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This episode explores the ways in which female characters are frequently placed in wildly impractical, sexualizing outfits specifically designed to objectify them for the titillation of the presumed straight male player. We then discuss the problems inherent in linking the sexualization of female characters to notions of female empowerment, and examine what positive depictions of female sexuality and sexual desire in games might look like.

This is the third episode in season two of Tropes vs. Women in Video Games. For more on the format changes accompanying season two, please see our announcement here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/566429325/tropes-vs-women-in-video-games/posts/1469466

Full transcript, links and resources for this episode:
http://wp.me/p5WxZG-9Kr

Press Image for Media Use: https://www.flickr.com/photos/femfreq/27452057366/

ABOUT THE SERIES
The Tropes vs Women in Video Games project aims to examine the plot devices and patterns most often associated with female characters in gaming from a systemic, big picture perspective. This series will include critical analysis of many beloved games and characters, but remember that it is both possible (and even necessary) to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of it’s more problematic or pernicious aspects. This video series is created by Anita Sarkeesian and the project was funded by 6968 awesome backers on Kickstarter.com

GAMES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015)
Bayonetta (2010)
Bayonetta 2 (2014)
Bloodrayne 2 (2004)
Dark Souls 3 (2016)
Dragon’s Crown (2013)
Firewatch (2016)
Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage 2 (2013)
Golden Axe: Beast Rider (2008)
Ride to Hell: Retribution (2013)
The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014)
Mass Effect 3 (2012)
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes (2004)
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 (2009)
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge (2012)
Perfect Dark (2000)
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Smashing the Battle (2016)
Soulcalibur IV (2008)
Street Fighter V (2016)
Street Fighter X Tekken (2012)
Ultra Street Fighter IV (2014)
Whacked! (2002)
The Witcher 3 (2015)
X-Blades (2009)

FAIR USE
The multimedia clips included in this video constitute a 'fair use' of any copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of U.S. Copyright law which allows for criticism, comment and scholarship.

COMMENTS: We have been forced to close comments on YouTube due to continued harassment of this channel but please feel free to post and share this video with your own social media networks to facilitate discussions.

TROPES SEASON 1:
Damsel in Distress Part 1: http://youtu.be/X6p5AZp7r_Q
Damsel in Distress Part 2: http://youtu.be/toa_vH6xGqs
Damsel in Distress Part 3: http://youtu.be/LjImnqH_KwM
Ms. Male Character: http://youtu.be/eYqYLfm1rWA
Women as Background Decoration Part 1: http://youtu.be/4ZPSrwedvsg
Women as Background Decoration Part 2: https://youtu.be/5i_RPr9DwMA
Women as Reward: https://youtu.be/QC6oxBLXtkU
Women as Reward - Special DLC Mini-Episode: https://youtu.be/WcqEZqBoGdM

TROPES SEASON 2:
Strategic Butt Coverings: https://youtu.be/ujTufg1GvR4
Body Language & The Male Gaze: https://youtu.be/QPOla9SEdXQ