It's got nothing to do with the games themselves. More to do with the people playing them.
Most gamers care about gameplay first and foremost.
If devs make a game that doesn't impose any gender roles and for example where you play as an "unattractive" female (by hyper sexualization standards) trying to rescue a helpless man in distress. I can assure you most gamers will still enjoy playing it if the gameplay is amazing. It just might not sell as much but it will still get 9/10.
Blaming gamers is like blaming a little girl/boy for wanting to buy a hyper sexualized doll. The kid will get the doll no matter what. But those who made the doll designed it to be hypersexual/sexist.
They sell and encourage this image of women being a sexual object and a home maid ballerina servant muffin cooking machine.
On the other hand, Game of Thrones has a lot of rape scenes, murder, theft, racism and generally horribly violent and intolerant characters. Enjoying Game of Thrones as a viewer doesn't make you racist, pro-rape or pro-murder. The racism, murders, rape and overall sex scenes aren't even necessary to make a great and interesting show. It's just there because it fits with the cruel medieval world they are trying to convey. So sexism, violence and racism in video games and movies shouldn't always be considered wrong. In this sense, yes I agree it's the people watching/playing who have a problem if they agree with the rapist or the racist characters. BUT...
coolwhip said:
As in, the games don't influence people's mentalities regarding females. At least not to any substantial degree.
Unfortunately I think they can influence people. Especially considering that 7-12 years old kids play a lot of mature games. Of course you're gonna say it's the parents fault but we both know only blaming the parents is silly. Most people here played MK when they were like 6-8 years old lol. And parents can't stop their 12 years old son from watching South Park, if he really wants to check it out he'll find a way just like we did.
So I believe developers and directors still have a big responsibility because they are in a position of influence and power. They shouldn't always portray stereotypical gender roles and present women as victim/prize sexual objects. Just sometimes, when it's "fitting" in a game world's context.