Twitch streamer Asmongold has recently sparked controversy by predicting that Naughty Dog’s highly anticipated game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, will struggle commercially due to its female protagonist’s appearance. The game, which was unveiled during the 2024 Game Awards on December 12, has garnered mixed reactions, particularly surrounding the character of Jordan A. Mun, a spacefaring bounty hunter.
Critics on social media have expressed their disdain for Jordan’s appearance, alleging that her shaved head and minimalist aesthetic render her “ugly.”This backlash has raised questions about character design and its impact on player engagement.
Asmongold’s Commercial Failure Prediction
Asmongold emphasizes that games that receive negative backlash at the time of their announcement often see poor commercial performance. He predicts a similarly dismal fate for Intergalactic, stating, “Making an ugly character actually is, at best, a net-zero effect, and in almost all cases, a negative effect.”His perspective highlights a belief that the gaming industry prioritizes aesthetically pleasing designs to attract audiences.
He further argues, “Why would anybody do that? The mindset of including elements in a game that players actively dislike could overshadow the overall player experience.”Asmongold suggests that this approach may indicate broader issues within the game’s design, hinting at a disconnect with potential audiences.
Additionally, he points out that the target demographic for a sci-fi action-adventure game such as Intergalactic is predominantly male. Asmongold argues that this audience is less likely to resonate with a character they perceive as unattractive, which he believes could further impact the game’s sales potential.
Contrasting Asmongold’s claims, streamer Hasan expressed disbelief at the idea that enjoyment of a game could hinge solely on the physical attractiveness of its characters. This conversation indicates a broader discourse within the gaming community regarding character representation and player preferences.
This issue of character appearance is not unique to Intergalactic. For example, the character Ciri from the upcoming The Witcher 4 has also faced criticism over her depiction, with some fans questioning her role as the main character due to perceived unattractiveness.
If this trend continues, developers may need to reassess their approach to character design and consider the diverse preferences of modern gamers in order to avoid commercial pitfalls.
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