Mithrandir,Jul 26 2005, 04:26 PM Wrote:Do some guys honestly buy games for the pixelated babes? I have the distinct impression that game companies have convinced themselves that more computer generated fake boobies = more sales, when it is in fact not true.
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As a red blooded young man, I view any nice pixelated babes as a bonus, not actually an important aspect of the game. A little eye candy doesn't hurt in my mind, but it must be done with taste and moderation. I choose a game on its gameplay foremost, storyline and writing secondary, and graphics a distant third place.
On the other hand, many console games with scantily clad heroines do quite well in sales. Some of the game companies have simply picked up on this, and realise that catching the eyes of your average teenage male may be worth turning off a few of your more mature players. Take a look at most any playstation 1 or 2 roleplaying game, and check out who's on the cover. Most fighting games also showcase female characters on the covers. Babes are no substitute for good gameplay, but they can certainly call attention to your game. Look at some of D2's promo posters featuring the amazon; they certainly made her eye catching in proportion, even though D2 doesn't really count on its graphics for sales.
The entertainment market in general has proven that sex sells. Look at movies and television nowadays. How long did Baywatch run? Then there's the less extreme such as Law and Order SUV. It's identical to the original Law and Order, except every crime is a sex crime. Talk about catering to the market. I can't really blame the game companies for cashing in.
Quote: have the distinct impression that game companies have convinced themselves that more computer generated fake boobies = more sales, when it is in fact not true.
Look to japan, and you'll see an absolutley enormous market for fake boobies. Many of our games in the US have large asian influences in their developemant.
EDIT: As an example of CGI babes, I was just thinking about Flagship's trailer for hellgate:london and what I was thinking as they first showed the female templar:
1. Wow, she looks great in that form fitting jump suit.
2. That armor is completely ridiculous.
3. She looks alot like the girl in that awful final fantasy movie.
I would have been just as happy with the trailer if she had been decked out head to toe in full plate, but the way they designed her certainly appeals to the male crowd. Now if only we had some good idea of the actual gameplay...