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A sociological exploration of a female character in the Metroid videogames series

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The Computer Games Journal

Abstract

Within the industry of videogames, the customers can have a substantial effect on the games, which are further developed. The users of videogames can be vocal in their approval and disapproval, and in their suggestions on future implementation and changes. It has been demonstrated that their comments and requests have a direct effect on the next game, or future game, to be produced. The players are not passive receptors to videogames media, but active participants in a mutual relationship with those who create the videogames that they play. This paper provides an exploration of videogames, and on how their use are significantly embedded in the portrayal of female characters, in that portrayals and stereotypes can be (and are) both reinforced and challenged, and are in perpetual modes of creation and recreation through dynamics of interaction between game developers and gamers themselves.

This study focused on the portrayal and perceptions surrounding the female character Samus Aran, the main protagonist featured in two of the Metroid games series: Metroid Prime and Metroid: Other M. Opinions regarding Samus Aran were sourced from online forum websites and games magazines including IGN.com, EDGE magazine and Metacritic.com. The evidence suggests that the videogame players’ opinions and requests for various gameplay elements did influence the Metroid developers’ later designs and modifications to the Sanus Aran character in later versions.

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Abbreviations

FPS:

first-person shooter

RTS:

real-time strategy

RPG:

role-playing game

MMO:

massively multiplayer online

MUD:

multi-user dungeon (sometimes called a multi-user domain)

MMORPG:

massively multiplayer online role-playing game. (e.g. World of Warcraft)

3D:

three dimensional

2D:

two dimensional

NPC:

non-player character

PC:

generally, personal computer, may also mean player character

NES:

Nintendo Entertainment System

SNES:

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

GBA:

GameBoy Advance

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  1. University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK

    Katherine Roberts

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Roberts, K. A sociological exploration of a female character in the Metroid videogames series. The Computer Games Journal 1, 82–108 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395968

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