Korean Video Game Slammed For “Disgusting” Oversexualization Of Women

The latest action-adventure video game, “Stellar Blade” — released this month by Shift Up and Sony Interactive Entertainment — has sparked significant controversy over its depiction of women, particularly its main character, Eve.

Despite receiving generally positive feedback for its gameplay and story, the game faces backlash for what many see as an unnecessary sexualization of its female protagonist.

“Stellar Blade” is set in a post-apocalyptic scenario where humanity has been forced off Earth by monstrous entities known as Naytibas. Players follow Eve, a cybernetically enhanced soldier, and her team as they embark on a mission to reclaim Earth.

However, the game has not escaped criticism, especially concerning Eve’s character design and marketing tactics. Critics have pointed out that the game’s promotional materials heavily focus on Eve’s sexual appeal, featuring her in revealing outfits and suggestive poses.

Stellar Blade physical copies still have the original version of this outfit, while digital ones feature the alternate one

Which version have you bought? Physical or digital? (cheers for the footage @AokiShizuku) #PlayStation #PS5 #Gaming pic.twitter.com/HPiTqhfgIP

— Rino (@RinoTheBouncer) April 27, 2024

Next Gen physics | Stellar Blade | PS5 pic.twitter.com/QV9QZEXUTF

— Pure PlayStation (ピュア プレイステーション) (@Pure_PS) March 12, 2024

According to reviews, Eve is portrayed with disproportionately exaggerated physical features and spends the majority of the game in a form-fitting suit. Players can even put her in an alternative costume called the “skin suit,” which makes the character look almost nude.

Saw some people redund Stellar Blade because the Bunny suit now covers a little bit cleavage, when other outfits practically leave nothing to the imagination. I understand fighting censorship, but you guys need therapy. pic.twitter.com/SviItV1yR1

— Nicola (@Nick_Marseil) April 26, 2024

Stellar Blade is GOTY pic.twitter.com/x9pwGqiscz

— mrphillipchan (@mrphillipchan) April 27, 2024

These design choices have been defended by the game’s director, Kim Hyung Tae, who claims that since the game is played from a third-person perspective focusing on the character’s rearview, it is important to make this angle visually pleasing. Further stirring controversy, Shift Up revealed that Eve’s body was digitally modeled after Shin Jae Eun, a well-known South Korean influencer, chosen for what the game director described as her “most attractive-looking body.”

I like how Eve gets her sword back by kicking it out of the enemy #StellarBlade pic.twitter.com/3NqAHkaB5m

— kirachem (@kirachem) April 23, 2024

“Stellar Blade”‘s depiction of Eve has led to an uproar among certain segments of the gaming community. Critics have argued that such a portrayal is not only impractical for a combat scenario but also undermines the game’s narrative integrity. They question the effectiveness of a combatant who wears such revealing attire on the battlefield.

Stellar Blade

Todos los Outfits de #StellarBlade.#PlayStation #PlayStation5 #PS5 pic.twitter.com/n80lajaRpc

— PlanetaPlaystation (@Planeta_Play_) April 25, 2024

Eve sitting on a bench in Eidos 7 #StellarBlade pic.twitter.com/1j6UubnOu8

— kirachem (@kirachem) April 26, 2024

On the other hand, some gamers view this as a typical industry practice or simply appreciate the character design’s aesthetics without deeper scrutiny. You can watch the launch trailer for “Stellar Blade” here: