So it begins: Feminist gamers decry Sony's Fat Princess
by Randy Nelson 
{ Jul 22nd 2008 at 7:25PM }
It's not just the title that's angering the folks behind sites Feminist Gamers and Shakesville, female-run gaming blogs who are already voicing their displeasure to Sony. It's also the concept that players must feed the titular princess – who starts out slim – in order to make her fat, and thus harder to capture.
Melissa McEwan of Shakesville writes: "Congrats on your awesome new game, Sony. I'm positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative assholes," while Feminist Gamer's "Mighty Ponygirl" suggests a simple gameplay switcheroo would solve the problem (and change the title). "Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest," she says, adding, "The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry."
Despite the (still limited) fury being directed at Sony, we suspect that there's a fat chance either the title or gameplay will change.
[Update: Titan Studios' art director, James Green, emailed in to say: "Does it make it better or worse that the concept artist (who designed the look, characters, everything) is a girl?"]
[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Source - Feminist Gamer
Source - Shakesville
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
RowBoat @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:30PM
Wow, great way to dismiss stereotypes of feminists being a bunch of perpetually outraged stupid harpies!
7718 @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:35PM
Fat women would be better served by getting up and exercising and eating less. They would have more energy, better self image and feel more confident. They might find a boyfriend, even perhaps , love. But you know, its like hard to do that stuff, and its easy to complain on the internet! At my work we have an issue with the guys who work in commisary, they complain about our weightlifting equipment being in there way, but they never use the stuff. They are all fat, ugly and girlfriendless, go figure.
Master Bruce @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:16PM
"a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative a**holes"
I just wish I was smart enough to know how I was being insulted! ;)
THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Jul 22nd 2008 10:35PM
NO FAT CHICKS!!!...am i right?
Zoesch @ Jul 23rd 2008 1:34AM
Everyone that calls him/her-self anything-ist is usually so into themselves that they don't care if they dismiss their stereotype
Saria the Cat @ Jul 23rd 2008 3:46AM
If anything, I think they're attacking the wrong concept. Who cares if she's fat or gets fed? It's way more offensive that the princess is treated as an object (in replacement of a flag) and helpless (she can't even move on her own) and unable to do anything about her situation (or refuse food). But I know that the designers weren't being pig-headed, they were just trying to be creative, and they succeeded.
kagai @ Jul 23rd 2008 10:56AM
Apparently this site is getting lots of hits from overweight, angry, feminists because I just saw a sidebar ad for Lane Bryant.
IamWomanhearmeroar @ Jul 29th 2008 2:47AM
You are right! RowBoat. They need to Lighten up! There are skinny people and there are fat people. Get it through your thick skulls, nobody is perfect!
courtney Erick @ Jul 29th 2008 8:29AM
I am not a feminist, but I am a woman above a size 2 an am disgusted by this game. I work a full time job, go to school full time and work out at least one hour every day. However, I am still 'fat.' For those of your morons who simply say that girls should 'go on a diet' - FYI - ITS NOT THAT EASY. Yet another reason idiots shouldn't bread.
barry grumley @ Jul 29th 2008 10:31AM
media and media games are just that...America seems to be preoccupied with capturing free floating issues ...the world turns on dictating issues and should not be taken seriously. America is full of fat people and half of them are women so whats the skinny on that?
Pickle @ Jul 29th 2008 11:11AM
Saria the Cat said: "If anything, I think they're attacking the wrong concept. Who cares if she's fat or gets fed? It's way more offensive that the princess is treated as an object (in replacement of a flag) and helpless (she can't even move on her own) and unable to do anything about her situation (or refuse food). But I know that the designers weren't being pig-headed, they were just trying to be creative, and they succeeded."
I understand you're just making a point, but problem is, the fact she's an object and helpless IS the concept. Isn't that how most people stereotype a larger person? That they're an object in your way and they "obviously" can't take care of themselves? It's these associations of behavior and worth which make this "Fat Princess" game appalling.
And I'm sure the rest of you who feel so awesome insulting people (7718) are supermodels yourselves, with legions of fangirls beating down your door. Do you not own a mirror? Take a good look in one before you go generalizing people, talking sh*t you know nothing about. Wax your back hair while you're at it. I mean, seriously, someone with Dalek Prime in their name feels entitled to say ANYTHING elitist? Allow me to roll me eyes.
MonicaX @ Jul 29th 2008 11:17AM
I don't game, and I agree that ALL Americans are unhealthily overweight. The issue is the double standard in male and female appearances. (How about 'No Fat Dudes' or 'No Short Dicks' t-shirts?) Equal time strikes me as perfectly reasonable. A video game called: 'Gotta Have at least a swingin' 6', where players frantically feed a sad guy herbal supplements in an attempt to grow his schlong. If you find enough in the forest, he whips out a ruler and gives a thumbs up. Funny!
Can't help but believe that feminist-bashing is based in male insecurity. And gals, let's remember that it used to be legal to beat and rape your wife, that the want ads were in 'Male' and 'Female' categories, that women couldn't vote or own property. We owe these changes (and birth control, that everyone likes) to feminists. They're sexy!
Just here out of curiousity.
Jill @ Jul 29th 2008 6:39PM
Maybe instead of bitching about it you should get up off your fat ass and encourage others to do the same. America is FAT. Not just women, and I believe this videogame is a reflection of us as americans. There are too many fast food restaurats and we don't know how to say no! Get it though your head for all you "feminists",they are not "picking" on women's weight. It is a major issue in today's society. Get over it!
The Big R @ Jul 29th 2008 12:39PM
@ MonicaX: "I don't game, and I agree that ALL Americans are unhealthily overweight."
...Instantly your opinion is 100% shit.
Don't complain about stereotypes while YOU perpetuate them. Obviously you've never been to the US, or else you wouldn't make such a comment. Why did you even bother to open your stupid mouth?
Unfortunately, some people just can't deal with anything that violates their stupid close-minded world. If you don't game, then WHY DO YOU CARE?
anyone who adds an "-ist" to their name is just as close minded as anything they fight against, and are usually acting out because they like the sound of their own voice, and noone pays attention to them.
As to feminists: where were you when DEAD OR ALIVE games came out? Now THAT'S something to fight about!
RowBoat @ Jul 29th 2008 2:31PM
I just got a load of emails telling me people have responded to my comments. This article is at least a couple weeks old! Teaches me to leave the "Email me" box checked..
Anyway, everybody shut up. Its stupid. Some morons are saying we can't have negative portrayals of anyone. The people who made this game aren't saying all women (or fat people) are helpless, they just happen to have a character that is female, fat, and helpless. They aren't saying all women are. Can you get that through your heads? No? Of course not! You belong to the perpetually outraged masses!
Twlf17 @ Jul 29th 2008 4:25PM
I don't care if you have a full-time job and kids, and still go to school and you claim for still "fat above a size 2". I don't care how active you are, that fast food keeps you fat you moron womenist piece of.. Get off the computer and go support your kids and stop worrying about a damn video game.
beazy @ Jul 29th 2008 6:49PM
What do you call a women with two black eyes, nothing youve told her twice.
But seriously shut the fuck and finding something important to pms about. Fat bitches desrve ridicule
chasermoon11 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:34AM
I just stumbled over an article about all this conflict on yahoo by chance. There are some fun OPINIONS here and I am bored so I want to play. Frankly it is just a game and if you don't agree with it don't support it. As a gamer I do not feel compelled to buy the game because it seems boring. Food for thought though I think we should see how people would react if it was "Fat Prince". Yes women are naturally more sensitive than men and tend to be offended easily. Its years of oppression built up and exploding finally. Keep in mind though that the most dangerous thing to be is a straight, white, male right now. Say one wrong thing and your ass is sued. Maybe I hang out with more guys than a girl should but I sympathize. I am also a bit over weight but I control it the best I can. The one thing I don't do is mope around and bitch about it. It doesn't cause me to lose weight if I do so and makes me a miserable person to be around. I accentuated my personality and a few of my more pleasant physical features and it all balances out. Love the skin you are in and people will love it too. Everyone is beautiful in their own right, they just need to balance out everything. Having a sense of humor helps a lot too. People had problems with Lara Croft and now this. No one image of a woman will ever make anyone happy because there is no real one perfect depiction of one, or of a man for that matter. This is a media and there is freedom of expression in that. It never had to be a person at all, it could have been anything that got bigger in the game, but that is the subject they chose. Who are we to tell them they cant express themselves in this manner. Isn't that what we are all doing right now in this forum? Things that offend people are fun. Until I see someone committing suicide over this, I am gonna chalk it up as not that big of a deal. Although that which does not kill us makes us stronger... meh, I killed my boredom. I'm done for now unless someone needs to question my opinions and wants to discuss them in a non pissing contest manner. Peace!
Dead Texan @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:31PM
Women will cry about anything.
sinai @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:50PM
especially fat ones.
tmbacsa@hotmail.com @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:04PM
I can see why she's crying though.
http://i33.tinypic.com/okapav.jpg
The resemblance is uncanny.
bAssackwards @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:29PM
That picture is pure gold! Hahah!
bAssackwards @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:27PM
That picture is pure gold! Hahah!
bAssackwards @ Jul 23rd 2008 2:30PM
My bad, double posted!
Tweety @ Jul 29th 2008 11:37AM
What a childish comment. Just because it does not hurt your feelings does not mean it will not another. I may not agree with the complaining because there are "in my opinion"more important issues in the world, but they still have a right to their feelings.
Brittany @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:32PM
Feminists hate everything.
TomCo @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:27PM
Bart get out im piss!
Robert @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:34PM
Come on...
If it were "Fat Prince" and you had to carry an obese dude around nobody would care. Except maybe Prince.
Thatoneguy64 @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:21PM
No, then they'd say "Oh, so of course the women have to be put in a subservient role to the higher prince" and call sexist as well.
Feminists are never happy, my friend.
Chase @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:34PM
How is "fat princess" a stereotype? One would figure "skinny princess" would be the stereotype. Would these feminists protest a game titled "Skinny Princess"? I think not.
klitorisaurus @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:39PM
They'll protest any game that has a female protagonist that doesn't smell like patchouli.
reppy @ Jul 22nd 2008 8:37PM
"Introducing, Self-Sufficient Princess. She doesn't need you to do anything for her because she's a grown woman and can handle things herself. Buy today!"
Maybe a few people would mistakenly buy it thinking it was an H-game, but ...
Naja @ Jul 29th 2008 4:35AM
EXACTLY!!! It makes no sense why they are complaining about this game; she's not another scantly clad anorexic in whore make-up, she's just a cute princess that gets fat. So what? And how does it inspire hatred towards fat people?! The players are the ones making her fat in the first place! What the hell is wrong with those feminists? Would giving the princess a freakishly large rack and pencil thin waist make them happy?
Tweety @ Jul 29th 2008 11:39AM
I agree. I think there are much more things in the world to complain about than a game.
Killjebus @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:34PM
I still remember the Bloom County strip that delt with this BS.
I'm offended of your....
Well, I'm offended of your offence.
Ya, well I'm offended of your offense of my offense.
So, I'm offended of your offense of my offense of your offense.
and on and on and on...
Here is an idea, if you don't like people making fun of you because you are fat...GO ON A DIET. (excluding hereditary genes and Type 1 diabetics.
playwhutyalike @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:45PM
These feminists need to do some homework. For one, back in those times, weight was a sign of prosperity. It meant that you had enough money to eat.
Secondly, it's a fucking video game.
Bloom County is awesome good sir, +1 for the reference.
ben @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:50PM
dude total props on the disclaimer
it made the the quip so much better
fat joke 1 funny point
fat joke exclusionary disclaimer +2 funny points
A+
brett @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:56PM
I remember that bloom county too.. "Stereotypes: the language of hate." awesome
john @ Jul 24th 2008 6:45AM
I hate to rain on your parade, but some genetic components factor into every overweight person, and type 1 diabetics are notoriously skinny.
Titanium_Orchid @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:35PM
Wow, way to reward creativity Feminist Gamer/Shakesville
Christopher Grant @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:36PM
Just a warning: be civil or we'll trot out the banstick.
Killjebus @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:40PM
Fair enough Chris...tanks 4 the warning.
By the way...I'm appauled and offended by your portrail of cartoon people...not all of them have those gigantic bug eyes.
You should be ashamed.
Zorink @ Jul 22nd 2008 7:41PM
Help! Help! I'm being repressed!
Eleniel @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:00PM
Too late. I'd hardly call people trotting out tired stereotypes about feminists and disgusting sexist jokes civil.
By the way, thanks for highlighting feminist websites whenever (and only when) we criticize a game so all the fanboys can troll our spaces. No, really, thanks. It just reminds us why we have our own websites in the first place.
Chase @ Jul 22nd 2008 9:13PM
FE-FI-FO-FUM
Kyera @ Jul 22nd 2008 11:13PM
Feminists need to spent less time at the beach. It gets awfully sandy.
Saria the Cat @ Jul 23rd 2008 4:09AM
:( It's too late... This article basically set us women up for bashing. I think these girl bloggers are a little overboard but I wish girls were highlighted on Joystiq in positive lights sometimes too, and not as just hawties. It seems like whenever an article concerns a girl (like Cooper Lawrence or that Qore girl or this one), it is always a negative piece or about their bangability. Us girls are also capable of really cool stuff and not all of us are crazy and whiny and anti-games and anti-men. :) Come on!
Christopher Grant @ Jul 23rd 2008 10:00AM
We ran a popular column by one Ms. Bonnie Ruberg that frequently covered issues of sex and gender in video games for over a year – funny how quickly the internet forgets.
http://www.joystiq.com/tag/playingdirty
Saria the Cat @ Jul 23rd 2008 11:44AM
@Chris: Oh, I never got to read that column because I started reading Joystiq almost a month after her last post. It'd be nice to have something like that here again.
Eleniel @ Jul 24th 2008 6:50AM
Saria, Feminist Gamers isn't whiny, anti-men or anti-games, either. Please don't perpetuate stereotypes about feminists.
This is a bit of a disturbing trend... Fat Princess was criticized on fat-acceptance/feminist blogs written by MEN and those weren't even mentioned.