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Naughty Dog Responds to Claim that The Last of Us is Geared Toward Men

 



Posted December 31, 2013 by

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As both a female gamer and game developer, it makes sense that Alexandria Neonnakis would respond to New York Times’ Chris Sullentrop’s claim that The Last of Us is “another videogame made by men, for men and about men” and that Ellie is at best “sometimes powerful female character.” Neonakis belives that this is not the case, and in fact believes that The Last of Us is not a game that was geared with specifically a male fanbase In mind. Be warned, Neonakis was open with her response, which means that spoilers will ensue.

“Ellie’s power comes from her bravery, ingenuity and determination throughout the game,” Neonakis wrote. “It was also shown in her ability during the game’s final moment to accept Joel for all of his flaws and forgive him, because she understood that he needed her more than she needed him. She was ultimately the hero of this story. She’s powerful the whole time, and it had nothing to do with wielding a gun or physical ability. In an industry that more often than not represents women as either a damsel in distress or a male character in a female body, this was a triumph in storytelling and representation.”

One might argue that players take on the role of Joel significantly more than they take on the role of Ellie, which is true but Neonakis reiterates that it’s not the time spent playing as Ellie that matters so much as the quality of the scenes. “As “Ellie’s fight with David was the most important experience I’ve had playing a game,” she stated. It felt like an apology for all the superficial, weak female characters in games, along with all of the people in my own experiences who told me I couldn’t do this and I don’t belong here.”

Neonakis also stated, “Her journey from a damsel in distress to a fully capable and complex character is made clear through the relationships she develops with Joel,” Neonakis added. “Likewise, Joel’s growth could not have happened without Ellie. This was not a game ‘about men.’ It was about a mutual relationship and about how people need one another.”

 

 

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Source: Escapist


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