[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.