SlashGear Japan
Recently at E3 a game was announced called Fat Princess as an upcoming PSN title. It apparently has a Zelda type feel and is basically a capture the flag type game. Only instead of flags there is a princess. The princess is then fattened up by the opposing team feeding her, making it difficult for the team to save their own princess. A seemingly harmless game, however, there are a few feminists that seem to be a bit pissed off.
Now I would like to start by saying that being female and with the mindset I have, I have always had a lot of respect for most feminists. However, people like this are the reason when I say that, that I end up having to defend feminists. Mostly having to swear that not all of them are pissed off irrational women out to get any man that looks their way.
These particular women are angry because saving a fat princess is obviously a direct attack to overweight women around the world. Wait, what? They are trying to save their princess despite whether or not she’s fat, the issue is she’s just heavy. It causes an in game struggle, saving a skinny princess who can just casually get up and walk away would be too easy. Wait though, the blog Feminist Gamers has a solution!
Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest. The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry.
Oh, but that’s not as “cute” as cake and fat chicks. Right.
So how about layering, Karamari-style, a bunch of random shit on top of the chest, like shrubbery, rocks, bison, etc, that would also weight it down. That could be cute, and silly, and not reinforce nasty stereotypes about women and the obese.
I’m sorry what? What stereotypes does it reinforce?! That cake has calories and too much of it makes you gain weight? Yes, you’re right, that’s truly appalling. Do you know why they can’t just weigh her down with stuff? Because when you move a dresser, what’s the first thing you do? You don’t just pick it up with everything in it. No, you unload the things that can be unloaded to make it as easy as possible. Things tossed onto her chest could easily be shoved off. Actually, I’m feeling offended, I think that you have something against skinny girls. Obviously, you would like to crush them under a “shrubbery”. Alright, but let’s be fair though, another feminist blogger has a few more thoughts on the game.
—but the only thing I can’t figure out is why anyone would want to rescue a fat princess in the first place, since everyone knows that fat girls are unlovable human garbage at whom any sensible bloke would sooner hurl invective than cast a longing glance.
I sure hope there’s a clever dénouement like the Fat Princess magically becoming thin once she’s rescued! ‘Cuz that would rock, yo!
Anyway, congrats on your awesome new game, Sony. I’m positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative assholes. It’s not often I have the opportunity to congratulate a cutting-edge tech company on such splendiferous retrofuck jackholery. Way to go! The Fat Princess of Shakes Manor salutes you.
You get points for originality on your swearing, congratulations, you get a gold sticker. She joined that comment with a picture of her flipping the camera off, in case you were curious what that salute looked like. I’m not going to take the easy cheap shot and tell you to go on a diet or what many other people have stated. However, if this were Save the Fat Prince would it be an issue?
So we can’t have an overweight princess, I’m sure a little twiggy princess would have you off on a rant that all games just went for the stereotypical cute skinny girls. What’s left then? I’ll tell you what, you keep pissing and moaning and maybe it’d make you feel better if there were no women in games. Right, that’d piss you off too wouldn’t it? The art director for this game emailed in wondering if it helped that the concept artist was a girl. Wait no, I bet she was skinny and hates all obese women or she’s just a traitor to her own kind. It couldn’t possibly be that it’s just an innocent game and you women are just looking for the latest and greatest thing to bitch about.
On a side note I would like to point out that not all female gamers are complete jerks, just like not all male gamers are sexist pigs. Both sexes have their obnoxious types when it comes to gaming. Please don’t let these two geniuses make you look at female gamers any different than before.
[via joystiq]
14 Responses to “Sony’s Fat Princess causes angry feminists to lash out”
Hagrun July 25, 2008
When are feminists not pissed off? Isn’t it in their job description?
NeutralApril Reign July 26, 2008
As a “feminist” I can’t say this game pisses me off or interests me. However, for something truly unique how about a game based on Robert Munch’s Paper Bag Princess?
My daughter loves action games, halo, GTA, and games like Mario but we both would love to see a game where instead of the princess waiting passively to be rescued she out kicking ass and taking names. If they want to attract more female players this would be a good start.
+1jamBOT July 27, 2008
As a “Girl Gamer”, I’ve got to say that I CAN’T agree with this very weak argument. I really don’t see a problem with this game, I haven’t played “fat princess” yet, but that’s not the point here.
Again, as a “Girl Gamer”, having a fat girl in a video game is the complete opposite to the “Stereotype and cookie cutter” women that you would normally see. Extremely shinny, Tall, Beautiful, Hugemongous Boobs (with action jiggle).
I think THAT representation of women, you should be a lot more pissed-off about. Not this? Complaining about this, is pretty pointless. It’s like being concerned about the shiny chrome of your car’s bumper, when there’s a pile of dead bodies around the 20 car accident you just caused. I’m mean, get real?
What I’m saying is? There’s BIGGER things to worry about.
Now, after SO MANY YEARS of this, “visual view point”, you can easily get desensitized to it. Honestly, I don’t even see it any more — until someone (who isn’t a game, brings it up). But… to be fair, the video game industry is dominated by men. Yes, there are woman programmers, and they are making incredible changes in the industry.
It’s not like Men aren’t represented any better. They are drawing and created just a UNREALLIST as women. Sometimes more so, with personality that a mer-characters “types” that are NO WHERE NEAR, the personality of REAL men. Duke Nuke’em, for example, that guy is build like a f__king tank. Two Tanks. With canons for arms, and a big fat head. No man on this planet could look like that.
Anyway with all that being said, at the end of the day — video games are selling a “FANTASY” — this is very important, so I will say it one more time. SELLING A FANTASY, as in NOT REAL LIFE. I buy/game because they are fantasy. It a great pastime, they’re fun and challenging. And also, there are very handsome men running around on the screen. (Um… Link, from the Legend of Zelda — they draw his gorgeous eyes like that on purpose. They want you to love him, and i do!)
Come-on, there’s NO POINT in trying to DENY IT ladies? That “we” are just as attracted to handsome, muscular, well-endowed men running around on the screen, just a much as men are to, a Beautiful, well-endowed, ass-kicking, fiery Red heads (Nariko – PS3), running around half naked. So, let’s stop lying to ourselves shall we? That’s what makes us human. Unperfected, illogical (and Horny).
Society commands us to act and behave like; Perfect Weight, Perfect Hair, Non-speaking, Christian going, Vestal Virgins. The best Wives and Mothers Ever — but the REALITY of women’s lives is VERY DIFFERENT isn’t it? No woman fits into this role. It’s some made-up un-obtainable, bullsh_t, that’s been fed to us for generation. That continues to be fed on to the next generation. It’s not real. The truth is actually pretty ugly.
I live in the city, so if I want to see real life, I can simply look outside my window and see; A bunch of Rich f__kers who’ve come across the bridge to go “slumming” and drinking for the night. So they can picking-up young girls — who are so cracked out of their minds, they will do anything for another drug fix. As her pimp, who makes the deals, runs off with the money — and the poor girl is just left there to used as tonight’s drugged-up whore. Why doesn’t someone get pissed-off about that? Or is that TOO REAL for ya? Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is, honey? Help change the prostitution laws in this country, because THAT’s where the REAL cause for anger is. Or shut-up.
/Rant Over
+4Andrea July 28, 2008
“If this were rescue the fat prince, would this be an issue?”
No–at least from a feminist standpoint (perhaps there still would be from anyone who doesn’t think obesity is funny). There wouldn’t be a Fat Prince game. Who would think it was “cute” or “funny?” Who would be the people to actually buy a game like that? There’s a reason feminists are upset about this game (myself included). There’s a reason a market for a game like this exists, and it’s very upsetting. There’s also a reason the people who like these games get so defensive–look at the title of your post “..causes angry feminists to lash out.” Think about why you chose that language–I mean really think about it. Something I’d recommend reading is “Fat Talk” by Mimi Nichter. It’s a fascinating (and short) read that offers some compelling insight into how central weight is in the lives of young women.
-4REAL_Feminist July 29, 2008
A feminist is a person (female or male of any age) who believes that women deserve the same rights and freedoms as men. The objections to this game have more to do with human rights than feminism. The stereotype being reinforced is that fat is funny, because fat is indeed the last “acceptable” predjudice. If the game were “Jewish Princess” or “African-American Princess” and the object was to distract her with items associated with that particular stereotype, most people wouldn’t question any objections raised about the appropriateness of the game because racist stereotypes are not acceptable in this day and age. If the character in the game was gay and you had to throw him or her off with homosexually stereotyped items, it would never make it to the shelves, because homophobia is unacceptable in this day and age. The problem here is that people think it’s okay to target a group of people because of their appearance. The fact that Sony thinks it’s okay just backs up the obvious truth that the human race still has a long way to go.
-8Jen July 29, 2008
“The fact that Sony thinks it’s okay just backs up the obvious truth that the human race still has a long way to go.”
Sorry Toots…I think you have a long way to go. Quit taking evverything so seriously. Take a breath. Laugh. Its funny. The Fat Princess is a great idea. Rock on Sony. If you have a problem with “Fat”, get in shape. This is america. We have the right to mock Fatties all we want. Its there fault anyway. You can’t help being black or jewish, but you can help your body size. Quit being a lazy blog troll and go for a jog. BTW i’m a skinny woman. Loathe me.
+3Nicole July 30, 2008
“If the game were “Jewish Princess” or “African-American Princess” and the object was to distract her with items associated with that particular stereotype, most people wouldn’t question any objections raised about the appropriateness of the game because racist stereotypes are not acceptable in this day and age.” – REAL_Feminist
You are absolutely correct. We would all be super ticked off. Why? Because those are traits that you CAN’T change. No matter what, no black woman can change her heritage to be white, even if she blotches her skin with bleaching cream. Same for Jewish women.
I’m really sorry, but being fat is an ABSOLUTELY fixable condition, barring your being stuck in a wheelchair and being quadriplegic – and even quadriplegics are able to join their own version of the olympics.
This isn’t a matter of it being a fat woman or enforcing a stereotype. Fat people (barring those with TRUE genetic conditions), get fat by one method – overeating. There’s no stereotype about that.
As a woman who was fat and decided to get my big giant ass to the gym and work out and eat right until it came the hell off, I don’t mind this game at all. Those people who are up in arms over this being a stereotype need to drop it. Fat is a choice, and it’s a choice that can be done and then undone. I’ve been there and done it. This isn’t a matter of sexism… it’s a matter of will power.
I guarantee you, if you are a fat woman (like I was), if you eat right, watch how much food you put in your mouth, get yourself to a gym, read up on what exercises to do, how much to do, and when (www.bodybuilding.com is a good start), you will not be fat for much longer.
+3Patrick July 30, 2008
I applaud you! And thank you for reassuring me, a “guy gamer,” that not all female gamers are agreeing with SHAKESVILLE. I haven’t played it but I here more good things than bad, and it looks awesome. I love artsy games so i’m pretty sure I will be picking this one up (Especially when they are as gory as this one) =p Hope to see some of you “girl gamers” kicking my butt at this game when it comes out!!! Hahaha
NeutralPSN Shelby221
Kelly July 30, 2008
Did you even read the article? She wasn’t talking about throwing stuff on the chest of a person, she was talking about substituting a chest for a person.
That is a chest, you know, a box? Like something to contain valuables?
Also, one of the bigger complaints is the objectification of women. Leaving aside the fat issue, the goal of this game is to lock up a woman (apparently, an object), to keep men from taking her. Or to steal a woman (again, an object) from other men. As if women were something to be held captive just to keep men happy!
The fat thing enters play because there’s so much hype about an ideal weight. Many women develop anorexia or bulimia because there’s so much pressure to stay thin. Because, of course, a woman’s value is solely based on how she looks. While I think that this is the lesser issue, it is actually slightly offensive that the game makers would make light of this problem.
And to those who think that weight is determined solely by activity level or food intake level, do some research. There are chemicals released in the brain when a person is under stress which tells the body to retain fat. There is also evidence that genetics can play a serious role in weight gain, to the point where I’ve heard geneticists say that they can make pretty good guesses on a person’s BMI and weight based on their DNA. If you’ve successfully lost weight by working out and dieting, good for you! That’s an awesome accomplishment! However, the weight loss industry wouldn’t make as much as it does if it was easy for everyone to lose weight.
Neutraldogbird August 4, 2008
Kelly
Fat GUYS have problems getting girlfriend as well. Remember high school?
There is the matter of being fat… having acne… being a nerd… wearing eye glasses.
They all have complained… “Napoleon Dynamite makes fun of me! Wah!”
Either way, your complaints go nowhere, other than a few online articles. Also, most fat boys and girls I know eat 30 hamburgers a day…. per 5 hours.
NeutralMarcelo August 4, 2008
Oh boy this again. I hear a whole lot of a excuses and not enough action by those who somehow are now turning this into a FAT issue. Please for the sake of yourself, please stop making excuses of why something happen. You’re an adult, assuming so anyway.
This is how you know this is a non issue, when the core of the issue is so diluted and frayed that it wavers from what the real issue actually is. It went from a woman’s issue to a fat issue to a fat woman’s issue. When you dictated how your life will be affected by a video game, then you really need assest what you are doing with life in general. I’m not saying “it’s just a game” but this game is no more likely to reinforce bad stereotype of fat women than Candyland influencing poor eating habits.
+1lucas October 21, 2008
Is there a power up where she sticks her fingers down her throat to be lighter and easier to move?
+6the world sucks January 18, 2009
i am confused about what the feminists are so angry about. They are complaining that all these men are trying to rescue this fat women but wait doesn’t that imply that fat chick aren’t allowed to be rescued by men because they are well fat. And then there is they fact that they are saying that this game is implying that women are weak and need rescuing…. so should be get rid of books/movie like beauty and the beast or Cinderella and many other classic children’s tales.
+2Craft January 20, 2009
Honestly, all I see is crying. Crying about being a female in a game and being fat, which does not and never will go hand in hand. I don’t see them complaining about female figures like Lara Croft or Nariko from Heavenly Sword, where both FANTASY characters can do impossible things, just like in this, you dont eat a slice of cake and gain 50lbs! This game, a medieval times based game, is based on where most books or stories about rescuing someone, were a Princess. The fact that she is fat and gets fatter by feeding her cake IS REALITY! You eat a lot of cake, you get fat DUH! Unfortunately for those people out there that think this game is being anti-feminist are idiots and don’t remember two things: (1) it is a fantasy game, not depicting anyone real, and (2) the game isn’t Skinny Model Stereotype Princess, or Dress Up Barbie Princess, which is more of a stereotype then anything. You’re gonna hate it because you want to be seen equal to men, hence you are feminist. And look, you are: The Concept Artist was a female, probably some programmers for the game as well, and the people that market the game, and the people that sell the game, even the people giving customer service so you can download this great game. You are an idiot if you think this game is mocking females at all, you are looking too deep into something that was made for fun, if it was a chest of gold – NEWS FLASH – no one would buy it, it would be just like a billion other games out there. A few posts up a female gamer posted that she disagrees with the feminists bashing this game, and she even writes about being fat. It is a lifestyle, it is the persons choice, unless an underlying genetic disease lays, and is totally controllable. Not only can it be fixed by exercising or eating right, but we live in the new millennium, where you can get surgery if you feel ashamed of being large. For those people, most of the time they do not have the will power to start the process of dieting/exercising.
So please, next time you bash a game for being so called “sexist”, consider the fact that maybe your views are skewed from having your head in your ass for so long.
+2