The Extent of the Skimpy Armor Effect in GW2

Let's face it, the objectification of women in video games is not going to end tomorrow. Perhaps it will never end. As long as there is an audience for scantily clad females, there will be scantily clad females.

 [Why? Boobs. That's why.] 

Now, I'm not promoting the complete eradication of anything that anyone finds to be objectifying women (or men). What I have a problem with is people outright denying the prevalence of objectified women (compared to men) in video games and geek culture in general, or that is a problem.

This has been a heatedly debated topic recently, especially in regard to Guild Wars 2, and whether it will follow the same tried formula to attract potential male players and possibly alienate female players, as Guild Wars 1 did to some extent. (Miku in Winds of Change? Her top is basically a bra over a fishnet vest.)

I did a very informal statistical analysis just recently, comparing male and female armors in the concept art that has been shown, as well as what's included in the Assets Kit. While skimpiness of armor did not end up being completely independent from the gender of (human/norn) characters, I do not think we have cause to worry yet, for two reasons:

1. Guild Wars 2, as the developers have said, is about having choice. People should have the option of having fully armored characters... and, well, not very well protected characters. Despite more skimpy armor for females, there is an abundance of armor sets for both genders which cover a reasonable amount of skin.

[Like this one... wait... ok maybe not this one...]

2. Guild Wars 2 isn't finished yet. We really don't have any caused to worry that in the final game everyone will be running around in bikinis! (Though some people would love that, I suppose.)

As you see, while there may be cause for well-intentioned concern, there's nothing to rage over... yet. (Not until they add an option for completely topless females, anyway). But there is something I, and probably others, find irksome that has to do with the differences between male and female armor.

When for the exact same set, the female version shows much more skin than the male or is excessively feminized, then I start feeling annoyed. Take it with a grain of salt, since I'm judging mostly from concept art, but these sets right here show exactly what I'm talking about:

[From the Guild Wars 2 Wiki]

Notice how, for all the changed armors, the change gives maximum attention to a certain part of the female anatomy? How disappointing would it be to see this awesome set of armor on a male character with this long coat and fluffy mantelet, only to find that the female version looks like it just stepped out of a stripper's wardrobe?

In my opinion, the armors I've linked to above should just become two separate sets, one with reasonable amount of exposed skin, the other less dressed, for those who prefer it. (Let the males show some skin too!)

I have one last extremely serious proposal, since I've been neglecting opponents of skimpy armor. Have the defense capability of the armor reflect how much skin is covered. Next time you see a bimbo in a bikini in PvP? You know what to do.

[Guess who's not winning this round?]