[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Fantastic!”\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Theme Music
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This episode comes with a content warning\Nfor game footage involving
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hypersexualized female characters\Nand is not recommended for children.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As always, remember that it is both\Npossible and even necessary
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be critical of the media we enjoy.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That’s going to be especially\Nimportant to keep in mind
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,given the video game franchise\Nwe are about to discuss…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 1987 Nintendo released a 2D\Naction adventure game for their
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Nintendo Entertainment System\Nwhich departed
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from traditional video game conventions.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Metroid starred a bounty hunter\Nnamed Samus Aran
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who is covered head to toe in the\Nnow iconic cybernetic “power suit”.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The game’s manual referred to the\Nprotagonist with male pronouns
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and described his identity as\N“shrouded in mystery”.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Metroid was notable as an\Nearly example of a game
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that employed multiple alternative\Nendings which could be unlocked
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,based on the player’s gaming\Nskill and performance.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the player is able to complete\Nthe game in under five hours
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a short cutscene will play featuring the\Nprotagonist without their armored helmet,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,revealing that Samus Aran is, in fact,\Na woman.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This was a significant moment\Nin gaming history,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,especially for many female gaming fans,\Nbecause, at the time,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,nearly all protagonists were just\Nassumed to be male by default.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Remember this was back\Nbefore the internet,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when you couldn’t just hop online to find\Nout about all the secrets and spoilers,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so for many players, the ending of\NMetroid came as a genuine surprise.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Still, the subversion only worked\Nprovided players were skilled enough
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to achieve the surprise ending.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In retrospect, Samus’ gender reveal perhaps\Nshould not have been as shocking as it was,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,considering that Metroid is\Nheavily influenced by the Alien films.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sadly the alternate endings\Ndid not stop there
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the two “best” endings make Metroid\None of the first games
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to exploit the Women as Reward trope,\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as both reveal Samus\Nin various states of undress.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The better a player does,\Nthe more clothing is removed.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the player completes the game in under\N3 hours Samus is shown without her armor
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in a leotard.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the player finishes in under 1 hour\Nthey are treated to Samus in a bikini.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So yes, Samus wasn’t a damsel’ed woman\Nwaiting at the end of the game as a trophy
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rather, her body itself became the prize\Nawarded to players for a job well done.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Later games in the Metroid series\Ncontinued the convention of
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rewarding players with endings featuring\NSamus in various states of undress.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In one sense Samus Aran definitely did\Nsubvert traditional gender tropes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the 1980s by taking on the role\Nof intrepid hero.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However she and her body were still\Npresented to players as prizes to be won.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The convention, of earning access to\Ncutscenes or ending vignettes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with eroticized female bodies can be found\Nin many titles over the past 30 years.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Apollo”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Whoa! Whoa!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Audience laughter)
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Oh!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We can trace the roots of the\NWomen as Reward trope all the way back
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the beginnings of the medium itself.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As we discussed in our\Ndamsel in distress mini-series,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,upon successful completion\Nof many arcade games
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,players were rewarded with the\Nrelated Smooch of Victory trope, so named
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the kiss the hero received as a reward\Nfor rescuing a kidnapped princess.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes the prize is blatant as with the\NStandard Hero Reward
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in which a king will give his\Ndaughter to the hero.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,On other occasions, it’s taken a step further\Nby employing the parallel
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sex of Victory or Rescue Sex trope.\NYes, it’s exactly what you think it is:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,instead of a kiss, sex with the rescued\Nvictim is the player’s reward.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“That was gonna get ugly. You saved us!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“My pleasure, ladies.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“You saved my life. A bit of joy as\Nrecumpence is not too much to ask.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I’m intrigued. It’s been a tough day.\NI think some joy might do me good.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Moaning)
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We’ve coined the Women as Reward trope\Nto describe a long-running pattern
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,found in interactive media.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It occurs when women\Nor more often women’s bodies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are employed as rewards for\Nplayer actions in video games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The trope frames female bodies as\Ncollectible, as tractable or as consumable
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and positions women as status symbols
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designed to validate the masculinity\Nof presumed straight male players.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There’s some overlap between the\NDamsel in Distress and Women as Reward
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but they function differently.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,While the Damsel in Distress\Ntrope uses women
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as a plot device to motivate male heroes,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Women as Reward trope presents women\Nas a formalized reward mechanism,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meaning that the reward is coded\Ninto the game system itself.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The result of this incentive structure is\Nthat access to women’s bodies,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,women’s affection or women’s sexuality is\Nreduced to a simple equation that guarantees
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,delivery as long as the correct set of\Ninputs are entered into the system.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In this way the Women as Reward trope\Nhelps foster a sense of entitlement
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where players are encouraged to view women\Nas something they’ve earned the right to
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by virtue of their gaming actions,\Nskills or accomplishments.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is illustrated in arcade classics\Nlike Joe and Mac
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,after players save the damsel\Nin both games,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she will bestow a kiss on the character\Nwho earned the most points on that stage.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I owe you one.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Entitlement to women is made even more\Nexplicit in many versions of Double Dragon.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At the end of the game, after the\Nfinal boss has been defeated
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the damsel in distress saved, player\None and player two must fight each other
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,over who “gets” to “have” Marian and\Nwith her, the smooch of victory.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Notice that Marian’s desires are not part\Nof the equation, she has no say in the matter
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she simply fills the role of a trophy for\Nwhichever player is ultimately victorious.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This scene serves as inspiration\Nfor similar scenarios
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in more contemporary games\Nlike Castle Crashers.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We’ve identified 6 primary ways the Women\Nas Reward trope manifests in video games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Over the course of this episode\Nwe will examine each in turn.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In addition to the “earned cinematics”\Nwe’ve already discussed, we will cover
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the trope as it relates to\NEaster Eggs, Unlockable Costumes,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Experience Points, Collectibles,\Nand Achievements.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Easter Eggs are intentionally\Nhidden secrets or jokes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which developers conceal\Ninside of their games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Like the eggs at a\Nchildren’s easter egg hunt,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these secrets are usually difficult to find\Nbut are meant to be discovered as rewards
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for particularly industrious gamers.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Easter Eggs can be hidden messages, items,\Nsecret characters or random events,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and their inclusion encourages\Nexperimentation with the game’s systems
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and mechanics in order to\Nuncover these extra treasures.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some can be found\Ninside game environments,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while others require a\Ncheat code to unlock.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, if players input a specific\Nbutton sequence while starting up
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the 1991 role-playing game Rings of Power\Nthe title screen would change.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By pressing down, right, A, B, C and the\Nstart button, players were rewarded
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with an image of a topless woman\Nnext to the Naughty Dog logo.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Easter eggs are, of course,\Nnot inherently problematic,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and gaming history is filled with\Nexamples of neat secrets
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that designers have hidden\Naway for players to discover.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But too frequently, Easter eggs\Nare used as another way
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to reward players with women’s bodies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 included a secret\Nunlockable character named Daisy,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who bore the likeness of\Nporn star Jenna Jameson.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Daisy’s sexualized appearance and\Nskateboard tricks are designed as a reward
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for those players who unlocked her.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One way to do that is\Nby entering this code
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Probably one of the most famous\NWomen as Reward easter eggs
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,brings us back to Samus Aran.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The original Metroid used a password\Nsystem to save progress.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By inputting the secret code\N“Justin Bailey” into this system,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,gamers would unlock a powered-up\Nplayable version of Samus
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,wearing only her\Nleotard-style bathing suit.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Incidentally this is the same outfit we\Ncovered earlier as an end-game reward,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,only here she has the powers of the Varia\NSuit and its associated color pallete swap
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which changes her hair color to green.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Players can then play the entire game as\NSamus without her space armor.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So she ends up exploring\Na hostile alien world
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and fighting off deadly monsters\Nin her underwear.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Welcome to the Hovercon intergalactic\Nhoverboard competition!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There’s a bizarre easter egg\Nin the original Ratchet & Clank:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If the player does a series of side-flips\Nin front of a green-skinned alien,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the woman’s breasts will\Nsuddenly begin to inflate.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The more gymnastics stunts performed,\Nthe larger her boobs will become.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There are so many Women as Reward-style\Neaster eggs in the Metal Gear Solid series
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it would take several hours\Nto go over them all.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,First released for the PlayStation in 1998\Nand then remade for the GameCube in 2004,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Metal Gear Solid featured not one\Nbut two separate easter eggs
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that allow players to see\NMeryl Silverburgh in her underwear.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The second of these easter eggs requires\Nplayers to follow Meryl into the ladies room
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and interrupt her while she is changing.\NIf this is done quickly enough
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the next cutscene will play with\NMeryl in her underwear.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Anyway, how did you recognize me in disguise?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I never forget a lady”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jumping ahead to the fourth game,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the protagonist is assigned a psychologist\Nfor PTSD counseling.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,During these remote sessions, if\Nplayers shake their Playstation controller
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the psychologist’s breasts will\Nbounce and jiggle in response.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Memories began to resurface\Nfrom his childhood,"
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"when he fought for Solidus\Nin the Liberian Civil War.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Keep in mind that easter eggs\Nare not accidents or glitches.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are intentionally put into the game\Nby the designers,and as a result, indicate
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the value that the designers themselves\Nplace on these female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They communicate to players that yes,\Nthese women exist for players to exploit
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or experiment with\Nfor their own amusement.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Unlockable outfits are additional\Ncostumes earned during gameplay
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which allow gamers to play dress up with\Nplayer characters or party members.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alternative “skins” as they are sometimes\Ncalled come in all shapes and sizes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and are typically just cosmetic changes\Nto the character’s appearance,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,although sometimes they\Nadd special abilities.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many unlockable costumes\Nare cool, wacky or bizarre.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But when applied to female characters\Nwe see a distinct pattern
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of revealing, hypersexualized outfits.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Fetishized bunny, cat, maid or nurse\Ncostumes are commonly used by developers
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as a way to pander to an assumed\Nstraight male player base.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s important to remember that\Nsexualization is not necessarily
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just about the amount of skin showing,\Nbut is instead connected to the question
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of whether or not a costume is eroticized\Nfor the express purpose of titillation.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Hey, why were you wearing\Nthat stuffy-looking suit of armor?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Oh? You didn’t like it? It’s pretty sturdy\Nand protects my body quite nicely...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,See? Look at this beautiful skin,\Nfree of bruises and blemishes!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Very nice… I’m actually worried\Nwhere my eyes might wander.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“You don’t look all that worried to me.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I’ve just got a good poker face.\NSo, you’re okay?...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You don’t mind leaving your armor behind?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“It’s sturdy, but it’s heavy. Walking\Naround with that on tires me out.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Hey, no complaints here. I prefer\Neye candy to scary armor any day.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These types of unlockable outfits\Ncan be especially pernicious
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,since they often end up\Nundermining women who are
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,otherwise appropriately dressed\Nfor active or professional roles.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Resident Evil franchise has been\Nparticularly guilty of this over the years.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Almost every major release in the series\Nhas included the Women as Reward trope.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Resident Evil is a bit unusual in that,\Nsince its beginnings in the mid 90s,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the franchise has featured a large\Nnumber of playable female protagonists
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,most of whom are skilled zombie fighters
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and have impressive professional\Nresumés, to say the least.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Rebecca Chambers is a police officer and medic\Nin the Special Tactics And Rescue Service.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Players can dress her up in “sexy nurse”\Nand cheerleader costumes.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jill Valentine is a high-ranking\NSpecial Operations Agent
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the Bioterrorism Security Assessment\NAlliance, and also the master of unlocking.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She can be placed in sexy police woman\Nand sexy pirate outfits.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Claire Redfield is a member of a\Nhuman rights organization
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that provides aid during\Nbioterrorism incidents.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She can be turned into a\Nmotorsport umbrella girl.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sherry Birkin is a US government agent working\Nwith the Division of Security Operations.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And here she’s wearing\Na schoolgirl outfit.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Helena Harper is a Secret Service agent\Nand a former member of the CIA.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Her unlockable costumes include\Nanother “sexy” police woman
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,complete with mini skirt and garter belt.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sheva Alomar is an agent for the\NBioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,operating in the West African branch.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The tribal print bikini outfit is\Nespecially disconcerting,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because it combines the sexualization\Nof a female character
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with the racist tradition of\Nexotifying women of color,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,particularly women of African ancestry.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,More on that topic in an upcoming video.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As a reward for completing the\Nmain game under specific conditions,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,players gain the ability to shove these\Nfemale police and special agents
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,into the digital equivalent of those\Npatronizing “sexy” Halloween costumes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we see mass produced every year.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These ensembles are not only completely\Ninappropriate for the mission at hand,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but also reduce otherwise capable\Ncharacters to sexual objects
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the voyeuristic enjoyment of players.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“None of this makes any sense.\NWhat did we do?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I wish I could tell ya.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The latest game in the series, 2015’s\NResident Evil: Revelations 2
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,continues this condescending\Ntradition by offering DLC
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that puts Claire Redfield into a\Nsexualized cowgirl outfit
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and forces Moira into whatever\Nthe hell that is supposed to be…?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The developers call it an\N“urban ninja” costume?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[Sigh.]
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Meanwhile, the male\Nplayable character Barry
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,gets a gentleman’s Commandant\Nalternative costume.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alternative costumes for men\Nare rarely objectifying.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They’re instead presented\Nas “tough guy” power fantasies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for other straight men to identify with.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And when men are stripped\Ndown to their beachwear
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it’s most often meant\Nas a lighthearted joke.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Shifting to an example of a game that\Ndoes alternative female costumes right,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alice: Madness Returns features a wide\Nassortment of imaginative unlockable dresses.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you must go the\N“bunnygirl” or “catgirl” route,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this right here is definitely\Nthe way to do it.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In many games experience points,\Nor XP, are earned by completing tasks
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like defeating monsters\Nor finishing quests.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once enough experience points\Nhave been accumulated
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,player characters can\Nperiodically level up,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,making them stronger or giving\Nthem access to new abilities.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Unfortunately designers sometimes\Ntie the awarding of experience points
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,directly to sexual interactions\Nwith female characters,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,effectively transforming women into\Nconduits which players can utilize
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to become more powerful warriors.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the 2007 game Conan, for example,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,dozens of half naked “maidens”\Nare chained up throughout the game.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Take me and crush me with your love!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When rescued they essentially function\Nas sexualized treasure chests
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rewarding the player\Nwith experience points
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are then used to unlock\Nmore powerful fighting moves.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“…just a bit longer”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“We’ve reached Athens.\NGet your things and get out.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A number of other games tie\Nexperience points directly to sex.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The God of War games, for instance,\Nestablished a tradition of including mini-games
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that reward the player for successfully\Nhaving sex with one or more women.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Completing these little quick-time\Nevents earn players red orbs
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are used to upgrade\Nattacks and magic.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Beginning with the 3rd game,\Nthe Grand Theft Auto series
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,allows players to buy\Nsex from prostitutes…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Get in the car.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,…and rewards them by\Nrestoring their health meter.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In Grand Theft Auto 5, players are\Ngiven additional encouragement
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to solicit prostitutes, in the\Nform of an increase to
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,their character’s stamina rating, which\Nenables those characters to sprint, swim,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or ride a bike faster for\Nlonger periods of time.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Similarly, in The Witcher 3, Geralt earns\Na handful of experience points for
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,buying sex from prostitutes, and he earns\Nmore points for sex with the “courtesans”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the wealthier districts than with the\N“strumpets” in the poor parts of the city.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Greetings to the honorable gentleman.\NWelcome, make yourself at home...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What have you come for? We’re\Nprepared to fulfill your every whim.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I like you. Like how you look,\Nlike how you smell.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When women are used as sexualized\Nexperience point dispensers,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the sexual scenarios are\Nthemselves a reward
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designed to validate the masculinity of\Npresumed straight male players.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But there’s a dual reward here: absorbing\Nthese expressions of female sexuality
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,carries with it the ability for male\Ncharacters to grow stronger, faster,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and more capable, reducing the women\Nto points in a mathematical equation
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that directly links the flippant\Nconsumption of female sexuality
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to an increase in male power.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Note that, while the consumption of\Nwomen makes male characters more powerful
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has nothing to do with mutual\Nrelationship building.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The “relationship,” such as it is, ends\Nwith sex, or rescuing the woman.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At that point, she has\Nserved her purpose.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Players have reaped the benefits\Nand her value has been depleted.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Like an empty energy drink container, she\Nis simply cast aside after being consumed.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“That was nice!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That’s hardly the only\Nproblem with female NPCs
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who are designed to function as\Nsexually objectified set dressing.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For more on the myriad of issues\Nwith these types of characters,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,see our two videos on the\NWomen as Background Decoration trope.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Collectibles are virtual\Nitems placed or hidden
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,throughout a game\Nworld for players to find.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some collectible objects have\Neffects on gameplay,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,such as boosting player stats or\Nserving as score multipliers.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Other collectibles are designed\Nsimply to be accumulated
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to provide a sense of accomplishment.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once acquired, some collectibles unlock\Nconcept art or other media fragments
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that can be viewed later in galleries\Nselected from the game’s menu screen.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When done well, collectibles inspire\Nexploration and replayability.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However, when they’re designed to\Nfunction as an extension
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the Women as Reward trope, players\Nare encouraged to view women’s bodies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as souvenirs of their adventures.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the 2010 remake of Splatterhouse\Nplayers are encouraged
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to collect ripped-up pieces of photographs\Nof the protagonist’s girlfriend
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are strewn around each level.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once the player pieces them together,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the completed images consist mostly of\Nprivate, personal sexual photos.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I swear to God, you put this on the\Ninternet, and your ass is grass, buster.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes the Women as Reward trope
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,takes the form of corporate-branded\Nproduct placement.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For instance 2K Games officially\Npartnered with Playboy to include
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,50 hidden magazines scattered throughout\NMafia 2’s open world environment.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Once found, each collectible opens\Nto reveal vintage centerfolds
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from real 1950s Playboy issues.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The discovered magazines are then\Nstored in the game’s inventory
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and are available to be perused\Nat the player’s whim.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Konami’s Metal Gear Solid series\Ntook this trend a step further
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by actually turning pornography\Ninto a weapon.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In Metal Gear Solid 4,\Nthere are Playboy magazines scattered
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,throughout the game world\Nfor players to find.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When acquired, the magazines are\Nstored in the game’s weapons inventory
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,alongside rifles and handguns,\Nand serve a dual purpose.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Players can look through the images at their\Nleisure, and also use them to set traps
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by laying the centerfolds open on the\Nbattlefield to distract enemies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Ooh, what’s this?\NHeh heh heh…heh heh heh…”\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the first Witcher game, players are\Nawarded “romance cards” for successfully
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,seducing each of over two dozen different\Nnon-playable female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Let’s take our relationship further.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Come home with me. Let me thank you”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Let’s go.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Like other examples we’ve talked about,\Nthese pornographic collectibles
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are saved in the player’s inventory and\Nare available to be ogled at anytime.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The souvenirs function as a\Nprivate trophy collection,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,encouraging players to view these female\Ncharacters as sexual conquests
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and acquire as many different flavors of\Nwomen as possible during their playthrough.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If collectibles in the player’s inventory\Nwork as a private trophy collection,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then achievements serve as a public\Ntrophy case, on display for all to see.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Achievements, or trophies,\Nare meta-goal award systems
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,built into most popular gaming platforms.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Unlike collectibles, achievements are\Nearned through in-game actions
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but awarded outside of the game environment\Nitself and have no effect on gameplay.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some achievements are rewarded\Nfor skill or completion of tasks
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while others are arbitrary\Nchallenges set up by developers.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Oh, please. Are you really just\Ndoing this for the achievement?...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Click a door five times? Is that all that\Nyou think an achievement is worth?...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, no, no, no, no. I can’t just give\Nthese merits away for such little effort.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These systems encourage “replayability”\Nand provide players with incentives
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to spend more time inside the\Ngame space experimenting
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with its environments and characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By default, your achievements are visible\Nto anyone who views your profile
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on a gaming platform and thus they allow\Nplayers to show off their gaming skill
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or dedication to their friends.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In other words, achievements are designed\Nto function as status symbols for gamers.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A whole host of games reward\Nplayers with trophies for
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,successfully having sex with\None or more female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A suspicious number of those\Nachievements are called “ladies man”.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Giggling.)\N“The Gods have truly blessed you, Kratos”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Other games in the God of War series
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,use a variety of euphemistic\Nnaming schemes for this.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the PS3 version of the original game\Nthe trophy is titled “Rockin’ the Boat.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In Ghosts of Sparta players receive the\N“A Hero’s Welcome” trophy
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in Chains of Olympus the award\Nis called “Two Girls One Spartan.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Oh, Nico! I really like you!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some games in the Grand Theft Auto series\Noffer achievements for bedding a “girlfriend.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I think she likes me.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just so we’re clear on\Nwhat’s happening here,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,players are receiving a literal trophy\Nfor “achieving sex” with a woman.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When games such as these award\Nplayers with achievements or trophies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for sexual conquests they are directly\Nreinforcing negative ways of thinking
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about the dynamics between men\Nand women in our society.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By presenting sex as an end goal of men’s\Ninteractions or relationships with women,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these games frame sexual encounters\Nas challenges to be overcome.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let me emphasize that the problem here
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not necessarily that sex\Nis included in these games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By presenting sex as a goal and\Nthen presenting players
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with an award for accomplishing that goal,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these achievements function\Nas a form of trophyism.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Simply put, trophyism is the tendency\Nfor men to view women as objects
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be collected and displayed as status\Nsymbols of their sexual prowess or virility.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These “trophy women” then\Nserve as a way for men
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to assert their social status among\Nand relative to other men.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The “fame points” system in the\N2004 version of Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,provides us with a stark\Nillustration of trophyism.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the game, romancing and then rescuing\Nany of the game’s many governors’ daughters
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not only rewards your pirate with\Nthe option to marry her,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but also wins him extra fame points.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The daughters are largely interchangeable;\Nthey don’t even have names,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and their value as a reward is\Ntied directly to their appearance.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Courting and marrying a “plain”\Ndaughter earns fewer fame points
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,than marrying an “attractive” one,\Nand marrying a “beautiful” daughter
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,earns the most points of all.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Fame points then directly\Ncontribute to the social status
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,your character achieves\Nat the end of the game.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Depending on the amount of points accrued,\Nyou could end up as anything
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from a lowly pauper\Nto a powerful governor.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Other ways to earn fame points include\Nacquiring wealth and defeating rivals.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Like all your swashbuckling escapades,\Nacquiring a woman becomes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,just another feather\Nin your proverbial cap,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,functioning to elevate your\Nprestige and renown in society.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And since, in the game’s Xbox Live Arcade\Nrelease, there are achievements
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there are achievements for getting married,\Nand for courting governors’ daughters
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from all four nations at once,\Nthese accomplishments
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,also increase your gaming status.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Achievements on Sony Playstation\Nplatforms are called “trophies”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but back when they were first introduced\Nthey were called “entitlements,”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is a fitting name for those that\Nfall into the Women as Reward trope.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Since entitlement, or more\Nspecifically “male entitlement,”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is the crux of much of what we’ve\Nbeen discussing in this video,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,let’s take a moment to define what\N“male entitlement” actually means.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,First, the word “entitlement” refers to the\Nconviction that someone deserves something,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that they are owed it,\Nthat they have a right to it.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By extension, “male entitlement”\Nis the conviction
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that men are owed something\Nby virtue of their gender.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s the belief structure that tells men they\Ndeserve to have their whims catered to,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both culturally and interpersonally.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One of the most harmful aspects\Nof male entitlement
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is the false belief that men have a right\Nto survey and use women’s bodies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This mentality carries with it a\Ncorresponding set of expectations
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about what women should provide for men.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s a worldview that primarily defines\Nwomen’s social role as vessels of sexuality,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and men’s roles as consumers\Nor patrons of that sexuality.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Unlike access to clean water\Nor health care, which should be
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,considered human rights that all people\Ndeserve simply for being human,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,access to a woman’s affections,\Nher body or her sexuality
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not a right owed to\Nanyone, except herself.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This should be obvious, but unfortunately
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,male entitlement is a pervasive\Nproblem in our culture today.