Video game studio redesigns male character after complaints he is ‘too sexy’
Video game studio Square Enix have made modifications to an upcoming game – after complaints the male protagonist is “too sexy”.
The latest installment in the Final Fantasy series, Mobius Final Fantasy, is set to be released on mobile devices in Japan later this year.
Although scantily-clad women are often present in video games, the game had attracted concern when art was released showing a scantily-clad male protagonist, Wal.
During a presentation about the game’s features this month, designers from Square Enix admitted the “sexy” male protagonist had to be toned down after complains from fans, with a decision made to cover up the protagonist’s previously bare torso.
According to Rocket News, producer Yoshinori Kitase said: “After we released the screenshots in December, we looked at the various reactions we were getting online, and in the end, showing this much skin…”
Host Asuna quipped: “It’s kind of sexy… a little too sexy.”
Mr Kitase added: “For this game, we’re moving forward during development and letting it evolve while taking into consideration users’ opinions, so I asked the character designer to make a change.
When other producers said they preferred the original outfit, Mr Kitase added: “If enough people say they like those hiplines, then we might bring the original costume back.”
The change means that one of the character’s skimpy outfits – which was originally open-backed with just a small piece of fabric covering his behind – will now cover more of his skin.
Last year, Square Enix updated previous release final Fantasy XIV to allow for same-sex weddings.
