In a clash between gaming culture and inclusivity, the highly-anticipated role-playing game (RPG) Starfield, developed by the acclaimed studio behind titles like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4, has ignited a fiery debate among players. The source of contention? The inclusion of pronoun selection for custom characters. As the game became available for pre-order, a faction of right-wing gamers expressed their vehement opposition to the ability to choose pronouns for characters, particularly they/them options for non-binary representation.
Starfield’s introduction of pronoun options has raised the ire of some vocal anti-LGBTQ+ streamers, who view it as a representation of what they perceive as “woke” ideologies being forcefully integrated into the gaming experience. Among the critiques, Herschel ‘Guy’ Beahm IV, known as Dr Disrespect, raised concerns about the game’s pronoun features and even referenced Bethesda’s Head of Publishing, Pete Hines, for including pronouns in his online profile.
In the midst of the controversy, another streamer who goes by the online alias Heel vs Babyface, voiced his dissatisfaction with the pronoun options, citing a feeling of detachment from the immersive gaming experience. He lamented that this inclusion detracts from the game’s potential for immersion, referring to it as a manifestation of “current-day California ideology.”
While criticism and backlash unfolded, the discussion reached social media platforms. Some users ridiculed the uproar, highlighting the juxtaposition of grown men expressing frustration over a single feature in a video game. Others remarked on the irony of the intense reactions, referencing various instances of online outrage in the gaming community.
Despite the contentious debate surrounding the inclusion of pronoun choices, Starfield has also faced criticism on other fronts. Critics have pointed out issues with its overall design, including disjointed gameplay, inventory management challenges, and performance problems such as input lag. The game’s reception has sparked a broader conversation about not only representation and inclusivity in gaming but also the evolving landscape of video game design and player expectations.