Suspension of Disbelief: It Lifts, It Separates!

One of the things I find interesting in the development of computer games is the selective application of the increased realism that has been made possible by improvements in game engine technology.  I have mentioned this point in previous posts in reference to the anatomical improbabilities possessed by characters such as Lara Croft, and in the character personalization options in the upcoming Rumble Roses XX.  What I find to be ironic is that there has been an industry-wide movement toward more realism through the function of, for example, physics AI in computer game design, without there necessarily  being a concurrent application of that ideal to the creation of certain female body parts. This point has generated the response that games are not about realism, but rather fantasy, and thus do not have an obligation to represent women realistically. It is this response that I want to address in this post rather than my original point that brought it about.

The idea that games are about fantasy rather than realism, as an either/or possibility, seems counter intuitive to me, especially in light of the increase in realism in some of the more successful recent computer games such as Doom 3 and Half Life 2.  These game environments are more realistic than ever while at the same time being convincing fantasy environments that are a reflection of the science-fiction at the heart of their stories.  Increased realism in computer games works hand in hand with the fantasy elements, providing for a greater ease of suspension of disbelief, and the possibility of the experience of deeper immersion for the game player.

What I feel is at the heart of this confusion is an underlying difference in the experience of suspension of disbelief between male and female gamers when encountering certain game elements.  The elements necessary to maintain suspension of disbelief in computer games are highly subjective to the individual player, so any attempt at trying to qualify these elements is fraught with conflict.  Likewise, the psychological state of suspension of disbelief is wrapped up in an equally elusive concept of immersion.  Difficult enough as it is to try and understand the psychological underpinnings of these experiences; to then try to make generalizations of how these experiences differ between men and women makes it even more complex.

In order to experience suspension of disbelief, one needs to not be aware that one is doing the actual suspending.  Wikipedia defines suspension of disbelief as:

". . . a willingness of a reader or viewer to suspend his or her critical faculties to the extent of ignoring minor inconsistencies so as to enjoy a work of fiction."

The critical faculties are turned off to the inconsistencies, making it possible to enjoy the fictional experience of the computer game. Awareness of this happening would interrupt the process, basically making it not happen.  This is why realism and fantasy are not polar opposites, but rather, cooperative qualities in game design.  Increased realism in game environments; atmospheric conditions, lighting, depth of view, detail, interactive physics (such as those offered by the Havoc physics engine); all contribute a soothing effect on our critical faculties, making it easier to engage in a believable way with the fantasy elements of a particular game environment.  Half Life 2 is a perfect example of this in action, as the experience of being in that game world immediately transports you into the fantasy of the story line.

I feel it is pretty safe to say that women and men have different impressions of male and female game characters in computer games.  Exaggerated female body parts may fall into the category of fantasy elements that men are willing to accept, but for women, this might just be the fantasy killer that interrupts her experience of suspended disbelief.  A woman knows intuitively that having to haul around an enormous rack would make, for example, Lara Croft’s acrobatics impossible.  For a male playing the same game this might never arise as a conflict, and likewise enjoying the presence of such things, he may never be aware that suspension of disbelief is required to maintain his immersion in the story line. 

From the perspective of a woman playing computer games, the inclusion of female protagonists in possession of more realistic proportions would mean the possibility of a better experience of immersion in the fantasy of the game environment.  It is possible that for many male players the opposite might also be true, that a move in that direction could represent a barrier to immersion.  I don’t think this has to be the case, and images of the latest manifestation of Lara Croft at least suggests a step is being made in that direction. I expect that deeper than what the characters look like, the quality of the story holds the greatest potential to engage players of either gender and should be the focus of those wanting to create new games that reach a wider audience.

Comments

[Maelstrom]

Your analysis here is really good and I think the basis of your opinion is well stated. I feel that many other similar pieces give the average guy an impression that the author doesn't like characters with big boobs and guys are left to speculate as to why. It's also interesting to see that what you're looking for in a female character (immersion into a better gaming experience) is different than what some others are looking for (something that doesn't make them feel bad about themselves) but the solution is the same.

Thanks for taking the time to expand on this, there is a lot here to consider.

[Kat]

I don't know about other women, but it's hard to lose myself in the game and enjoy it when I play a physically impossible female character. I feel insecure (for not looking like her), annoyed (for having it reinforced that I must look like her), and objectified (because she is a result of the male gaze penetrating every female form, real or not, and it extends through her onto me). That's not fun, and it takes an extraordinary game for me to ignore the displeasure.

[Lake Desire]

Great analysis, GL! I enjoyed reading it.

[Guilded Lily]

Maelstrom -

You said: "I feel that many other similar pieces give the average guy an impression that the author doesn't like characters with big boobs and guys are left to speculate as to why."

I will generalize here and say that for most women the reasons are as obvious as the big boobs themselves. To then have to explain why that might be annoying, when it seems so obvious in the first place, just adds to feelings of annoyance. This doesn't necessarily make for good communication, which is one reason I took the time to write this post.

I am hoping though that I can leave the topic of Lara's largess behind for now, having spent what I feel is enough time on the topic. - Guilded Lily

[Guilded Lily]

Kat -

You bring up an excellent point, that for many women there is a conscious choice being made - a trade-off between playing a great game, and what degree of sexism that is worth ignoring in order to play it. Thanks - Guilded Lily

[jo]

Good post.

I want to play a cool female character with whom I can identify with, not someone only made to please the male gaze. Do you hear me, gaming industry?

[Guilded Lily]

Thanks Jo - It is pretty simple, isn't it. - Guilded Lily

[breenaronan]

LOL! I just got this image in my head of male characters running around with giant dangly bits. (Might make it difficult to run.)

[Guilded Lily]

Ha! - Supersize the codpieces - how silly would THAT be?!

[bigwig]

not just giant dangly bits. if all things are to be made equal, they would have to be giant dangly bits that jiggle when they fire their bows and run around.

[Maelstrom]

I'd be fine with that. Especially if I could hold an extra knife with it.

[Guilded Lily]

Well, that's an image I could have done without.

[Brinstar]

I think I saw an anime like that once. :-P Eeek.

[Guilded Lily]

Eeek is right!

Calling Dr. Freud! Calling Dr. Freud! Emergency! - GL

[Maelstrom]

Sorry, when I have nothing serious to add my simple sense of humor comes out. Although, sometimes it's only funny to me..

[aidan]

I wouldn't exactly call the male characters in games "true to life" or "realistic" either.

Should men (or boys) feel insecure for not living up to the standard games set for pectoral size, muscle mass, etc?

[nobody]

A lot of words to say very little. Forget the games. Get out and enjoy the sun.

[Guilded Lily]

Nobody -

Does the sun actually shine where you live? Lucky! - GL

[bro]

I'd like to second aidan's comment. Have you noticed the chest, arm and thigh sizes of male characters? Guilded Lily makes some excellent points here but Lara is just a particularly odious example and those points apply equally well to male game players. If we fellas even once compare our own arms to those of our in-game characters the illusion is broken.

(Need I even mentioned action movies where all male actors, regardless of the part they are playing, have exquisite, ripling physiques?)

I think there's room for games with more reasonably proportioned characters of both genders -- and I look forward to seeing this market niche filled.

[Guilded Lily]

Aidan & Bro -

Please see my new post HERE. - GL