Please reconsider gender-locked classes for PoE2

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jsuslak313 wrote:
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Ethak wrote:

While it's true that some players may not find character gender to be a significant factor in their gaming experience, for a substantial segment of the gaming community, it holds considerable importance. The ability to choose a character that aligns with their gender identity can greatly enhance their immersion and enjoyment of the game. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about representation and feeling connected to the game world.


This is a demonstrably and categorically false statement....and one that is widely used by folks on your side of the argument.

IF it were true that a "substantial" segment of the community cares that much about this....the games I mentioned above wouldn't be nearly as popular as they are. Additionally, there would be far more posts about this on forums of this game, among others.

In fact, it is an incredibly SMALL segment of the community that cares about this while most recognize that....it doesn't matter at all.


Your description of costs shows a complete lack of knowledge of the pricetag of the things you describe...perhaps think and research a bit before you start spouting off wildly incorrect statements (especially when numbers are in play). Voice acting alone can cost 10s of thousands and that is likely the cheapest part of the equation.

We don't have, or at least I can't find, a specific study that dives into the "profits associated with non-genderlocked player characters", but I can almost guarantee that in almost all cases, the costs would outweigh the potential new customers that may be brought in. I would suggest this is even more true of free-to-play games. People are not going to be "more likely to play" PoE 2 if they can play as a female marauder AND a male marauder: they are going to play or leave regardless if they like the gameplay loop itself.

Can you really name a single person that would agree with this statement?
"Man, that new <x> game looks AMAZING.......oh darn but I can't play it because the classes are gender locked". Because that would be the ONLY additional customer that spending millions on additional genders would actually bring in....


Recent research in the field of game studies suggests that the importance of character gender identity in video games is not as marginal as you propose.

Studies have shown that character representation can significantly affect players' immersion and enjoyment, as well as influence their perception of gender roles. For example, a study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that players often seek characters that reflect their own identity, including gender, which enhances their gaming experience.

Moreover, the International Journal of Communication published research indicating that gender representation in games could shape players' attitudes and behaviors, further underlining the importance of inclusive character options.

As for the cost estimates regarding voice acting and other development costs, these can indeed vary widely based on a project's scope and scale. However, it's also worth noting that games with more inclusive character options have been commercially successful and well-received by diverse audiences. This suggests that the investment in inclusivity can potentially lead to a broader player base and higher engagement.

While it is true that gameplay is a crucial factor, the ability to identify with a character can also play a significant role in attracting and retaining players. The idea is not to argue but to recognize that diversity and representation in gaming can enrich the experience for many players.

I hope this information is helpful and contributes constructively to the discussion. Let's focus on fostering a more inclusive gaming environment that respects and values all players' experiences.
Last edited by Ethak#6968 on Dec 25, 2023, 11:31:53 AM
I would like the choice between Male/Female thats my 2 cents.
Another one of those 2edged swords here... I admit I'd prefer playing (with) male Chars, but a few of the dialog lines of the girls are an interesting change of perspective - though of course, In POE not only straight men turn lovers into Monsters. Now let's send Merveil, Dialla and Fidelitis to group therapy...
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jsuslak313 wrote:
Additionally, you open a very slippery slope here: what about non-traditional genders? Should all classes now have options for male, female, hermaphrodite, nonbinary, xyz? You are being just as exclusive asking for a male and female variant than what it currently is.

What if I don't want a human at all? All classes should have a cat or lizard variant.

It's clear you're not saying this out of actual concern for non-binary people ("hermaphrodite" really gives it away), so it's extremely disrespectful to weaponise their existence as a mocking argument against their own representation. Grow up.
As GusTheCrocodile rightly pointed out, using the existence of non-binary and other gender-diverse individuals as a rhetorical device to dismiss calls for inclusivity is not only disrespectful but also counterproductive to the discussion. It's important to recognize the difference between mocking and advocating for genuine representation.

Advocating for gender options in games is not about excluding anyone; it's about broadening representation to include those who have traditionally been overlooked in gaming narratives. It's not about having every possible identity represented initially but about taking steps towards inclusivity.

It's evident that inclusivity in gaming is an ongoing conversation that requires empathy and willingness to understand perspectives different from our own.

The language and examples chosen to be used, such as "hermaphrodite," is an outdated and often considered offensive term for intersex individuals, suggesting a lack of consideration for the real and valid identities of many people.
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/2665558 here's an older thread trying to ask for the same thing before they announced they broke their word on PoE2 being a proper expansion to PoE1. (shared endgame)


Immersion matters and playing a character you can't relate to can be a real problem in regards to your immersion.

Innocence forgives you
Last edited by SilentSymphony#3358 on Dec 25, 2023, 8:33:29 PM
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SilentSymphony wrote:
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/2665558 here's an older thread trying to ask for the same thing before they announced they broke their word on PoE2 being a proper expansion to PoE1. (shared endgame)


Immersion matters and playing a character you can't relate to can be a real problem in regards to your immersion.


PoE has never been about immersion. This isn't Skyrim. This is take whatever character and get blasting. Characters have their fixed backstory (you are playing the witch, not a witch), but it hardly matters for anything besides a few voice lines and dialogues.

I'd rather they focus on delivering amazing gameplay than catering to that fantasy
The opposite of knowledge is not illiteracy, but the illusion of knowledge.
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ArtCrusade wrote:
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SilentSymphony wrote:
https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/2665558 here's an older thread trying to ask for the same thing before they announced they broke their word on PoE2 being a proper expansion to PoE1. (shared endgame)


Immersion matters and playing a character you can't relate to can be a real problem in regards to your immersion.


PoE has never been about immersion. This isn't Skyrim. This is take whatever character and get blasting. Characters have their fixed backstory (you are playing the witch, not a witch), but it hardly matters for anything besides a few voice lines and dialogues.

I'd rather they focus on delivering amazing gameplay than catering to that fantasy


It's interesting to see how the same game can be valued differently based on individual player perspectives. While you may prioritize the gameplay experience and view the characters' backstories as secondary, others may find those narrative elements to be crucial to their enjoyment.

Your point that Path of Exile focuses more on action and character progression rather than an immersive storyline like Skyrim is well-taken. However, for some players, the lore and the identity of the character they're playing are integral to their gaming experience. Even in action-focused games, these aspects can create a sense of belonging and purpose within the game world.

It's true that you're playing a predefined character in Path of Exile, such as the witch, with a specific backstory. This design choice contributes to the game's narrative structure. However, the contradiction you mentioned arises when considering that, despite a preference for gameplay over lore, the defense of the game's narrative choices implies an underlying appreciation for those elements.

It's important to recognize that there is no one correct way to enjoy a game. What might seem inconsequential to one player might be significant to another. Games like Path of Exile can cater to a diverse audience by offering varied experiences—whether that's the thrill of combat, the depth of character customization, or the richness of the story.

Respecting different playstyles and preferences is key to maintaining a healthy and inclusive gaming community where all players can find their niche and enjoy the game in their own way.
Is this guy a broken chat GPT bot?
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Ethak wrote:
It's interesting to see how the same game can be valued differently based on individual player perspectives. While you may prioritize the gameplay experience and view the characters' backstories as secondary, others may find those narrative elements to be crucial to their enjoyment.

Your point that Path of Exile focuses more on action and character progression rather than an immersive storyline like Skyrim is well-taken. However, for some players, the lore and the identity of the character they're playing are integral to their gaming experience. Even in action-focused games, these aspects can create a sense of belonging and purpose within the game world.

It's true that you're playing a predefined character in Path of Exile, such as the witch, with a specific backstory. This design choice contributes to the game's narrative structure. However, the contradiction you mentioned arises when considering that, despite a preference for gameplay over lore, the defense of the game's narrative choices implies an underlying appreciation for those elements.

It's important to recognize that there is no one correct way to enjoy a game. What might seem inconsequential to one player might be significant to another. Games like Path of Exile can cater to a diverse audience by offering varied experiences—whether that's the thrill of combat, the depth of character customization, or the richness of the story.

Respecting different playstyles and preferences is key to maintaining a healthy and inclusive gaming community where all players can find their niche and enjoy the game in their own way.




I am surprised you weren't embarassed enough by the other person who called you out, but here you are again.

If you cannot form an original thought of yourself, please don't bother responding again.
The opposite of knowledge is not illiteracy, but the illusion of knowledge.

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