Tropes vs. Women in Video Games examines 'Ms. Male Character'

Media critic Anita Sarkeesian released the latest video in her Kickstarter-funded series, Tropes vs. Women in Video Games, that examines female versions of an already established male character.

Called "Ms. Male Character," the video above spans a huge number of games, including franchises such as Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros, Mass Effect and Scribblenauts. It explores how female characters are sometimes defined "by their relationsip to their male counterparts via visual properties, narrative connection or occasionally through promotional materials."

Tropes vs. Women in Video Games successfully completed Kickstarter funding in June 2012. The campaign raised $158,922 of its meager $6,000 goal after it became the center of a media storm due to its subject matter.

Prior episodes examined the "Damsel in Distress" by discussing how the trope is presented in games and how it can be used in a positive way. According to the Kickstarter page, future videos will cover topics such as "The Sexy Sidekick," "Positive Female Characters" and "Background Decoration."

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