Damsel in Distress: Part 1 - Tropes vs Women in Video Games

This video explores how the Damsel in Distress became one of the most widely used gendered clichés in the history of gaming and why the trope has been core to the popularization and development of the medium itself.  As a trope the Damsel in Distress is a plot device in which a female character is placed in a perilous situation from which she cannot escape on her own and must then be rescued by a male character, usually providing a core incentive or motivation for the protagonist’s quest.

ABOUT THE VIDEO SERIES
The Tropes vs Women in Video Games project aims to examine the plot devices and patterns most often associated with female characters in gaming from a systemic, big picture perspective. This series will include critical analysis of many beloved games and characters, but remember that it is both possible (and even necessary) to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of it’s more problematic or pernicious aspects.

For more examples of the Damsel in Distress see our Tumblr for this series: http://tropesversuswomen.tumblr.com

Visit http://www.feministfrequency.com for more information, videos and a full transcript.

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  1. the-mermaids-against-misogyny reblogged this from femfreq
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  9. anthonyhj reblogged this from femfreq and added:
    Part one of three. Really worth a look if you work in games. Part two is the previous post, so just scroll down.
  10. getdownliberty reblogged this from femfreq and added:
    I was going to post the second video in this series, but it comes with a trigger warning so I’ll let you find your way...
  11. thetcwashere reblogged this from femfreq and added:
    I laughed my ass off at the Double Dragon remake. They even had the damage count. XD I like how this doesn’t say that...
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    I have played a fair amount of video games in my life, and you know what? When given the option I ALWAYS picked a girl...
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