraying a sexual MISREPRESENTATION experience points for buying sex from prostitutes, and to grow stronger, faster, and more capable, reducing scenario may not validate value male heterosexual masculinity (such as female- While having sex with prostitutes in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) awards the he earns more points for sex with the “courtesans” in the women to points in a mathematical equation on-male rape), regardless of any experience points received as a result. player with experience points, it is entirely optional, and is never at any point the wealthier districts than with the “strumpets” in the that directly links the flippant consumption of female 2. Having sex with someone may not necessarily be degrading or result in a explicitly encouraged. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.45 poor parts of the city. sexuality to an increase in male power. reduction in status, but empowering and liberating instead. AD HOMINEM these types of characters, see our two videos on the OPINION Dismissing the presented scenario as being unqualified to be a relationship is a Women as Background Decoration trope. What is considered to be a problem with female characters being designed as personal attack as a whole, based entirely on personal feelings. sexually objectified set dressing is subjective and debatable. CHERRY-PICKING REPETITION Sexual relationships as a commodity is the absolute cornerstone of prostitution, Instead of elaborating or providing evidence on why using NPCs are sexually which has existed for thousands of years across all cultures around the world.47,48 objectified set dressing is problematic, previous videos are referenced. Collectibles are virtual items placed or hidden through- CONFIRMATION BIAS x2 out a game world for players to find. Some collectible AS S U M P TI ON x11 Relationships that end with either 1. sex or 2. rescuing the woman in question are objects have effects on gameplay, such as boosting No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. collectibles are virtual items, not considered to be genuine relationships due to the supposed lack of a mutual player stats or serving as score multipliers. Other col- 2. placed, or 3. hidden throughout a game world for players to find, 4. some connection between the individuals involved, despite it being entirely subjective lectibles are designed simply to be accumulated to games offer collectables that 5. have effects on gameplay, 6. have effects on to interpretation. provide a sense of accomplishment. Once acquired, player statistics, 7. serve as score multipliers, 8. are designed to be accumulated some collectibles unlock concept art or other media to provide a sense of accomplishment, 9. consist of concept art, 10. consist of INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 fragments that can be viewed later in galleries select- other media fragments, or 11. are designed to be viewed outside of gameplay. No explanation why 1. temporarily having a consensual sexual relationship with a ed from the game’s menu screen. female character instead of building a relationship with them or 2. using consen- OVERGENERALIZATION sual sexual relationships with female characters as a commodity is negative or When done well, collectibles inspire exploration Not all collectible items are placed or hidden within a game world. more of an issue than other variations. and replayability. Many games in the seventh generation of consoles offer collectible Note that while the consumption of women makes items exclusively through DLC, such as The Last of Us (2013).51 MISREPRESENTATION x4 male characters more powerful, it has nothing to do 1. While Geralt has the option to have sexual encounters with prostitutes, players with mutual relationship building. The “relationship,” ASSUMPTION x2 have the option to romance important characters Keira Metz, Triss Merigold, and such as it is, ends with sex, or rescuing the woman. At No evidence provided to support the claim that collectibles inspire 1. exploration Yennefer of Vengerberg, all of which will not only affect their relationship with that point, she has served her purpose. Players have and 2. replayability. the protagonist Geralt, but dictate how the story will progress, and even end. reaped the benefits, and her value has been deplet- Therefore, both this clip and 2. description is misleading and dishonest.49,50 ed. Like an empty energy drink container, she is simply OPINION 3. While having sex with the prostitutes in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) may cast aside after being consumed. What is considered to be “done well” is subjective and debatable. give the player similar experience points as other methods, they can be ro- However, when they’re designed to function as an manced again, provided the character has enough currency to do so. Therefore, extension of the Women as Reward trope, players are CONFIRMATION BIAS their value is not a one-time use, unlike consumable items that regenerate encouraged to view women’s bodies as souvenirs of Collectibles that are women’s bodies as souvenirs are not considered to be re- health, making both this clip and 4. description misleading and dishonest.45 their adventures. wards that are done well, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. OPINION x2 DOUBLE STANDARD What is considered to 1. be worthy of a mutual relationship or 2. of worthy value Only collectibles that are women’s bodies as souvenirs are considered an issue. in a commodity is subjective and debatable. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 OVERGENERALIZATION No explanation why 1. having collectibles be designed as an extension of the Not all portrayals of sexual encounters with female characters Women as Reward trope, or 2. encouraging players to view female characters’ happen without mutual relationship building. In The Witcher 3: Wild bodies as souvenirs is negative or more of an issue than other variations. Hunt (2015), players have the option to romance important char- acters Keira Metz, Triss Merigold, and Yennefer of Vengerberg, both “That was nice!” ASSUMPTION x2 of which will not only affect their relationship with the protagonist No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. players are encouraged to Geralt, but dictate how the story will progress, and even end.49,50 pick up ripped pictures of the protagonist’s girlfriend in Splatterhouse (2010) or 2. ripped-up pictures of the protagonist’s girlfriend are strewn around each level OVERSIMPLIFICATION of the game. Depending on the view of a sexual relationship, a person may not be valued less afterwards, but just as much, or even more. MISREPRESENTATION While players are encouraged to collect pieces of photographs of Jennifer, they SELF-CONTRADICTION are also encouraged to collect audio diaries of the villain Dr. Henry West in the If the terms of a relationship is consensual among all the individuals involved, form of gramophones. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.52 then it has everything to do with mutual bonding, regardless of how long it lasts In the 2010 remake of Splatterhouse, players are en- or what benefits are obtained from it. That’s hardly the only problem with female NPCs couraged to collect ripped-up pieces of photographs OVERSIMPLIFICATION who are designed to function as sexually objectified of the protagonist’s girlfriend, which are strewn around Allowing a player to collect a particular item may not mean it is encouraged, es- set dressing. For more on the myriad of issues with each level. pecially if the consequences result in a less enjoyable experience or punishment. Once found, each collectible opens to reveal vintage INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT centerfolds from real 1950s Playboy issues. No explanation why having vintage centerfolds of real naked female models as a collectible is negative or more of an issue than other variations.

ASSUMPTION x3 Once the player pieces them together, the com- No evidence provided to support the claim that most of the ripped-up pictures pleted images consist mostly of private, personal of the protagonist’s girlfriend in Splatterhouse (2010) are 1. private, 2. personal, or sexual photos. 3. sexual sexual photos.

“I swear to God, you put this on the internet, and your The discovered magazines are then stored in the ass is grass, buster.” game’s inventory…

INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No explanation why having the Women as Reward trope take on the form of Sometimes the Women as Reward corporate-branded product placement is negative or more of an issue than trope takes the form of corpo- other variations. rate-branded product placement. For instance, 2K Games officially ASSUMPTION partnered with Playboy to include 50 …and are available to be perused at the player’s whim. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No evidence provided to support the claim that there are a total of 50 Playboy hidden magazines scattered through- No explanation why allowing the player to view collected pictures of naked magazines in Mafia 2 (2010). out Mafia 2’s open world environment. Konami’s Metal Gear Solid series took this trend a step women at any point is negative or more of an issue than other variations. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why using pornography of women as a 1. leisurely item or 2. weapon is negative or more of an issue than other items. MISREPRESENTATION x3 While players can use the Playboy magazines as distractions for enemies as well as look at them for their own leisure, they can also be used to increase Snake’s psyche meter, which is a crucial mechanic that affects gameplay. Therefore, 1-2. both these clips as well as 3. the description are misleading and dishonest.53

Players can look through the images at their leisure, and also use them to set traps by laying the center- folds open on the battlefield to distract enemies.

INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT further by actually turning pornography into a weapon. No explanation why using pornography of women as a weapon is negative or more of an issue than other methods.

“Ooh! What’s this?” ”Heh heh heh…heh heh heh…”

In Metal Gear Solid 4, there are Playboy magazines scat- tered throughout the game world for players to find.

When acquired, the magazines are stored in the In the first Witcher game, players are awarded “ro- game’s weapons inventory (alongside rifles and mance cards” for successfully seducing each of over handguns) and serve a dual purpose. two dozen different non-playable female characters. If collectibles in the player’s inventory work as a private trophy collection, then achievements serve as a ASSUMPTION x2 public trophy case, on display for all to see. No evidence provided to support the claim that achievements 1. serve as a public trophy case or 2. are on display for everyone to see.

“Let’s take our relationship further.” “Come home with me. Let me thank you” “Let’s go.” ASSUMPTION x2 No evidence provided to support the claim that the romance cards in The Witcher (2007) are 1. saved in the player’s inventory or 2. available to be seen at any time. FALSE CAUSALITY Just because an item is received by a character does not automatically mean that they are encouraged to be seen in a particular way, and may have been cre- ated from another or multiple perspectives. Correlation does not equal causation. Achievements (or trophies) INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x4 are meta-goal award systems ASSUMPTION x5 No explanation why allowing the player to 1. save or 2. view collected por- built into most popular gaming No evidence provided to support the claim that achievements are 1. meta-goal nographic pictures of female characters at any time, 3. viewing female char- platforms. Unlike collectibles, award systems, 2. built into most popular gaming platforms, 3. earned through acters as sexual conquests, or 4. having sexual relations with multiple female achievements are earned in-game actions, 4. awarded outside of the game environment, or 5. have no characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. Like other examples we’ve talked through in-game actions, effect on gameplay. about, these pornographic col- but awarded outside of the MISREPRESENTATION x3 lectibles are saved in the player’s game environment itself, and The uncensored cards are only available in the enhanced edition and the inventory, and are available to be have no effect on gameplay. director’s cut of The Witcher. The original U.S. release offers romance cards, but ogled at any time. are censored. Therefore, 1-2. both these clips as well as 3. this description are Some achievements are rewarded for skill or comple- ASSUMPTION x2 misleading and dishonest.54 The souvenirs function as a private tion of tasks, while others are arbitrary challenges set No evidence provided to support the claim that some achievements are 1. re- trophy collection, encouraging play- up by developers. warded for skill or 2. completion of tasks. OPINION ers to view these female characters What is considered to be viewed as a “sexual conquest” is subjective and debatable. as sexual conquests, and acquire as many different flavors of women as OVERSIMPLIFICATION possible during their playthrough. Allowing a player to collect a particular item may not mean it is encouraged, es- pecially if the consequences result in a less enjoyable experience or punishment.

“Oh, please. Are you really just doing this for the achievement? Click a door five times? Is that all that you think an achievement is worth? No, no, no, no, no. I can’t just give these merits away for such little effort.” ASSUMPTION CHERRY-PICKING No evidence provided to support the claim that achievements 1. encourage The “Ladies Man” trophy in God of War III (2010) is awarded for completing replayability, 2.provide incentives to spend more time inside the game space, the optional mini-game in which Kratos seduces Aphrodite, who is famous- 3. experiment with game environments, or 4. characters, 5. visible by default to ly known as the goddess that represents sex, affection, and attraction in anyone who views a profile on a gaming platform, or 6. allow players to show off Greek mythology.65,66 their gaming skills or 7. dedication to their friends.

OVERGENERALIZATION Other games in the God of War series use a variety CHERRY-PICKING Not all games with achievement systems are designed to spend of euphemistic naming schemes for this. In the Polyamory was not only common, but an honoured practice in ancient 8th extra time. The trophies for both Closure (2012) and Machinarium PS3 version of the original game, the trophy is titled century Greece. Therefore, the sexual encounters portrayed in God of War (2005) (2009) are awarded for simply completing the games once.55,56 “Rockin’ the Boat.” are a reflection of real history.67 ASSUMPTION These systems encourage replayability and provide INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT No evidence provided to support the claim that achievements are designed to players with incentives to spend more time inside the No explanation why using euphemistic titles for trophies awarded to players who function as status symbols for gamers. game space, experimenting with its environments have sex with female characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. and characters. By default, your achievements are AS S U M P TI ON x11 visible to anyone who views your profile on a gaming No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. Overlord II (2009), 2. God of platform, and thus they allow players to show off their War: Chains of Olympus (2008), 3. Alpha Protocol (2010), 4. The Witcher 2: Assassins gaming skill or dedication to their friends. of Kings (2011), 5. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), 6. Killer is Dead (2013), 7. God of War: In Ghosts of Sparta, players receive the “A Hero’s CHERRY-PICKING Ghost of Sparta (2010), 8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004), 9. God of War In other words, achievements are designed to func- Welcome” trophy… Polyamory was not only common, but an honoured practice in ancient 8th (2005), 10. Overlord (2007), or 11. Ride To Hell: Retribution (2013) has achievements tion as status symbols for gamers. century Greece. Therefore, the sexual encounters portrayed in God of War: Ghost awarding players for having sex with female characters called “Ladies Man”. of Sparta (2010) are a reflection of real history.67 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why 1. rewarding players with trophies for having sex with female characters or 2. naming an achievement “ladies man” is negative or more of an issue than other variations. MISREPRESENTATION x8 1. While God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) awards a trophy for having sex with the Persian harem, it is called “Two Girls, One Spartan”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.57 2. While The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011) awards an achievement for having sex with the characters Ves, it is called “Heartbreaker”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.58 …and in Chains of Olympus the award is called “Two CHERRY-PICKING 3. While Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) awards a trophy for having sex with a girlfriend, Girls One Spartan.” Polyamory was not only common, but an honoured practice in ancient 8th cen- it is called “Warm Coffee”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.59 tury Greece. Therefore, the sexual encounters portrayed in God of War: Chains of 4. While Killer is Dead (2013) awards trophies for having sex Natalia, Koharu, and Olympus (2008) are a reflection of real history.67 Scarlett, they are called “Passionate Girl”, “Geisha Girl”, and “Lucky Girl” respec- tively. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.60 5. While God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) awards a trophy for having sex with A whole host of games reward players with trophies the brothel whores, it is called “A Hero’s Welcome”. Therefore, this description is for successfully having sex with one or more female misleading and dishonest.61 characters. A suspicious number of those achieve- 6. While Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) awards a trophy for having sex ments are called “Ladies Man”. with a girlfriend, it is called “Home Run”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.62 ASSUMPTION 7. While God of War (2005) awards a trophy for completing the sex mini-game, it is No evidence provided to support the claim that some games in the Grand Theft called “Rockin’ The Boat”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.63 Auto series offer achievements for bedding a girlfriend outside of Grand Theft 8. While Overlord (2007) awards an achievement for satisfying the mistress, it is Auto IV (2008). called “Mistress Master”. Therefore, this description is misleading and dishonest.64 “Oh, Nico! I really like you!” INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT OPINION (Giggling) Some games in the Grand Theft Auto series offer No explanation why awarding trophies to players for having sex with female What is considered to be “suspicious” is subjective and debatable. “The Gods have truly blessed you, Kratos” achievements for bedding a “girlfriend.” characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. ASSUMPTION Simply put, als who suffer from different forms of erotophobia overcome their fears in No evidence provided to support the claim that awarding players with achieve- trophyism is the sexual encounters.70 ments for sexual conquests directly reinforces negative ways of thinking about tendency for the dynamics between men and women in Western society. men to view SLIPPERY SLOPE women as While presenting sex as a challenge to overcome may reinforce negative INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT objects to be ways of thinking about society dynamics between men and women, it is not No explanation on what negative ways of thinking are reinforced in Western collected and an absolute guarantee. culture about societal dynamics between men and women by awarding players displayed as with trophies for sexual conquests. status symbols CONFIRMATION BIAS x12 of their sexual Including sex in the games 1. Overlord II (2009), 2. God of War: Chains of Olympus OVERSIMPLIFICATION prowess or virility. (2008), 3. Alpha Protocol (2010), 4. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011), 5. God Exposure to a particular representation of a subject matter in video games may These “trophy of War III (2010), 6. Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), 7. Killer is Dead (2013), 8. God of not necessarily result in negative ways of thinking, but positive and beneficial “I think she likes me.” women” then War: Ghost of Sparta (2010), 9. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004), 10. God ones as well. serve as a way of War (2005), 11. Overlord (2007), and 12. Ride To Hell: Retribution (2013) is not Just so we’re clear on what’s hap- for men to assert considered to be a problem, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. SELF-CONTRADICTION pening here, players are receiving their social status In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “…en- a literal trophy for “achieving sex” among and rela- OPINION gaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into raging with a woman. When games tive to other men. What is considered to be a problematic element in a video game is subjective sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause and such as these award players with and debatable. effect relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in much achievements or trophies for sexual con- more subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is argued that awarding players with quests, they are directly reinforcing nega- ASSUMPTION x3 achievements or trophies for sexual conquests in video games reinforces neg- tive ways of thinking about the dynamics No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. trophyism is the tendency for ative ways of thinking about the dynamics between people in Western society. between men and women in our society. men to view women as objects to be collected and displayed as status symbols Both the previous position and the current one directly contradict each other. of their sexual prowess or virility or 2. “trophy women” serve as a way for men to By presenting sex as an end goal of men’s interactions assert their social status among or 3. relative to other men. SLIPPERY SLOPE or relationships with women, these games frame While it may be possible to reinforce negative ways of thinking about the dy- sexual encounters as challenges to be overcome. CHERRY-PICKING namics between people in society through awards from sexual encounters with By the definition provided, trophyism can be applied to men, such as “trophy hus- female characters, it is not an absolute guarantee. bands” or “trophy boyfriends”, which are the male variations of “trophy wives” and “trophy girlfriends”. Therefore, women are not exclusive to this phenomenon.71,72 ASSUMPTION No evidence provided to support the claim that presenting sex as a challenge to INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 overcome reinforces negative ways of thinking about society dynamics between No explanation why 1. viewing women as objects to be collected, 2. status men and women. symbols of sexual prowess and virility, or 3. using women as assertions of social status among and relative to other people is negative or more of an issue than CHERRY-PICKING x2 other variations. 1. Achievements in video games are designed to be awarded outside of the gaming environment for in-game actions, and can be given for any possible OVERSIMPLIFICATION action. Having sex with female characters is no exception.68 The “fame points” system in the 2004 version of Being held up be another person as a symbol of pride and accomplishment may in 2. Some video games award achievements to players who have sex Sid Meier’s Pirates! provides us with a stark illustration turn be healthy, beneficial, and complimentary towards the person being objectified. with male characters while playing as a female character. In Beyond: of trophyism. Two Souls (2013), the player will be rewarded with the trophy “In Love STIPULATIVE DEFINITION x6 with Ryan” if they can successfully get the protagonist Jodie to have Limiting the definition of “trophyism” to 1. men viewing women as objects to be sex with a character Ryan.69 collected, 2. displayed as status symbols of sexual prowess or 3-4. virility, or 5. as- sertions of male status symbols among or 6. relative to other men prevents possible INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT Let me emphasize that the variations of the term. No explanation why presenting sex as a challenge to overcome is negative or problem here is not neces- more of an issue than other variations. sarily that sex is included in these games. By presenting OPINION sex as a goal and then What is considered to be a “challenge to overcome” is subjective and debatable. presenting players with an award for accomplishing OVERSIMPLIFICATION that goal, these achieve- Presenting sex as a challenge to overcome in a video game may help individu- ments function as a form of trophyism. Fame points then directly contribute to the social sta- tus your character achieves at the end of the game. Depending on the amount of points accrued, you could end up as anything from a lowly pauper to a powerful governor. Other ways to earn fame points include acquiring wealth ASSUMPTION x4 and defeating rivals. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. romancing or 2. rescuing any of governors’ daughters in Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) rewards your pirate with the In the game, romancing and then rescuing any of the option to marry her or 3-4. extra fame points. game’s many governors’ daughters not only rewards your pirate with the option to marry her, but also wins CHERRY-PICKING him extra fame points. During the 16th to 18th century, marriage was commonly seen as political alli- ances after the man had proven himself to monarchs as worthy and powerful.73 INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why rewarding the player with 1. the option to marry a female character after romancing and rescuing them or 2. fame points for romancing and rescuing female characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. ASSUMPTION x3 CHERRY-PICKING No evidence provided to support the claim that the governors’ daughters in Sid Like all your swashbuckling escapades, acquiring a Courting and wedding attractive, wealthy, and fertile women has been universally Meier’s Pirates! (2004) 1. are largely interchangeable, 2. do not have names, or The daughters are largely interchangeable. They don’t woman becomes just another feather in your prover- recognized as a positive and beneficial masculine trait for thousands of years.75 3. are valued directly because of their appearance. even have names, and their value as a reward is tied bial cap, functioning to elevate your prestige and directly to their appearance. renown in society. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT CHERRY-PICKING No explanation why measuring prestigiousness through success of courting Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) takes place between the 17th and 18th centuries, And since in the game’s Xbox Live Arcade release, female characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. where the social status and value of women was entirely based on their lineage, there are achievements for getting married, and for appearance, and fertility.74 courting governors’ daughters from all four nations ASSUMPTION x4 at once, these accomplishments also increase your No evidence provided to support the claim that the Xbox Live Arcade release INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 gaming status. of Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) provides achievements for 1. getting married or No explanation why having 1. female characters as interchangeable options to 2. courting governors’ daughters from all four nations at once, or 3-4. such wed, 2. female characters without names, or 3. the value of female characters accomplishments increase the player’s gaming status. be tied to their appearance is negative or more of an issue than other variations. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x4 ASSUMPTION No explanation why 1. awarding achievements for marrying, 2. courting female No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. courting or 2. marrying a characters, or 3-4. having such increase a player’s gaming status is negative or “plain” governors’ daughter in Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) earns fewer points more of an issue than other variations. than an “attractive” one or 3-4. a “beautiful” governors’ daughter in Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) earns the most points. Courting and marrying a “plain” daughter earns fewer ASSUMPTION fame points than marrying an “attractive” one, and marry- No evidence provided to support the claim that achievements on Sony PlayStation CHERRY-PICKING ing a “beautiful” daughter earns the most points of all. platforms were called “entitlements” when first introduced. Sid Meier’s Pirates! (2004) takes place between the 17th and 18th centuries, where the social status and value of women was entirely based on their lineage, CONFIRMATION BIAS appearance, and fertility.74 Achievements on Sony PlayStation platforms are The name “entitlement” is considered to be a fitting name for achievements on called “trophies”, but back when they were first a Sony PlayStation platform that fall into the Women as Reward trope. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT introduced, they were called “entitlements,” which is No explanation why having a female characters’ entire value towards the player be a fitting name for those that fall into the Women as OPINION based on their appearance is negative or more of an issue than other variations. Reward trope. What is considered to be a “fitting name” is subjective and debatable. ASSUMPTION x3 Since entitlement (or more specifically “male enti- This mentality carries with it a corresponding set of CONFIRMATION BIAS x10 No evidence provided to support the claim that the word “entitlement” refers to tlement) is the crux of much of what we’ve been expectations about what women should provide for 1. Access to clean water and 2. health care are considered to be human rights 1. the conviction that someone deserves something, 2. that they are owed it, or discussing in this video, let’s take a moment to define men. It’s a worldview that primarily defines women’s that all people deserve simply for being human, 3. access to a woman’s affec- 3. have a right to it. what “male entitlement” actually means. First, the social role as vessels of sexuality, and men’s roles as tions, 4. body, and 5. sexuality is not considered to be a right owed to anyone word “entitlement” refers to the conviction that some- consumers or patrons of that sexuality. except herself, and 6-10. all of which is expected to be obvious, despite them ASSUMPTION x6 one deserves something; that they are owed it; that being entirely subjective to interpretation. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. male entitlement is the belief they have a right to it. Unlike access to clean water or health care, which structure that tells men they deserve to have their whims catered to both cultur- should be considered human rights that all people OPINION ally or 2. interpersonally, 3. having a right to survey or 4. use women’s bodies is a deserve simply for being human, access to a What is considered to be 1. a basic human right for someone, 2. a right that is false belief or 5-6. harmful aspect. woman’s affections, her body, or her sexuality is not owed to someone, 3. “unfortunate”, or 4. “a problem” is subjective and debatable. a right owed to anyone, except herself. This should INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 be obvious, but unfortunately, male entitlement is a ASSUMPTION x10 No explanation why believing to have a right to 1. survey or 2. use women’s pervasive problem in our culture today. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. the mindset of male entitlement bodies is negative or more of an issue than other variations. has a profound impact on how men relate and interact with women, male entitle- ment is manifested whenever a man 2. orders a woman to expose herself to him, OPINION x3 3. orders a woman to send nude or sexual photos, 4. catcalls a woman, 5. publicly What is considered to be a 1. “most harmful” aspect, 2. “false belief”, or 3. right gropes a woman, 6. expects sex after buying dinner for a woman, 7. male entitle- to survey and use another person’s body is subjective and debatable. ment serves as the foundation for issues such as date rape and 8. sexual assault, or that 9-10. such issues are at epidemic levels. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 1. Depending on the views of all the parties involved in a situation, entitlement of CHERRY-PICKING x3 another person’s body may not be seen as harmful or negative, especially if the 1. Exhibitionism, 2. catcalling, and 3. public groping are neither gendered nor one(s) being used freely consent to it. exclusively-heterosexual phenomenons, and can encompass a wide range of 2. Having an entitlement being linked to a particular characteristic may not reasons and behaviours.76-80 necessarily require involvement of unrelated ones. 3. Male entitlement may not solely be determined by a woman’s role or par- FACTUAL ERROR ticular characteristic towards men is, but what the role of other men and their As of the release of this video, the prevalence rate of rape and sexual assault particular characteristics are towards each other, or 4. be limited to heterosexual for both men and women in the United States is 1.1 per 1,000 persons age 12 practices, but other sexual orientations and factors as well. By extension, “male entitlement” is the conviction that or older, according to the latest report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. This men are owed something by virtue of their gender.O includes both reported and non-reported instances to authorities. Therefore, this ASSUMPTION x3 It’s the belief structure that tells men they deserve does not qualify as epidemic status, which requires an event to spread rapidly No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement 1. is a to have their whims catered to, both culturally and over a short period of time.81,82 worldview, 2. defines women’s social roles as vessels of sexuality, or 3. involves interpersonally. One of the most harmful aspects of men being consumers of female sexuality. male entitlement is the false belief that men have a OPINION right to survey and use women’s bodies. What is considered to be “most serious” is subjective and debatable. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 No explanation why placing 1. a woman’s role as a vessel of sexuality or 2. a OVERSIMPLIFICATION x11 man’s role as consumers or patrons of female sexuality is negative or more of an 1. Male entitlement may not solely affect how men relate to and interact with issue than other variations. women, nor 2. be due to a sense of entitlement but how other men relate to and interact with each other, as well as other sexual orientations and factors. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 3. Requesting someone to expose themselves may not be due to male entitle- 1. Male entitlement may not solely determine what a woman’s role towards men ment, but for other reasons as well, such as curiosity or concern for one’s health. is, but what the role of other men are towards each other, or 2. be solely be limit- The male entitlement mindset has a profound impact 4. Exhibitionism, 5. public groping, and 6. catcalling may not necessarily be from ed to heterosexual practices, but other sexual orientations and factors as well. on how men relate to and interact with women. We see a result of someone’s sense of entitlement, but another’s desire for emotional and it manifest whenever a man orders a woman to “show sexual excitement as well as empowerment, including the one on the receiving end. RED HERRING him her tits”, or makes demands during an online game 7. Depending on one’s view of catcalling or 8. public groping, they may not be Male entitlement in real life and male entitlement in a fictional universe are two that a woman send him nude or sexual photos. We see considered degrading, but empowering and exciting. completely separate issues. it in real-world spaces whenever men catcall women 9. Depending on the consensus of all the parties involved on a date, recom- on the street. We see it whenever a man gropes a pense in the form of sexual gratification may be expected or agreed upon for woman at an event or convention. We see it whenever the one who takes care of the required financials of an activity. a man expects sex in return for buying a woman dinner. 10. Rape and sexual assault are neither gendered or heterosexually-exclusive ASSUMPTION At its most serious, male entitlement is the mentality that issues, nor necessarily be expressions of entitlement, and may involve other gen- No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement is a pervasive serves as the foundation for the epidemics of date rape ders and sexual orientations as well as expressions of anger, sadism, conquest, problem in present Western culture. and sexual assault in our society. and power.83,84 ASSUMPTION x2 To be clear, this doesn’t mean that every individual No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement 1. does not man consciously thinks that he has a right to the body mean that every individual man consciously thinks that he has a right to the of every individual woman he sees. Rather, male body of every individual woman he sees or 2. operates in the background of entitlement operates in the background of our culture. Western culture.

ASSUMPTION So of course, video games on their own are not No evidence provided to support the claim that video games are not solely responsible for singlehandedly creating “male enti- responsible for creating male entitlement. tlement”. However, because games are interactive systems, they can be programmed to reinforce male CHERRY-PICKING entitlement in some unique ways not found in other Media is a means or channels of general communication, information, or enter- forms of media. tainment in society, and can be achieved regardless of the format presented or the strength of the message being conveyed. Interactive mediums such as video games are no exception.85 ASSUMPTION x6 FACTUAL ERROR No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement is 1. a socially Physically interactive, professional, and recreational activities such as sports, constructed mentality, 2. ingrained into society to the point of invisibility, 3. oper- It’s a socially constructed mentality that is so deeply careers, and gambling offer visual references and actions that can be accom- ates as an unquestioned base assumption, 4. men are not born with the sense of ingrained that it’s often invisible, operating as an panied by rewards and punishments. Therefore, video games are not a unique male entitlement, 5. an acquired way of thinking, 6. shapes ways men relate to unquestioned base assumption. The critical thing to medium in this fashion.86-88 women and their bodies. remember here is that men are not born with this sense of entitlement. It’s a learned way of thinking that shapes SELF-CONTRADICTION OPINION the ways men relate to women and women’s bodies. In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “…en- What is considered to be a “critical” aspect is subjective and debatable. gaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into raging sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause and effect OVERSIMPLIFICATION relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in much more Male entitlement may not only shape ways men relate to women, but how other For instance, in Asura’s Wrath, when the player stares subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is argued that video games can be pro- men relate to each other. at a maiden’s breasts, she’ll try to cover herself up. grammed to reinforce male entitlement in unique ways due to their interactivity. But if the player keeps staring they will unlock an Both the previous position and the current one directly contradict each other. ASSUMPTION x15 achievement called “View of the Valley”. No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement is 1. taught SLIPPERY SLOPE through a complex socialization process, 2. can be constructed or 3. perpetu- While it may be possible for male entitlement to be reinforced through interac- ated by families, 4-5. religions,6-7. peer groups, 8-9. movies, 10-11. pop-music, tive mediums, it is not an absolute guarantee. 12-13. mainstream pornography, and 14-15. video games. FALSE CAUSALITY SELF-CONTRADICTION Just because a game awards the player for focusing on parts of a woman’s body In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “…en- “Fantastic!” does not automatically mean it was programmed to reinforce male entitlement, gaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into raging and may have been created from another or multiple factors. Correlation does sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause and This attitude is taught through a complex socialization not equal causation. effect relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in much process impacted by a whole host of factors. Families, more subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is argued that video games can religions, peer groups, movies, pop-music, mainstream OVERSIMPLIFICATION play a part in the construction and perpetuation of male entitlement. Both the pornography, and video games can all play a part in Staring at a woman’s breasts may not necessarily be an expression of entitle- previous position and the current one directly contradict each other. the construction and perpetuation of this mentality. ment, but curiosity or excitement. FALSE CAUSALITY Similarly, in Lollipop Chainsaw, the player can unlock Just because a game awards the player for focusing on parts of a woman’s body the “I swear! I did it by mistake!” achievement for using of women’s bodies as something they are entitled to CHERRY-PICKING does not automatically mean it was programmed to reinforce male entitlement, the game-camera to look up Juliette’s skirt for an interact with. Media is a means or channels of general communication, information, or and may have been created from another or multiple factors. Correlation does extended period of time, despite her coy efforts to entertainment in society, and can be effective means regardless of the format not equal causation. block players from doing so. That fact in and of itself is troubling, but it’s just another presented. Interactive mediums such as video games are no exception.85 example of the core problem with the Women as OVERSIMPLIFICATION Reward trope. Game systems are designed to provide CONFIRMATION BIAS x4 Looking up a woman’s skirt may not necessarily be an expression of entitlement, feedback mechanisms that either punish or reward 1. Awarding players with achievements for in-game behavior that amounts to but curiosity or excitement. players for the ways they interact with virtual envi- sexual harassment and 2. encouraging them to think of women’s bodies as ronments. Because video games are constructed something they are entitled to interact with are considered to be troubling and around these formal input/output systems, they can 3-4. examples of the core problem with the Women as Reward trope, despite it be an especially powerful tool for reinforcing cognitive being entirely subjective to interpretation. patterns by modelingO and rewarding player behavior.O OPINION x2 What is considered to be 1. “troubling” or 2. problematic is subjective and debatable. CHERRY-PICKING Achievements in video games are designed to be awarded outside of the gam- ing environment for in-game actions, and can be given for any possible action. FALSE ANALOGY The “Casanova” achievement in The Saboteur can be Interactions with female characters is no exception.68 The mechanic where players kiss random women in The Saboteur (2009) is unlocked for utilizing a mechanic in which players kiss designed to be used as a form of camouflage to evade enemy NPCs, not as 50 random women on the street without their consent CHERRY-PICKING x2 entitlement to women or their bodies. Therefore, this does not support the argu- as a form of camouflage to evade pursuing Nazis. 1. Achievements in video games are designed to be awarded outside of the ment of “male entitlement” within the context of the narrative presented.89,90 gaming environment for in-game actions, and can be given for any possible action. Interactions with female characters is no exception.68 OVERSIMPLIFICATION 2. The entire foundation of video game functionality is how the user interacts While a person may not have indicated an invitation to a gesture towards them with the required control unit. Successful completion of a video game is entirely without permission in advance, it may not necessarily be unwelcome or unwanted. In a game, you’re not just watching someone else dependent on the range of correct inputs that are required. Just like any other being rewarded with a woman. You, the player, are theme, affection by a female character is no exception.9 CHERRY-PICKING earning a woman as a reward yourself for the actions The entire foundation of video game functionality is how the user interacts with you yourself have performed. MISREPRESENTATION the required control unit. Successful completion of a video game is entirely While this clip is used to illustrate the how players interact with video games as dependent on the range of correct inputs that are required. Just like any other an interactive medium, it has been altered from its original format, and does not theme, “access to women” is no exception.9 happen as presented in Grand Theft Auto V (2013). Therefore, this clip is mislead- ing and dishonest.44 MISREPRESENTATION While the gameplay mechanic in The Saboteur (2009) functions in the way that “That’s what I’m lookin’ for.” OVERGENERALIZATION the playable protagonist Sean Devlin does not ask for consent before kissing, the Not all video games award the player for their efforts of saving a women of whom he kisses do not reject his advances. Therefore, this does not These achievements are directly rewarding players damsel in distress. In Earthworm Jim (1994), the damsel in distress qualify as harassment, which requires a behaviour to be unpleasant and unwel- for in-game behavior that amounts to sexual harass- Players make the correct inputs into the game, a woman’s Princess What’s-Her-Name is crushed by a falling cow after the come, making this statement misleading and partially dishonest.90,91 ment. Players are actively being encouraged to think affection or her body is the corresponding output. protagonist Jim goes through the entire game trying to rescue her.92

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ASSUMPTION x3 In this way, the Women as Reward trope in video gaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into raging No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. social science indicates that games becomes a mechanism through which male sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause and observation and imitation is one of the primary ways people learn about the entitlement is taught and reinforced in our wider effect relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in much world and relationships with each other, 2. human beings can learn through culture. Cognitively, it’s strikingly similar to the expecta- more subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is said that the Women as Reward visual modelling, or 3. reward and punishment. tion that if a man buys a woman a few drinks, then he trope in video games can reinforce and teach male entitlement outside of the is owed sex.O The money and time for the alcohol and medium and into wider aspects of western culture. Both the previous position and FACTUAL ERROR x2 conversation are the inputs, the sexual gratification is the current one directly contradict each other. 1. Human beings learn from more than just visual modelling, but through various Players go through the process of saving the princess, the output. other methods as well.93 and the game’s algorithm dutifully rewards them with SLIPPERY SLOPE 2. Physically interactive, professional, and recreational activities such as sports, what they think they are rightfully owed for doing so… When men’s entitlement-based expectations are not While it may be possible for the Women as Reward trope to be 1. taught and careers, and gambling offer visual references and actions that can be accom- fulfilled, they sometimes lash out in resentment or 2. reinforced outside of the video game environment, it is not an absolute guarantee. panied by rewards and punishments. Therefore, video games are not a unique aggression towards women. This is clearly illustrated medium in this fashion.86-88 in the catcalling scenarios I mentioned earlier. Street ASSUMPTION x8 harassers feel entitled to women’s time and women’s No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. men lash out in resentment or SELF-CONTRADICTION attention. If they don’t get the response they feel they’re 2. feel aggression at women who do not fulfill expectations, 3. street harassers feel In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “…en- owed, they can become increasingly angry, following entitled to women’s time and attention, 4. can become increasingly angry, 5. follow gaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into raging their targets, insulting them, groping them, or otherwise their targets, 6. insult them, 7. grope them, or 8. otherwise aggressively demanding sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause and aggressively demanding to be acknowledged. to be acknowledged if they do not get the response they feel they are owed. effect relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in much more subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is said that one of the primary way CHERRY-PICKING we learn about the world is through “observation and imitation”. Both the previ- Street harassment is neither a gendered nor an exclusively-heterosexual phe- ous position and the current one directly contradict each other. nomenon, and can encompass a wide range of reasons and behaviours.95 ASSUMPTION INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x5 No evidence provided to support the claim that the Women as Reward trope …whether it be a kiss, a girlfriend, or sexual attention. No explanation why 1. men feeling or lashing out in resentment or 2. aggression affects male entitlement outside of the video game environment. towards women who do not fulfill entitled expectations, 3. feeling entitled to wom- Social science indicates that one of the primary ways en’s time and 4. attention by street harassers, or 5. becoming more hostile towards CHERRY-PICKING we learn about the world, and our relationships to women by street harassers is negative or more of an issue than other variations. While it may be possible for certain elements in video games to each other, is through a process of observation and be effective outside of the gaming environment, one study has imitation. Human beings also learn by seeing some- OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 not found evidence to support the cultivation of sexist beliefs or thing modeled for us, especially when the modeled 1. Depending on the consensus of all the parties involved on an activity, aggression attitudes due to video game exposure, although several limitations actions are accompanied by rewards or punishments. or resentment for not fulfilling expectations someone has may not be unwarranted. may need to be considered when interpreting the findings.94 Video games are uniquely positioned to provide 2. Street harassment may not necessarily be from a result of someone’s sense of experiences that do all of these things, because in entitlement, but another’s desire for emotional and sexual excitement, empower- INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT most games, the player occupies both the role of partic- ment or peer approval, including the one on the receiving end. No explanation why men expecting sexual gratification from women for taking ipant, and the role of spectator to their own actions. care of financial requirements is negative or more of an issue than other variations. REPETITION The hypothetical catcalling scenario from earlier is used again instead of evidence. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 1. Exposure to a particular theme in media or 2. representation of a type of charac- UNFALSIFIABILITY ter may not necessarily be reinforced outside of the presented medium, or result in The hypothetical scenario of “women being harassed by entitlement” described here negative or harmful ways of thinking, but positive and beneficial ones as well. is not supported with any evidence, nor can it be proven, and is therefore not credible. 3. Depending on the consensus of all the parties involved on a date, recom- pense in the form of sexual gratification may be expected or agreed upon for the one who takes care of the required financials of an activity. 4. Expectations for sexual gratification may not be a result of male entitlement, and may be expressed by other genders and sexual orientations as well. RED HERRING Participating in interactive mediums and engaging in social activities with real people are completely separate forms of human behaviour. SELF-CONTRADICTION In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “…en- ASSUMPTION x4 In the gaming community, we see this entitlement-fu- In the same vein, when presented with critical ASSUMPTION x6 No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. some gamers express enti- eled outrage bubble to the surface when some gamers analyses of the poor representations of women in No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. being presented with critical anal- tlement-fueled outrage due to specific fantasies being unfulfilled, 2. outrage of encounter indications that games aren’t made exclu- many popular games, this intense male entitlement yses of the poor representations of women in popular games results in aggression, games not being made exclusively with a particular fantasy in mind is a result of sively with their fantasies in mind. Angry public temper manifests in aggression, abuse, and threats. 2. abuse, 3. threats, or 4-6. such hostile behaviour is a result of male entitlement. male entitlement, 3. some heterosexual male gamers have expressed outrage tantrums from straight male players have occurred when presented with homosexual characters not towards their liking, or 4. such when role-playing games have forced them to interact OPINION outrage is a result of male entitlement. with gay male characters, or presented them with What is considered to be a “poor representation” is subjective and debatable. lesbian characters who were not available as romance CHERRY-PICKING x2 options to male avatars. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 1. Controversy about video game elements and mechanics have been around Outrage towards criticisms of elements in video games may not 1. be due to entitle- throughout the history of video games and can range from a wide variety of ment, but rather from dishonesty, misinformation, insults, or invalid reasoning, 2. only topics. Presentations of homosexual characters are no exception.96 be met with hostility, but calm, civil, and informative refutations, or 3. limited to 2. Some people have expressed desire for more representation of characters popular titles, but obscure and relatively unknown titles. outside of the male-heterosexual norm.97 4. Players that are not heterosexual or male may also express outrage towards criticisms directed at certain elements of video games. INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x3 No explanation why heterosexual males expressing outrage for 1. specific SLIPPERY SLOPE fantasies being left unfulfilled, 2. being forced to interact with homosexual male While it may be possible for criticisms of female representation in video games characters, or 3. being limited from romantically interacting with homosexual to be met with hostility, it is not an absolute guarantee. female characters is negative or more of an issue than other variations. ASSUMPTION x2 OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 No evidence provided to support the claim that using a female character’s 1. Outrage towards unfulfilled fantasies or 2. unsatisfactory portrayals in video assets as a goal encourages men to think of women as objects or 2. symbols. games may not be due to entitlement, but rather from personal disapproval, being misled, or dishonest advertising. CHERRY-PICKING x2 3. If a person playing a video game puts in the time, money, and effort to have a 1. While it may be possible for certain elements in video games particular experience in mind, contempt for an unsatisfactory presentation may to be effective outside of the gaming environment, one study has not be unwarranted. not found evidence to support the cultivation of sexist beliefs or 4. Players that are not heterosexual or male may also express outrage towards attitudes due to video game exposure, although several limita- portrayals that do not appeal to their personal or sexual preferences. tions may need to be considered when interpreting the findings.94 Angry backlash from straight male players also mate- 2. Awarding acts of altruism with consensual sexual activity is both ASSUMPTION x3 rializes when Western releases of Japanese games common, every day practice and natural in human sexuality.7,8 No evidence provided to support the claim that some straight male gamers place women in slightly less revealing outfits, or increase As we’ve demonstrated in this episode, the Women have expressed outrage when presented with female characters in 1. less reveal- the age of young sexualized female characters to 18. as Reward trope is set up to fulfill a very specific male OVERGENERALIZATION ing outfits, 2. an increase in age, or 3. such anger is a result of male entitlement. entitlement-oriented fantasy. In many cases, game Not all variations of the Women as Reward trope are set up to fulfill a creators may not even realize their mechanics are specific fantasy. In Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly (2003), the female INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT x2 working to cement this mentality.O But when games use protagonist Mio rescues her twin sister Mayu.100 No explanation why expressing outrage for females being 1. placed in less a woman’s affection, her body, or her sexuality as a revealing outfits or 2. older is negative or more of an issue than other variations. carrot on a stick, they’re actively encouraging men to OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 think of women as objects, prizes, and status symbols. Exposure to a particular representation of a type of character in video games may OVERSIMPLIFICATION x4 not 1. necessarily be reinforced outside of the presented medium or 2. result in 1. Outrage towards unsatisfactory portrayals in video games may not be due to enti- And it’s not just men negative or harmful ways of thinking, but positive and beneficial ones as well. tlement, but rather from personal disapproval, being misled, or dishonest advertising. who are affected. 2. If a person playing a video game puts in the time, money, and effort to have This ideology of male SELF-CONTRADICTION a particular experience in mind, contempt for an unsatisfactory presentation entitlement seeps into In the previous episode “Damsel in Distress – Part 2” it was argued that “… may not be unwarranted. the wider social con- engaging with these games is not going to magically transform players into 3. Players that are not heterosexual or male may also express outrage towards sciousness of everyone, raging sexists. We typically don’t have a monkey-see, monkey-do/direct cause portrayals that do not appeal to their personal or sexual preferences. regardless of gender, and effect relationship with the media we consume. Cultural influence works in 4. Due to the age of consent being 13 in Japan and 16 to 18 in North America, a by-product of which much more subtle and complicated ways.” Now it is argued that using female outrage may not come from male entitlement, but from misrepresenting cultures.98,99 can negatively impact characters as rewards results in women being viewed as a possession. the ways women SLIPPERY SLOPE relate to one another, SLIPPERY SLOPE While it may be possible for outrage to occur for altering female characters due and the ways we think While it may be possible that presenting female characters as objects can result to cultural differences, it is not an absolute guarantee. about our relationships in people viewing women in general as such, it is not an absolute guarantee.

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ASSUMPTION x5 to our own bodies, and our own sexuality. No evidence provided to support the claim that 1. men are not the only ones affected by the Women as Reward trope, 2. the ideology of male entitlement spreads into the social consciousness of everyone, or 3. can negatively impact the ways women relate to one another, 4. the ways people think about relation- ships to their own bodies, or 5. their own sexuality. OVERSIMPLIFICATION x2 1. Exposure to a particular theme in video games such as male entitlement may not necessarily 1. be reinforced outside of the presented medium or 2. result in negative ways of thinking and relating to others, but positive and beneficial ones as well. SLIPPERY SLOPE x2 While it may be possible for a variant of the male entitlement ideology to 1. spread to more than just men and 2. have a negative impact on people, it is not an abso- lute guarantee.

ASSUMPTION x4 No evidence provided to support the claim that male entitlement 1. is a learned attitude, 2. can be unlearned through education and 3. conscious effort, or 4. game systems are capable of being part of unlearning such. CONFIRMATION BIAS x2 The possibility of unlearning male entitlement through 1. education and 2. con- scious effort is considered to be good news, despite it being entirely subjective to interpretation. The good news is that because male entitlement is OPINION a learned attitude, it can, through education and What is considered to be “good news” is subjective and debatable. conscious effort, be unlearned. And game systems are capable of being part of that transformative process. ASSUMPTION x3 No evidence provided to support the claim that the interactivity of game systems Just as their interactivity makes them a powerful tool 1. makes them a powerful tool for reinforcing male entitlement, 2. can be used to for reinforcing male entitlement, so too could that in- disrupt antiquated gender dynamics, or 3. can be used as engagement with game teractivity be harnessed to disrupt antiquated gender mechanics to explore more equitable interactions between people of all genders. dynamics and engage us with game mechanics that explore more equitable interactions between people CHERRY-PICKING of all genders. Media is a means or channels of general communication, information, or enter- tainment in society, and can be achieved regardless of the format presented or the strength of a message being conveyed. Interactive mediums such as video games are no exception, nor are they the only method capable of communicat- ing such information to a consumer.85 OPINION What is considered to be “equitable” is subjective and debatable. OVERSIMPLIFICATION Old-fashioned views and ideas may not necessarily be negative or harmful, nor may they result in such ways of thinking and relating to others, but positive and beneficial ones as well. 176 TRUTHFUL POINTS 47 CASES OF MISREPRESENTING EVIDENCE 627 LOGICAL FALLACIES 5 CASES OF MISSING CONTEXT 52 CASES OF DISHONESTY 52 RESEARCH ERRORS SOURCES 907 TOTAL 1. This Day in History – September 02, 1969 – The Internet Took Its First Breath: http://www.historychannel.com.au/classroom/ 47 CASES OF MISREPRESENTATION day-in-history/791/the-internet-took-its-first-breath 5 CASES OF MISSING CONTEXT 2. TheNextWeb News – 20 years ago today, the World Wide Web opened to the public: 52 DISHONEST STATEMENTS http://thenextweb.com/insider/2011/08/06/20-years-ago-today- the-world-wide-web-opened-to-the-public/ 3. Metroid, Justin Bailey code: https://youtu.be/Ou76PZF0bW8 5.7% 4. Super Metroid, death animation: https://youtu.be/k6h8Nkx7cqg 5. Metroid Fusion, death animation: https://youtu.be/QHQ5Kfm-UX0 41 CASES OF CHERRY PICKING 11 CASES OF FACTUAL ERRORS 6. The Folktale in the Old Testament by Hermann Gunkel: 5.7% https://books.google.ca/books?id=CC _ bBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA157 7. Functional and Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior by Anders Agmo: A Synthesis of Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology: https://books.google.ca/books?id=mmJjj6UvB9YC&pg=PA257 8. Mail Online – Finally a reason to do the washing up, boys! 41 CASES OF CHERRY-PICKING Women DO use sex to reward good behaviour (and it’s 11 CASES OF FACTUAL ERRORS household chores that win most saucy payback): 19.4% http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2329548/A-reason- 52 RESEARCH ERRORS washing-boys-Women-DO-use-sex-reward-good-behaviour.html 9. Television Gaming Apparatus and Method: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/3659285.html 169 CASES OF CORRECT FACTS 10. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, entire playthrough: 7 OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS https://youtu.be/pjZ0OHIcJpc?t=9m47s 11. Double Dragon, entire game: https://youtu.be/jBkaj8QXyf4 12. Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, Meryl in the underwear, https://youtu.be/6B-LulbAZ8Y 13. DOA5 lead: Japanese view of women in games ‘not going to change’: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/22/doa5-lead- 169 CORRECT FACTS japanese-view-of-women-in-games-not-going-to-change/ 7 OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS 14. Booby Mania: The Japanese Breast Fetish: http://istoryadista. blogspot.ca/2011/07/booby-mania-japanese-breast-fetish.html

2 CASES OF AD HOMINEM 246 CASES OF ASSUMPTION 176 TRUTHFUL FACTS AND 15. The Witcher 3 Wiki – DLC: http://thewitcher3.wiki.fextralife.com/DLC 60 CASES OF CONFIRMATION BIAS 3 CASES OF CULTURAL BIAS 16. Resident Evil Revelations HD – All melees, characters and 1 CASE OF DISTINCTION WITHOUT A DIFFERENCE 2 CASES OF DOUBLE STANDARD 3 CASES OF FALSE ANALOGY OBJECTIVE STATEMENTS costumes: https://youtu.be/0OOCDZnDIno 9 CASES OF FALSE CAUSALITY 121 CASES OF INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT 17. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in 2 CASES OF MOVING THE GOALPOST 62 CASES OF OPINION 10 CASES OF OVERGENERALIZATION Resident Evil Zero: http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/ 65 CASES OF OVERSIMPLIFICATION 2 CASES OF RED HERRING 2 CASES OF REPETITION Unlockable _ costumes _ in _ Resident _ Evil _ Zero 13 CASES OF SELF-CONTRADICTION 14 CASES OF SLIPPERY SLOPE 18. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in 69.1% 9 CASES OF STIPULATIVE DEFINITION 1 CASE OF UNFALSIFIABILITY Resident Evil: http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/ 2 CASES OF AD HOMINEM 2 CASES OF MOVING THE GOALPOST Unlockable _ costumes _ in _ Resident _ Evil 246 CASES OF ASSUMPTION 62 CASES OF OPINION 19. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in 60 CASES OF CONFIRMATION BIAS 10 CASES OF OVERGENERALIZATION Resident Evil 2: http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/ 3 CASES OF CULTURAL BIAS 65 CASES OF OVERSIMPLIFICATION Unlockable _ costumes _ in _ Resident _ Evil _ 2 1 CASE OF DISTINCTION WITHOUT 2 CASES OF RED HERRING 20. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in Resident A DIFFERENCE 2 CASES OF REPETITION Evil 3: Nemesis: http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/ 2 CASES OF DOUBLE STANDARD 13 CASES OF SELF-CONTRADICTION Unlockable _ costumes _ in _ Resident _ Evil _ 3: _ Nemesis 3 CASES OF FALSE ANALOGY 14 CASES OF SLIPPERY SLOPE 21. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in Resident Evil 4: 9 CASES OF FALSE CAUSALITY 9 CASES OF STIPULATIVE DEFINITION http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/Unlockables _ in _ Resident _ Evil _ 4 121 CASES OF INCOMPLETE ARGUMENT 1 CASE OF UNFALSIFIABILITY 22. Resident Evil 5: All Costumes (How to Unlock & Gameplay Show Off): https://youtu.be/mpAPzUUEGaE 627 LOGICAL FALLACIES Continued on next page SOURCES (CONTINUED) f=%5Ethe%2Blast%2Bof%2Bus%7Cbucket~games%3Agame _ content _ ask _ a _ homo _ do _ gay _ men _ like _ catcalling.html type~addons%7C?emcid=ps-se-718&utm _ medium=Paid _ Search&utm _ 79. I Love Wolf Whistles and Catcalls; Am I a Bad Feminist? by Paris Lees: 23. Resident Evil Wiki – Unlockable costumes in Resident Evil 6: campaign=Playstation&utm _ source=Google&utm _ term=ps-se-718&utm _ http://www.vice.com/read/i-love-wolf-whistles-and-catcalls-am-i-a-bad-feminist http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/Unlockable _ costumes _ in _ Resident _ Evil _ 6 content=Brand 80. Washington City Paper – Stories From Male Groping Victims (And One Female Groper): 24. Resident Evil Wiki – Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D: 52. Splatterhouse, entire game: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/sexist/2010/01/28/ http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/Resident _ Evil: _ The _ Mercenaries _ 3D https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZn-E-AgHFvN2JyqsF79oGvlgATxss7Fl stories-from-male-groping-victims-and-one-female-groper/ 25. Resident Evil: Revelations 2, all characters and costumes: https://youtu.be/8JQlrnLNU _ s 53. Metal Gear Wiki – Magazine (book): http://metalgear.wikia.com/wiki/ 81. Bureau of Justice Statistics – Criminal Victimization, 2014: 26. Resident Evil Wiki – Claire Redfield Gallery: Darkside Chronicles: http://residentevil.wikia. Magazine _ (book)#Metal _ Gear _ Solid _ 4: _ Guns _ of _ the _ Patriots http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=5366 (article), com/wiki/Claire _ Redfield/gallery#Resident _ Evil: _ The _ Darkside _ Chronicles 54. The Witcher, All romance cards censored and uncensored: https://youtu.be/L3WQ8lqa2DY http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv14.pdf (study) 27. Resident Evil 6 Sherry EX3 and all her costumes compilation: 55. Closure trophy list: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/closure/trophies/ 82. Epidemic definition: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidemic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYhaldc1a5g 56. Machinarium trophy list: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/machinarium/trophies/ 83. Feminist Critics – Can Women Rape Men? (RP): 28. Resident Evil Wiki – Sherry Birkin: http://residentevil.wikia.com/wiki/Sherry _ Birkin 57. God of War: Chains of Olympus trophy list: http://www.feministcritics.org/blog/2009/01/05/can-women-rape-men-rp/ 29. Resident Evil 6 Helena EX3 and other Mercenaries Costumes: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/god-of-war-chains-of-olympus/trophies/ 84. Center for Sex Offender Management – Short Version: Section 1: Lecture Content & https://youtu.be/aHuognHinuk 58. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings achievement list: Teaching Notes: Supervision of Sex Offenders in the Community: An Overview: 30. Encyclopedia.com – Clothing of African Cultures: http://www.xboxachievements.com/game/the-witcher-2/achievements/ http://www.csom.org/train/supervision/short/01 _ 02 _ 03.html http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3425500245.html 59. Grand Theft Auto IV trophy list: 85. How Fantasy Becomes Reality: Seeing Through Media Influence byKaren E. Dill: 31. History of Cosmetics – Body Painting History: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/grand-theft-auto-iv/trophies/ https://books.google.ca/ http://www.historyofcosmetics.net/history-of-makeup/body-painting-history/ 60. Killer is Dead trophy list: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/killer-is-dead/trophies/ books?id=pXr8mmj1gxYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=#v=onepage&q&f=false 32. Capcom Wiki – Sheva Alomar: http://capcom.wikia.com/wiki/Sheva _ Alomar 61. God of War: Ghost of Sparta trophy list: 86. HowStuffWorks.com – Sports Channel: 33. Cram Gaming – Resident Evil Revelations extra costumes guide: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/god-of-war-ghost-of-sparta/trophies/ http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/sports-channel.htm http://cramgaming.com/resident-evil-revelations-extra-costumes-guide-7014/ 62. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas trophy list: 87. How do Careers Really Work? The Three Phases by James Citrin: https://www.linkedin.com/ 34. IGN – Resident Evil: Code Veronica Guide – Battle Game: http://psnprofiles.com/trophies/4098-Grand-Theft-Auto-San-Andreas pulse/20121004172822-203184238-how-do-careers-really-work-the-three-phases http://ca.ign.com/wikis/resident-evil-code-veronica-x-hd/Battle _ Game 63. God of War trophy list: http://www.playstationtrophies.org/game/god-of-war/trophies/ 88. PlayNow.com – How Gambling Works: 35. IGN – Resident Evil 6 Cheats & Codes: 64. Overlord achievement list: https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/how-gambling-works.html http://ca.ign.com/cheats/games/resident-evil-6-xbox-360-117995 http://www.xboxachievements.com/game/overlord/achievements/ 89. The Saboteur, Casanova achievement: https://youtu.be/KzxeQ8fWClc 36. Far Cry 4, The Mouth of Madness mission gameplay: https://youtu.be/gzNPTRmgy6c 65. God of War III Remastered, Ladies Man trophy: https://youtu.be/DE-TkySUlUI 90. The Saboteur, entire game: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF5E5FBD26CCEEB68 37. Outlast: Whistleblower, “The Groom” Waylon Park Table Sequence: 66. GreekMythology.com – Aphrodite: 91. Harass definition: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harass https://youtu.be/xZE9SEbYm44?t=11m37s http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Aphrodite/aphrodite.html 92. Earthworm Jim, ending: http://youtu.be/9RQWSpG7fKs 38. USA Today – Conan: The (video) games begin: 67. TheGuardian.com – Laid bare: the sex life of the ancient Greeks in all its physical glory: 93. The National Academies Press – Chapter 3 – Learning and Transfer, How People Learn: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/2007-10-15-conan-games _ N.htm http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2009/dec/09/museums-greece Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition (2000): 39. Conan Wiki: http://conan.wikia.com/wiki/Main _ Page 68. Framework for Designing and Evaluating Game Achievements by Juho Hamari and Veikko http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record _ id=9853&page=51 40. Conan, entire game: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8B83504D97219BF3 Eranti: http://www.digra.org/wp-content/uploads/digital-library/11307.59151.pdf 94. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking – Sexist Games=Sexist Gamers? A 41. God of War: Ascension, entire game: 69. Beyond: Two Souls, In Love with Ryan trophy: https://youtu.be/qg665s9Flng Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Video Game Use and Sexist Attitudes by Breuer https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSrhSY11mSeRIryReqfSzuzE7pP _ OYUvJ 70. About.com Health – Erotophobia: Understanding the Fear of Sex: Johannes, Kowert Rachel, Festl Ruth, and Quandt Thorsten. April 2015, 18(4): 197-202. doi:10.1089/ 42. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars, entire game: http://phobias.about.com/od/phobiasatoh/a/Erotophobia.htm cyber.2014.0492: http://www.docdroid.net/11omm/sexist-games-sexist-gamers.pdf.html https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE18BC7E3F5EB3A16 71. Trophy Husbands Arm candy? Are you kidding? While their fast-track wives go to work, stay- 95. Stop Street Harassment – National Street Harassment Report: 43. Grand Theft Auto Online, PS4 First Person Sex With Prostitute as a female character: at-home husbands mind the kids. They deserve a trophy for trading places, by By Betsy http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/our-work/nationalstudy/ https://youtu.be/TNoWPtj _ Zcw Morris, Lisa Munoz,and Patricia Neering: 96. Wikipedia – List of controversial video games: 44. Grand Theft Auto V, entire game: http://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune _ archive/2002/10/14/330033/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List _ of _ controversial _ video _ games http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyxwW-5Ey5n7Mi2BkYvMYWRZWq7Lg47xd 72. Fortune – Meet the new trophy husbands: http://fortune.com/2015/02/26/trophy-husband/ 97. IGN.com – Why We Need More Gay Characters In Video Games: 45. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, entire game: 73. The Political History of England During the 16th, 17th, and 18th http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/03/14/why-we-need-more-gay-characters-in-video-games https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4vbGURud _ HrCSHT2MiwFyh6V-o5rmihz Centuries by Frederick von Raumer: https://books.google.ca/ 98. Japanese Penal Code: http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/hourei/data/PC.pdf 46. Video Game Values: Play as Human-Computer Interaction by P Barr: books?id=CGABAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA94&dq=#v=onepage&q&f=false 99. Age of Consent Chart For The 50 States & D.C.: http://www.ageofconsent.us/ http://www.pippinbarr.com/academic/Pippin _ Barr _ PhD _ Thesis.pdf 74. eNotes.com – Feminism in Literature Essay – Women in the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries: 100. Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly – Mio rescues Mayu: http://youtu.be/fG8Yj-Ems3w 47. Association for Consumer Research, Women As Commodities: Prostitution As Depicted in http://www.enotes.com/topics/feminism/critical-essays/women-16th-17th-18th-centuries the Blue Angel, Pretty Baby, and Pretty Woman: 75. What is Masculinity?: Historical Dynamics from Antiquity to the Contemporary http://www.acrwebsite.org/search/view-conference-proceedings.aspx?Id=5985 World by John H. Arnold and Sean Brady: https://books.google.ca/ 48. The History of Prostitution: Its Extent, Causes, and Effects throughout the World by William W. books?id=0E5ARiVe9YUC&printsec=frontcover&dq=#v=onepage&q&f=false Sanger: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41873/41873-h/41873-h.htm 76. “Exhibitionism” in Sex and Society by Dawn Michelle Baunach: https://books.google.ca/ 49. IGN.com – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Sex and Romance: books?id=aVDZchwkIMEC&pg=PA220&lpg=PA220&dq=#v=onepage&q&f=false http://ca.ign.com/wikis/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/Sex _ and _ Romance 77. Metro UK – Video of a man getting catcalled in New York stirs up harassment debate: 50. IGN.com – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Endings: http://metro.co.uk/2014/11/01/video-of-a-man-getting-catcalled-in-new-york-stirs-up- http://ca.ign.com/wikis/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/Endings harassment-debate-4930405/ 51. The Last of Us, Add-Ons: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-ca/search/ 78. Slate – Ask a Homo: Lookin’ Good Bro!: http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2015/01/14/