Marek Tymiński of CI Games has sparked yet another debate in the gaming world, this time taking aim at what many are calling the “uglification” of gaming characters in AAA titles with a new poll. Tymiński issued the question on X asking gamers:
“Should lead video game characters be widely considered attractive/aspirational by the vast majority of players?”
Should lead video game characters be widely considered attractive/aspirational by the vast majority of players?
— Marek Tyminski (@tyminski_marek) January 17, 2025
The poll drew significant attention, garnering 11,134 votes.
The results of the CI Games poll were overwhelmingly in favor of bringing attractive characters back to the forefront of gaming:
- Yes: 84.4% (Almost 9,400 votes)
- No: 2.5% (Almost 280 votes)
- I don’t care: 13.1% (Almost 1,460 votes)
The response from players reinforces the sentiment that gaming should offer escapism and aspiration. Whether it’s stepping into the shoes of a heroic adventurer or navigating the galaxy as a daring space captain, players want their avatars to be aspirational and engaging—qualities often associated with attractive and well-designed characters.
The “Uglification” Debate
The poll addresses a growing frustration among gamers about the apparent trend in AAA gaming to make characters, particularly female ones, less conventionally attractive. Critics argue that many studios are deliberately downplaying traditionally feminine features or giving characters overtly masculine traits, such as pronounced jawlines and angular features.
Once I would have said it does not matter, but then DEI turned female characters into masculine nightmare fuel. So yea, have attractive characters and especially make female characters feminine and attractive that fits the setting. Examples of western uglification: pic.twitter.com/8sjvZVe1tP
— Badmojo7 (@Badmojo7A) January 17, 2025
Notable examples cited include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Star Wars: Outlaws, Spider-Man 2, and Horizon Forbidden West among others.
These design choices have led to widespread online debate, with many gamers questioning why AAA developers seem intent on moving away from characters that are not only aspirational but also visually appealing. While advocates for these changes often frame them as a push for realism or inclusivity, the poll results suggest that a vast majority of players prefer the escapism and fantasy that attractive characters bring to games.
Gaming, at its core, is a hobby rooted in escapism. It allows players to step outside their reality and immerse themselves in a new world, often as someone they aspire to be.
A screenshot from Horizon Zero Dawn (2017), Guerilla Games
For many, the characters they play embody the qualities they wish to see in themselves—heroism, strength, and yes, attractiveness.
This isn’t a new concept. Iconic characters like Lara Croft, Nathan Drake, and Geralt of Rivia have long exemplified the balance of compelling storytelling and aspirational design, making them beloved figures in gaming history.
CI Games’ Player-First Approach
This isn’t the first time Tymiński has engaged gamers with a poll on hot-button issues. Just recently, he asked players for their input on gender selection in medieval fantasy RPGs.
That poll received over 49,000 votes, with 88% of respondents favoring the traditional “male or female” character creation option over the controversial “Body Type A/B” system. Following the results, Tymiński announced that CI Games would not only revert to male/female options in future games but would also update 2023’s Lords of the Fallen to remove the Body Type A/B feature entirely.
A screenshot from the trailer for Lords of The Fallen – YouTube, Gamespot
Tymiński’s transparency and willingness to act on player feedback have set CI Games apart as a studio that values its audience’s opinions.
These polls are shaping up to be a very public demographic study of the gaming community, offering invaluable insight into what players truly want. As CI Games adjusts its design philosophy to align with fan preferences, other AAA studios would be wise to take note.
Players want to feel heard, and there’s no better example of the power of listening to fans than the Sonic the Hedgehog movie controversy. After the original trailer revealed a design that was widely ridiculed, the studio delayed its release, reworked Sonic to look more like his video game counterpart, and subsequently launched a hit franchise.
Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails from the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Trailer – Paramount Pictures
CI Games seems to be following a similar path by engaging directly with their audience, pledging to implement changes based on feedback, and prioritizing player satisfaction. Tymiński’s approach not only boosts goodwill among gamers but also positions CI Games for future success.
How do you feel about the results of this CI Games poll? Do you want to see more conventionally attractive characters in gaming? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
