Ubisoft’s open-world Star Wars game, Star Wars Outlaws, has been one of the most anticipated titles of Summer Game Fest 2023. Garnering attention with its Grand Theft Auto-esque gameplay and alluring droid, the game has also sparked controversy due to its female protagonist, Kay Vess, a woman of color. 1k3o1f
The Backlash 2le4w
The reveal of game’s fresh approach to the Star Wars universe.
Kay Vess’s character, however, represents a broader issue within gaming and the Star Wars universe. Despite the existence of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a new game featuring a male protagonist, the role of Kay Vess is crucial as it addresses the longstanding underrepresentation of women in Star Wars games.
Women in Star Wars Games 574351
The Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the Sith, and Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter, most Star Wars games either predominantly feature male characters or offer a choice between male and female characters. The ability to choose often quiets those with misogynistic viewpoints.
Kay Vess, the rogue and rebel, is an embodiment of many beloved Star Wars characters and is the perfect lead for an open-world game. The controversy surrounding her doesn’t lie in her character traits but solely in her gender.
Representation in Gaming Industry 6t3yb
The backlash against a female-led game is not surprising given the scarcity of female protagonists in modern gaming. Only two Game of The Year winners at Geoff Keighley’s Game Awards have featured female protagonists, and they shared the spotlight with male characters. Most AAA games led by women, such as the Horizon series, Lara Croft, or Metroid Prime Remastered’s Samus, have faced criticism or required character reworks to gain acceptance.
Ubisoft itself has had historical issues with centering female protagonists, as well as serious allegations of sexual misconduct among its executives. It once abandoned female protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Unity, citing the additional work needed for animations and voices. Furthermore, the company has been reported to diminish the roles of female characters during production, as seen in the Assassin’s Creed series.
A Hopeful Future 3g6432
Despite the controversies, the come from both Ubisoft and Star Wars.
Star Wars Outlaws underscores the ongoing struggle for gender equity in gaming and the need for diverse, inclusive narratives in this ever-evolving art form.
