I had my picture taken with the n-gage girls and the velvet assassin girl, not interested in whatever they were selling but dammit, if they're going to be there, I'm going to get my picture taken, the end.
I just don't understand how hard it would be to find attractive gamer girls out there to help out at these booths. I'm pretty sure they'd be willing to be paid less too, especially if it's a game they actually play. It seems the biggest gripe about booth babes is the fact that they don't know anything about the games they're promoting, not that they're there. Not all gamer gals are ugly, I'm sure you can round up a few that are willing to put on a costume and help promote a game they enjoy.
Completely agree.
I used to model, I play games, I'm a software dev, and I've even written a few games myself. I've thought on a couple occasions that working a booth at a con would be fun, as in, hanging around chatting about games with other people who like games. But when I see the girls with the vacant stares I think, "I don't want to be associated with women like that".
Personally, when I attend a con it's for the topic at hand and I appreciate that PAX has a no-booth-babe policy. Hopefully PAX sticks to the policy that they've made, as it would be disappointing to see this con go the way of E3
Man, I'm going to have to do the BYOC thing next year, just so I can keep up with the forums, and connect handles with faces, and what not. *sigh*
As for booth babes, I.. don't mind seeing people in cool outfits. Cool does not equate skimpy however. Also, if you're going to work at a booth, then you should sure as heck know what you're promoting. And know it well. *snicker* Maybe I can get hired on to work at a booth for a convention someday. ^___^
But people like Natasha last year, the FragDolls every year and the super sexy hot men in uniform clearly DO belong. We come to the same conclusion every year.
Ummm how do you figure? They have a few supporters, but the general consensus is pretty obviously leaning in the "No booth babes please" direction.
I guess I don't agree. My informal census suggests to me that, after prior years' debates, the examples I cited were classified as not booth babes.
In 2004, everyone complained about the FragDolls. But over time, it seemed to me that they were accepted as being really good gamers, knowledgable, and a part of the community. On top of that, they were dressed normally, but just happened to be attractive women. It was a lot of fuss over nothing. (I always felt they aided the female gamer population, not set them back, but it was mostly women who were giving them a hard time.)
Same thing with Natasha last year. She defended herself on the forums and proved to anyone that talked to her that she was a) a gamer and b) knowledgable about the game she was promoting. She also happened to be in an appropriate costume. I thought there was also similar angst over the Conan woman last year, but I don't know what became of that.
Note: I threw in the comment about men-in-uniform to even out the gender thing, but I can't honestly remember that there were complaints about that. Or last year the big green ogre guy showing off his abs. Why don't the attractive costumed men get complaints? Worth thinking about...
So anyway, to me, it seems like every year the community overreacts and then pulls back. I will fully admit that each year the booth babe-ness gets ratcheted up a notch... and this year there might be some legitimate stuff to complain about. I didn't quiz each and every attractive woman to find out if she was "allowable." But that's when it gets silly. I trust that the rules PA put in place are mostly being followed. And if a few got through this year, it's not the end of the world.
Perhaps you have a different take on the community reaction. I truly believe the community had classified the FragDolls and Natasha as not booth babes. Perhaps I was wrong.
I think Natasha and the Frag dolls are a grey area. While knowledgeable about the games, they are both very obviously all about the "sex sells" aspect. Which is still insulting. But I'd take them any day over the girls this year.
well, I think we're going to have to agree to disagree at this point
Same for me. You could easily make the the point that the FragDolls promote women in gaming. I simply won't begrudge a woman just because she's attractive and/or in costume. I don't feel either of those examples are grey area.
This year... you may very well have a case! But it's not worth my time to worry about... and I'm always surprised at how much discussion it causes. I should probably just bow out of these threads and let those who get worked up over it discuss amongst themselves, instead of trying to provide the contrarian opinion.
And let there be no confusion... you are awesome BA! Love ya bunches... sorry I didn't get to say hi again this year...
But people like Natasha last year, the FragDolls every year and the super sexy hot men in uniform clearly DO belong. We come to the same conclusion every year.
Ummm how do you figure? They have a few supporters, but the general consensus is pretty obviously leaning in the "No booth babes please" direction.
I guess I don't agree. My informal census suggests to me that, after prior years' debates, the examples I cited were classified as not booth babes.
In 2004, everyone complained about the FragDolls. But over time, it seemed to me that they were accepted as being really good gamers, knowledgable, and a part of the community. On top of that, they were dressed normally, but just happened to be attractive women. It was a lot of fuss over nothing. (I always felt they aided the female gamer population, not set them back, but it was mostly women who were giving them a hard time.)
Same thing with Natasha last year. She defended herself on the forums and proved to anyone that talked to her that she was a) a gamer and b) knowledgable about the game she was promoting. She also happened to be in an appropriate costume. I thought there was also similar angst over the Conan woman last year, but I don't know what became of that.
Note: I threw in the comment about men-in-uniform to even out the gender thing, but I can't honestly remember that there were complaints about that. Or last year the big green ogre guy showing off his abs. Why don't the attractive costumed men get complaints? Worth thinking about...
So anyway, to me, it seems like every year the community overreacts and then pulls back. I will fully admit that each year the booth babe-ness gets ratcheted up a notch... and this year there might be some legitimate stuff to complain about. I didn't quiz each and every attractive woman to find out if she was "allowable." But that's when it gets silly. I trust that the rules PA put in place are mostly being followed. And if a few got through this year, it's not the end of the world.
Perhaps you have a different take on the community reaction. I truly believe the community had classified the FragDolls and Natasha as not booth babes. Perhaps I was wrong.
Oh, no I misread the comment when I quoted, I'm sorry >.<
While I don't quite agree with you, as I said in the last post frag dolls ect. are in a "grey area" in my opinion. But I misread what you were saying and thought you were saying that the consensus was that "booth babes in general are okay"
I find booth babes to be an outright turnoff. I hate marketing tactics, especially ones which rely on the assumption that I make decisions with my pants. I am -less- likely to purchase things marketed in this manner, if anything.
Perhaps worse, it makes me actively avoid anyone who -appears- to be a typical "hired tits" booth babe who is actually an honest cosplayer who happens to work at a booth and be attractive, and keeps me from taking them seriously.
Disclaimer: I only speak for myself here :P
Also, apologies for the rant....
I only say this because so many seem to be defending the idea of "jiggle advertising"....
Personally, I don't think it's the "babes" themselves, but rather the intentions behind their being there in the first place.
I think the real point is the fact that most "booth babes" are there, not to in any way really inform people about the games themselves, but to draw attention to their costumes in an attempt to attract gamers because they're presumably horny 20-something males (statistically speaking).
I don't have anything against an attractive female making it apparent that she is indeed attractive (example: Frag Dolls), but there's a bit of a difference between something along the lines of a decent, normal (subjective) costume that covers all "indecent" areas and something that's so low-cut that they're practically falling out, and so skin tight that looks like they spent an hour in the bathroom lubed up in a pint of baby oil just to squeeze it on.
Whether or not it's intentional, re-enforcing the stereotype that girls, in relation to gaming, are nothing but sexual displays does far more harm than good to the reputation of any real life girl gamers.
And it certainly doesn't make their lives any easier when trying to be taken seriously.
It was bad enough that for years people were so seriously determined that us silly females couldn't play Mario properly to save our souls, much less play any other types of games with any amount of competence.
Whether folks may like it or not, trying to push booth bimbos as "nothing harmful" does do harm to women gamers.
All you have to do is start browsing some of the other gaming communities online to see it.
As far as many people are concerned, women gamers should look like that, or they are ridiculed immensely.
Many females who speak out against booth babes in general are stereotyped as being "fat, ugly, and stupid" and are basically told to "STFU you fat ugly loser, lololol...".
Also, as far as any "male boot babes" not being picked on so much: considering they are so very outnumbered by their female counterparts, there doesn't really seem to be enough of them to be considered "cliche" so to speak.
Really, how many men at the booths did any of you spot that were purposely primped, and preened, and costumed in scanty clothing?
Personally, I didn't see a single male rep at any of the booths that was there purely as "beefcake".
Having people actually involved with the games simply being an attractive person on their own is not the issue here.
It's being a random hired bimbo that's the problem.
As soon as we get the "oiled up, sock-stuffed, scanty leather loincloth GQ cosplay men" brigade at PAX, I assure you, I will harbor just as much loathing toward them :P
"Booth babes" of either gender should have no place at PAX.
I'm sure that plenty of men here would be made at least somewhat uncomfortable if not downright offended if they were to put a bunch of young, exceptionally "pretty-boy" looking men in too-tight mini shorts and some sort of leather harnesses at the booths to unabashedly flirt with their wives and daughters.
So why are "hot babes" in too tight shorts and tiny cleavage baring tops encouraged at these sort of events?
Morally speaking (and I know for many that's a stretch) how is it any different?
I apologize if I sound too flame-y or anything, but I've been playing games for far too long, and had to deal with too many insults, flames, derogatory comments, and unmentionable strings of epithets aimed at me solely because of my gender in far too many gaming communities to count anymore.
So many male gamers and even the devs themselves seem to be so baffled as to why they seem to "put off" girl gamers, or why the stereotype of the "geeky perv who lurks in his parents basement" is still so prevalent.
The answer is right in front of them, wearing hot pants and a sheer blouse.....
Cons like Leipzig and the former E3 only serve as a prime example of exactly why gamers get such a horrible reputation in general....
Again, if you made it this far, I apologize for the soapbox here :oops:
Its sort of my rule to never complain about an attractive girls presence, ever. Besides, all it is is a marketing ploy to get your attention. Thats perfectly understandable in my opinion.
One of the things I love about the PAX fora is how generally sensible people are.
I was sad to see so many scantily clad girls on the booths in the Expo Hall - it was demeaning to them, and to us. I'd feel just as sad if I saw scantily clad boys - in fact, complained about that at a Selfridges store event a couple of years ago. I know sex sells stuff, but really, we're not stupid, so don't treat us as if we are. Maybe the men/boys in this thread would be uncomfortable with "booth boys" in loincloths, if so, why do you think its OK for girls to be used this way?
I didn't know PAX had an anti "booth bimbo" policy - you certainly couldn't tell, in fact, I thought the opposite, and was disappointed. It felt like being at a car show at times, specially at the booth with the car - the girl there was just so inappropriate, and clearly hadn't a clue.
If PAX is serious about attracting women gamers, you need to get your act in order, and look at which companies broke the rules, and be very clear about your expectations for next year. Come on, lets not pander to the lowest common denominator mentality.
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I'm not against booth babes. I just see them as people in cosplay. And in fact, they were all in costume, I believe. I mean, at least they don't look like those women in car shows.
And well, with the whole Frag Dolls situation, at least they're not just saying "OMG come play my game, lalala". They're actually very knowledgeable with the game that they were promoting and stuff. And I give them kudos for actually being there, interacting with the gamers, instead of just showing off some skin "pretending" they know what they're talking about. And to be honest, I've seen hotter women than the frag dolls.
But from a personal stand point, if their gonna have booth babes, they should have booth hunks as well. You know, just saying... And no, I don't count those injured-looking soldiers at the Brothers in Hell booth.
I like the booth babes. They're hot, and they're inevitable because like it or not, men buy most of the games right now, and women appeal to men. Go figure. I always take a little time to talk with them if I have it, and I rarely find many of them stupid or bimbos. They were working people with feet that hurt and all that. Wanna know something I DON'T like? Girls that don't work. And many of them like games. Whatever with the complaining. Get booth boys if you want, I don't care, but don't whine so much. Kat was my favorite, one of the princesses that showed me the Nokia puzzle game. She had a brain and was funny and when I ran into her at lunch the next day was a totally normal person to me anyway.
She posted her own pic in the cosplay thread. I was kinda shocked that a young woman would be so bold. Something tells me she was thirsting for attention. I'm just afraid she might attract the wrong kind of attention, particularly in downtown Seattle.
She obviously wanted attention, just like anyone who dresses in a skimpy fashion wants attention. Paid or not. But, you were shocked that she would be so bold? Should she be walking 20 paces behind a male relative in a burqa with her head down, eyes averted? She's (presumably) old enough to dress as she pleases, so it's her decision. With so many young women afflicted with some type of self-loating about their appearance, I applaud her self-confidence. I know mine isn't a popular view, but I think it just boils down to a personal choice in her case. If she's underaged, yes, her parents should be involved, but then it would be a familial decision, not ours. Certainly, you're entitled to your opinion. Personally, as a female attendee, I didn't feel threatened by or uncomfortable around any booth babe or cosplayer. Then again, I also spent very little time in the Expo Hall becuase the BYOC is my home-away-from-home . Better community feel in there.
In my defense, her top was transparent, and I was concerned for her safety. I don't want some chick getting raped. Rape=not kosher.
I'm not one to tell someone how they should dress, but it would certainly be a good idea for them to suggest having some "civilian clothes" for when people go outside, especially with Seattle's weather. I don't mind that people are dressing how they want, I just don't like the idea of them dressing how someone who is renting their flesh wants them to dress.
Maybe give cosplayers a discount on PAX Hoodies. :P
I'm definately not against banning models who aren't actually part of the gaming community. If knew for a fact that the women with their body parts falling out of their glow paint were actual serious gamers or designers or whatnot, I might actually acknowledge their existance and ask about the game rather than avoid the booth.
But from a personal stand point, if their gonna have booth babes, they should have booth hunks as well. You know, just saying....
So I take it you missed the guy in the Bacon costume for BaconSalt? Too bad. I almost made salty pork love to him right then and there. :winky:
Besides him, these are the only models I saw/remember.
The Flying Frog models (Last Night on Earth and Touch of Evil boardgame) which were the actual models of the game and friends/employees/playtesters of the designer.
Judy Nails (aka Starslay3r) a gamer that PAXers could compete in a challenge against.
The model with the scary eyes, completely covered in clothing. Very cool looking.
The Velvet Assassin, I only saw her on Sunday morning.
Some girl with a sword by the Ninja Town booth. She seemed out of place I thought.
Last year I remember we had the Haze guy and a girl model for a game I can't remember.
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If a company wants to have attractive women (or men for the ladiez) at their booth to draw attention... that's fine. They shouldn't be dressed like streetwalkers IMO... and they should be able to hold a conversation about their game or gaming in general with an average PAXer. That's what really impresses attendees.
If the person is just a model displaying a character... just dont over-sex it up... it's kinda lame. And the person should at least know who they're trying to be.
I would say Brothers in Arms (*not* CoD4, so obviously their marketing worked on me) certainly had booth boys, because I didn't see too many people asking the soldiers about the game. I was busy laughing at the buzz cuts though, so I didn't pay too much attention.
I didn't read the whole thread, but I saw a couple comments on page one that I really agree with. If there's a "booth babe" that was somehow involved with the game, be it a dev, a producer, or whatever, that's perfectly fine by me. For example, this one:
Babe, check. At a booth, check. Knows/enthused about the game, check. A-OKAY by me. (those contacts creeped the HELL outta me the first time I saw her though, heh)
However, the girl they had at the Blades booth nearby, I'm pretty certain was just a hired model. She looked kinda bored about being there, and didn't appear to ever actually talk to anyone (that I saw). Even her props and outfit looked cheaply done, though that's not at all her fault. I'm not at all likely to complain about it (I am a guy, after all), but PAX doesn't really benefit much from having someone like this around.
I don't mind booth babes, I guess I'm in a minority here.
Violette from Velvet Assassin was riding in a hotel elevator with me on Thursday or Friday. It was like that scene from Harold and Kumar, where Harold is riding with his dream girl and can't make words come out. When I was walking around the Expo Hall making sure our exhibitors had received at least one hug during the weekend, she gladly accepted mine. It was awesome.
I do not think Booth Babes are representative of the PAX culture. There are a lot of attendees, and there is no other place I can go to and see so many fellow geeks.
However, in the video game industry, feminism has nearly no hold, where Beyond Good and Evil is the only game I know of where the main character is a regular female, not hitting major stereo types, and properly clothed. Most other games treat females differently, which seems to make Lora Croft, Dead or Alive, and hundreds of others the main stream. This puts me at a disadvantage when I try to talk about my favorite hobby with my feminist wife.
I like looking at the artwork to video games, and a lot of it is pretty good, but not something I'd be proud of until they put on at least some pants on that female fighter who is probably going to be in the front lines of a war at some point. Why they think bare skin protects their bodies from weapons better than chain mail, I don't know.
Cosplay on one hand, can be a very nice work of art. It takes a lot of hard work, skill, and talent, to do it right. Research in their character and background knowledge. More effort than I want to put in. The video game industry tends to lead potential cosplay outfits with outfits that are almost unfit for Washington weather.
The tendency of the Video Game industry to forget pants and shirts on their female icons, and the prevalence of Cosplay does blur the line of "Booth Babe" quite a bit. I for one, do not think Booth Babes do not fit in the PAX Culture. Cosplayers are very much part of the PAX Culture, and it is a lot more fun waiting in a line with Zach, or somebody from Jetset Radio, or a Umbrella corporation soldier sitting on a companion cube playing a duel screen.
Were the girls in the Exhibition room all Booth Babes? I don't know, I was too intimidated by most of them to talk to them, and there were other booths to look at. Some of them were dressed up very well, and looked like they belonged there, like the way they stared at you with those eyes hidden under the hood, or bribed you with plushies to sign up on their website. Others looked like photo opportunities, or showing off some weird impractical outfit.
PAX is a lot of things, and the Exhibition hall is only a part of it. The best thing the Exhibition hall is good for is a place to kill time and see the sights while waiting for the next Panel, or tournament, or movie, or concert, or tabletop game, or...
The biggest thing I learned from PAX this year, is that there are a lot more female geeks than I thought. That was from watching attendees, not those representing a company's image.
After looking at that first picture from that guy it dawned on me it was that at one time popular cosplay chick Alisa-chan or whatever....who has since moved on into...other things or rather cosplays in a different sense.
The resemblance is uncanny if it isn't actually her, not that it matters. She was there in a cool Princess Peach costume, I just thought I had seen her somewhere before.
Definitely not the same person. Princess Peach from PAX 2008 is my g/f and helper at my booth. No idea who the second person is.
So long as companies sell games with scantily clad female characters, game companies will use the same approach at community events like PAX.
I would say that characters like the x blade chick or the princesses at reset generation made me more likely to stay away from their booths. not because they were not attractive but mostly because games that use sex to sell almost always are compensating for lacking somewhere else.
I also hate unrealistic armor! give me full suit samus kicking arse anyday
Hi!
I'm the Peach girl. Hehehe, yeah that girl with the claws and puppy isn't me. But, I do agree that she looks like me... except she is tan and prettier. Here is a picture of me with the nurse from Toy Soldier Army- she was not working a booth. Had so much fun at PAX; I hope I see you next year!
PS! On the topic of booth babes, I think it's super lame and semi-degrading for everyone involved when you have to pay a person to hang out. It also probably contributes to the disproportionate ratio of males to females. Most women (and many men) I know don't want to pay to have products pushed onto them by skimpily dressed women whose other job involves a pole. (Not that they were all like that). But if a girl is into the scene and/or game, already works with a company, is learning and having fun, or is helping/volunteering then I wouldn't feel like it's such a downer.
After looking at that first picture from that guy it dawned on me it was that at one time popular cosplay chick Alisa-chan or whatever....who has since moved on into...other things or rather cosplays in a different sense.
The resemblance is uncanny if it isn't actually her, not that it matters. She was there in a cool Princess Peach costume, I just thought I had seen her somewhere before.
It's hard enough for me to be taken seriously. I don't need booth babes pushing stereotypes.
Apparently all gamers are male, and are fat horney losers. And all women connected with gaming either belong in a skanky suit behind a booth or under a paper bag.
I know this by the presence of booth babes, and lack of small T-shirts (yes I'm still miffed about that) and also via chat on several forums. Every time an issue like this comes up, some idiot has so post some sexist "joke". Honestly, I'm not laughing.
And although I am not against the Frag Dolls, I will never support using my gender to get attention. I want respect because I can kick your ass at a game, not because I'm cute and can mildly keep up.
Hi!
I'm the Peach girl. Hehehe, yeah that girl with the claws and puppy isn't me. But, I do agree that she looks like me... except she is tan and less attractive than me.
This post correction brought to you by the Ego-Boost Squad: Because You Shouldn't Be So Hard On Yourself.
Hi!
I'm the Peach girl. Hehehe, yeah that girl with the claws and puppy isn't me. But, I do agree that she looks like me... except she is tan and less attractive than me.
This post correction brought to you by the Ego-Boost Squad: Because You Shouldn't Be So Hard On Yourself.
The thing I think a lot of feminists forget is that most guys aren't looking at attractive women because of malice or a hatred for females. It just makes us feel good.
I think what killed E3 was the beginning of the revolution to remove that feel good feeling. I love the ladies and I think that its not a matter of objectification as it is guys trying to feel better about life (considering just how gloomy it can get these days).
Also it's not that all gamers are fat and horny.
some of us are just horny .
What I suggest is become a leader of your own life and don't feel degraded by the actions of others, in fact don't judge or dictate how others should act or what should make THEM feel degraded.
If someone wants to be kind enough to raise my hormone levels I'm willing to thank them greatly. It's a shame that some of the most powerful means of feeling good (and safe unlike barbituates) are treated like such dirty things. Bring on the ladies, I'm not going to buy the product because of her but I'm going to feel good about the day. Just like if someone wants to take the route of having fit men dancing around, whatever works I suppose :P.
Hi!
I'm the Peach girl. Hehehe, yeah that girl with the claws and puppy isn't me. But, I do agree that she looks like me... except she is tan and less attractive than me.
This post correction brought to you by the Ego-Boost Squad: Because You Shouldn't Be So Hard On Yourself.
The thing I think a lot of feminists forget is that most guys aren't looking at attractive women because of malice or a hatred for females. It just makes us feel good.
I think a lot of guys forget that many women don't like being around chicks blatantly using their sexuality as a marketing tool because it makes us uncomfortable--not because we give two shakes what the men around us feel.
If PAX is going to have booth babes, I can go on ignoring them. However, my strong preference would be for them not to be there. They're so blatantly aimed towards the men that I always feel a bit alienated by their presence. I also find it a bit weird to have people attending PAX who are ornamentation, not participants.
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VT, if you're not doing the cookie brigade next year, consider coming into the BYOC
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I used to model, I play games, I'm a software dev, and I've even written a few games myself. I've thought on a couple occasions that working a booth at a con would be fun, as in, hanging around chatting about games with other people who like games. But when I see the girls with the vacant stares I think, "I don't want to be associated with women like that".
Personally, when I attend a con it's for the topic at hand and I appreciate that PAX has a no-booth-babe policy. Hopefully PAX sticks to the policy that they've made, as it would be disappointing to see this con go the way of E3
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As for booth babes, I.. don't mind seeing people in cool outfits. Cool does not equate skimpy however. Also, if you're going to work at a booth, then you should sure as heck know what you're promoting. And know it well. *snicker* Maybe I can get hired on to work at a booth for a convention someday. ^___^
As far as booth babes go I kinda dig them.
I guess I don't agree. My informal census suggests to me that, after prior years' debates, the examples I cited were classified as not booth babes.
In 2004, everyone complained about the FragDolls. But over time, it seemed to me that they were accepted as being really good gamers, knowledgable, and a part of the community. On top of that, they were dressed normally, but just happened to be attractive women. It was a lot of fuss over nothing. (I always felt they aided the female gamer population, not set them back, but it was mostly women who were giving them a hard time.)
Same thing with Natasha last year. She defended herself on the forums and proved to anyone that talked to her that she was a) a gamer and b) knowledgable about the game she was promoting. She also happened to be in an appropriate costume. I thought there was also similar angst over the Conan woman last year, but I don't know what became of that.
Note: I threw in the comment about men-in-uniform to even out the gender thing, but I can't honestly remember that there were complaints about that. Or last year the big green ogre guy showing off his abs. Why don't the attractive costumed men get complaints? Worth thinking about...
So anyway, to me, it seems like every year the community overreacts and then pulls back. I will fully admit that each year the booth babe-ness gets ratcheted up a notch... and this year there might be some legitimate stuff to complain about. I didn't quiz each and every attractive woman to find out if she was "allowable." But that's when it gets silly. I trust that the rules PA put in place are mostly being followed. And if a few got through this year, it's not the end of the world.
Perhaps you have a different take on the community reaction. I truly believe the community had classified the FragDolls and Natasha as not booth babes. Perhaps I was wrong.
Same for me. You could easily make the the point that the FragDolls promote women in gaming. I simply won't begrudge a woman just because she's attractive and/or in costume. I don't feel either of those examples are grey area.
This year... you may very well have a case! But it's not worth my time to worry about... and I'm always surprised at how much discussion it causes. I should probably just bow out of these threads and let those who get worked up over it discuss amongst themselves, instead of trying to provide the contrarian opinion.
And let there be no confusion... you are awesome BA! Love ya bunches... sorry I didn't get to say hi again this year...
Oh, no I misread the comment when I quoted, I'm sorry >.<
While I don't quite agree with you, as I said in the last post frag dolls ect. are in a "grey area" in my opinion. But I misread what you were saying and thought you were saying that the consensus was that "booth babes in general are okay"
My bad
Perhaps worse, it makes me actively avoid anyone who -appears- to be a typical "hired tits" booth babe who is actually an honest cosplayer who happens to work at a booth and be attractive, and keeps me from taking them seriously.
Also, apologies for the rant....
I only say this because so many seem to be defending the idea of "jiggle advertising"....
Personally, I don't think it's the "babes" themselves, but rather the intentions behind their being there in the first place.
I think the real point is the fact that most "booth babes" are there, not to in any way really inform people about the games themselves, but to draw attention to their costumes in an attempt to attract gamers because they're presumably horny 20-something males (statistically speaking).
I don't have anything against an attractive female making it apparent that she is indeed attractive (example: Frag Dolls), but there's a bit of a difference between something along the lines of a decent, normal (subjective) costume that covers all "indecent" areas and something that's so low-cut that they're practically falling out, and so skin tight that looks like they spent an hour in the bathroom lubed up in a pint of baby oil just to squeeze it on.
Whether or not it's intentional, re-enforcing the stereotype that girls, in relation to gaming, are nothing but sexual displays does far more harm than good to the reputation of any real life girl gamers.
And it certainly doesn't make their lives any easier when trying to be taken seriously.
It was bad enough that for years people were so seriously determined that us silly females couldn't play Mario properly to save our souls, much less play any other types of games with any amount of competence.
Whether folks may like it or not, trying to push booth bimbos as "nothing harmful" does do harm to women gamers.
All you have to do is start browsing some of the other gaming communities online to see it.
As far as many people are concerned, women gamers should look like that, or they are ridiculed immensely.
Many females who speak out against booth babes in general are stereotyped as being "fat, ugly, and stupid" and are basically told to "STFU you fat ugly loser, lololol...".
Also, as far as any "male boot babes" not being picked on so much: considering they are so very outnumbered by their female counterparts, there doesn't really seem to be enough of them to be considered "cliche" so to speak.
Really, how many men at the booths did any of you spot that were purposely primped, and preened, and costumed in scanty clothing?
Personally, I didn't see a single male rep at any of the booths that was there purely as "beefcake".
Having people actually involved with the games simply being an attractive person on their own is not the issue here.
It's being a random hired bimbo that's the problem.
As soon as we get the "oiled up, sock-stuffed, scanty leather loincloth GQ cosplay men" brigade at PAX, I assure you, I will harbor just as much loathing toward them :P
"Booth babes" of either gender should have no place at PAX.
I'm sure that plenty of men here would be made at least somewhat uncomfortable if not downright offended if they were to put a bunch of young, exceptionally "pretty-boy" looking men in too-tight mini shorts and some sort of leather harnesses at the booths to unabashedly flirt with their wives and daughters.
So why are "hot babes" in too tight shorts and tiny cleavage baring tops encouraged at these sort of events?
Morally speaking (and I know for many that's a stretch) how is it any different?
I apologize if I sound too flame-y or anything, but I've been playing games for far too long, and had to deal with too many insults, flames, derogatory comments, and unmentionable strings of epithets aimed at me solely because of my gender in far too many gaming communities to count anymore.
So many male gamers and even the devs themselves seem to be so baffled as to why they seem to "put off" girl gamers, or why the stereotype of the "geeky perv who lurks in his parents basement" is still so prevalent.
The answer is right in front of them, wearing hot pants and a sheer blouse.....
Cons like Leipzig and the former E3 only serve as a prime example of exactly why gamers get such a horrible reputation in general....
Again, if you made it this far, I apologize for the soapbox here :oops:
I was sad to see so many scantily clad girls on the booths in the Expo Hall - it was demeaning to them, and to us. I'd feel just as sad if I saw scantily clad boys - in fact, complained about that at a Selfridges store event a couple of years ago. I know sex sells stuff, but really, we're not stupid, so don't treat us as if we are. Maybe the men/boys in this thread would be uncomfortable with "booth boys" in loincloths, if so, why do you think its OK for girls to be used this way?
I didn't know PAX had an anti "booth bimbo" policy - you certainly couldn't tell, in fact, I thought the opposite, and was disappointed. It felt like being at a car show at times, specially at the booth with the car - the girl there was just so inappropriate, and clearly hadn't a clue.
If PAX is serious about attracting women gamers, you need to get your act in order, and look at which companies broke the rules, and be very clear about your expectations for next year. Come on, lets not pander to the lowest common denominator mentality.
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And well, with the whole Frag Dolls situation, at least they're not just saying "OMG come play my game, lalala". They're actually very knowledgeable with the game that they were promoting and stuff. And I give them kudos for actually being there, interacting with the gamers, instead of just showing off some skin "pretending" they know what they're talking about. And to be honest, I've seen hotter women than the frag dolls.
But from a personal stand point, if their gonna have booth babes, they should have booth hunks as well. You know, just saying... And no, I don't count those injured-looking soldiers at the Brothers in Hell booth.
though that is just hearsay
In my defense, her top was transparent, and I was concerned for her safety. I don't want some chick getting raped. Rape=not kosher.
Maybe give cosplayers a discount on PAX Hoodies. :P
I'm definately not against banning models who aren't actually part of the gaming community. If knew for a fact that the women with their body parts falling out of their glow paint were actual serious gamers or designers or whatnot, I might actually acknowledge their existance and ask about the game rather than avoid the booth.
So I take it you missed the guy in the Bacon costume for BaconSalt? Too bad. I almost made salty pork love to him right then and there. :winky:
Besides him, these are the only models I saw/remember.
The Flying Frog models (Last Night on Earth and Touch of Evil boardgame) which were the actual models of the game and friends/employees/playtesters of the designer.
Judy Nails (aka Starslay3r) a gamer that PAXers could compete in a challenge against.
The model with the scary eyes, completely covered in clothing. Very cool looking.
The Velvet Assassin, I only saw her on Sunday morning.
Some girl with a sword by the Ninja Town booth. She seemed out of place I thought.
Last year I remember we had the Haze guy and a girl model for a game I can't remember.
If a company wants to have attractive women (or men for the ladiez) at their booth to draw attention... that's fine. They shouldn't be dressed like streetwalkers IMO... and they should be able to hold a conversation about their game or gaming in general with an average PAXer. That's what really impresses attendees.
If the person is just a model displaying a character... just dont over-sex it up... it's kinda lame. And the person should at least know who they're trying to be.
Babe, check. At a booth, check. Knows/enthused about the game, check. A-OKAY by me. (those contacts creeped the HELL outta me the first time I saw her though, heh)
However, the girl they had at the Blades booth nearby, I'm pretty certain was just a hired model. She looked kinda bored about being there, and didn't appear to ever actually talk to anyone (that I saw). Even her props and outfit looked cheaply done, though that's not at all her fault. I'm not at all likely to complain about it (I am a guy, after all), but PAX doesn't really benefit much from having someone like this around.
Violette from Velvet Assassin was riding in a hotel elevator with me on Thursday or Friday. It was like that scene from Harold and Kumar, where Harold is riding with his dream girl and can't make words come out. When I was walking around the Expo Hall making sure our exhibitors had received at least one hug during the weekend, she gladly accepted mine. It was awesome.
However, in the video game industry, feminism has nearly no hold, where Beyond Good and Evil is the only game I know of where the main character is a regular female, not hitting major stereo types, and properly clothed. Most other games treat females differently, which seems to make Lora Croft, Dead or Alive, and hundreds of others the main stream. This puts me at a disadvantage when I try to talk about my favorite hobby with my feminist wife.
I like looking at the artwork to video games, and a lot of it is pretty good, but not something I'd be proud of until they put on at least some pants on that female fighter who is probably going to be in the front lines of a war at some point. Why they think bare skin protects their bodies from weapons better than chain mail, I don't know.
Cosplay on one hand, can be a very nice work of art. It takes a lot of hard work, skill, and talent, to do it right. Research in their character and background knowledge. More effort than I want to put in. The video game industry tends to lead potential cosplay outfits with outfits that are almost unfit for Washington weather.
The tendency of the Video Game industry to forget pants and shirts on their female icons, and the prevalence of Cosplay does blur the line of "Booth Babe" quite a bit. I for one, do not think Booth Babes do not fit in the PAX Culture. Cosplayers are very much part of the PAX Culture, and it is a lot more fun waiting in a line with Zach, or somebody from Jetset Radio, or a Umbrella corporation soldier sitting on a companion cube playing a duel screen.
Were the girls in the Exhibition room all Booth Babes? I don't know, I was too intimidated by most of them to talk to them, and there were other booths to look at. Some of them were dressed up very well, and looked like they belonged there, like the way they stared at you with those eyes hidden under the hood, or bribed you with plushies to sign up on their website. Others looked like photo opportunities, or showing off some weird impractical outfit.
PAX is a lot of things, and the Exhibition hall is only a part of it. The best thing the Exhibition hall is good for is a place to kill time and see the sights while waiting for the next Panel, or tournament, or movie, or concert, or tabletop game, or...
The biggest thing I learned from PAX this year, is that there are a lot more female geeks than I thought. That was from watching attendees, not those representing a company's image.
Definitely not the same person. Princess Peach from PAX 2008 is my g/f and helper at my booth. No idea who the second person is.
y-bot
I would say that characters like the x blade chick or the princesses at reset generation made me more likely to stay away from their booths. not because they were not attractive but mostly because games that use sex to sell almost always are compensating for lacking somewhere else.
I also hate unrealistic armor! give me full suit samus kicking arse anyday
(disclaimer: i am a dude)
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I'm the Peach girl. Hehehe, yeah that girl with the claws and puppy isn't me. But, I do agree that she looks like me... except she is tan and prettier. Here is a picture of me with the nurse from Toy Soldier Army- she was not working a booth. Had so much fun at PAX; I hope I see you next year!
PS! On the topic of booth babes, I think it's super lame and semi-degrading for everyone involved when you have to pay a person to hang out. It also probably contributes to the disproportionate ratio of males to females. Most women (and many men) I know don't want to pay to have products pushed onto them by skimpily dressed women whose other job involves a pole. (Not that they were all like that). But if a girl is into the scene and/or game, already works with a company, is learning and having fun, or is helping/volunteering then I wouldn't feel like it's such a downer.
Apparently all gamers are male, and are fat horney losers. And all women connected with gaming either belong in a skanky suit behind a booth or under a paper bag.
I know this by the presence of booth babes, and lack of small T-shirts (yes I'm still miffed about that) and also via chat on several forums. Every time an issue like this comes up, some idiot has so post some sexist "joke". Honestly, I'm not laughing.
And although I am not against the Frag Dolls, I will never support using my gender to get attention. I want respect because I can kick your ass at a game, not because I'm cute and can mildly keep up.
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Don't be such a creep!
(Here's my Booth Babe Quest '08 Album.)
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The thing I think a lot of feminists forget is that most guys aren't looking at attractive women because of malice or a hatred for females. It just makes us feel good.
I think what killed E3 was the beginning of the revolution to remove that feel good feeling. I love the ladies and I think that its not a matter of objectification as it is guys trying to feel better about life (considering just how gloomy it can get these days).
Also it's not that all gamers are fat and horny.
some of us are just horny
What I suggest is become a leader of your own life and don't feel degraded by the actions of others, in fact don't judge or dictate how others should act or what should make THEM feel degraded.
If someone wants to be kind enough to raise my hormone levels I'm willing to thank them greatly. It's a shame that some of the most powerful means of feeling good (and safe unlike barbituates) are treated like such dirty things. Bring on the ladies, I'm not going to buy the product because of her but I'm going to feel good about the day. Just like if someone wants to take the route of having fit men dancing around, whatever works I suppose :P.
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Eh, I'm not being a creep. I'm constantly down on myself, though, so I try to prevent others from doing the same. ;-)
You, however sir, are one ugly motherfucker.
I think a lot of guys forget that many women don't like being around chicks blatantly using their sexuality as a marketing tool because it makes us uncomfortable--not because we give two shakes what the men around us feel.
If PAX is going to have booth babes, I can go on ignoring them. However, my strong preference would be for them not to be there. They're so blatantly aimed towards the men that I always feel a bit alienated by their presence. I also find it a bit weird to have people attending PAX who are ornamentation, not participants.