A recently surfaced developer video is shedding new light on an issue that many gamers have noticed but few have fully understood—why do so many modern female characters in video games appear to have exaggerated masculine features like the dreaded squared off man-jaw? A game developer, speaking under anonymity, has provided evidence to YouTuber SmashJT that points to Unreal Engine’s Metahuman character creator as the source of the problem.
The Root of the Issue: Metahuman’s Character Generator
The anonymous developer, who has shared video proof of their findings with SmashJT, highlights a significant flaw in the way Metahuman generates female character models. The tool, while groundbreaking in its level of detail, appears to create base models that lean toward androgyny, requiring extensive modification to achieve a traditionally feminine look.
This revelation suggests that many studios relying on Metahuman may be inadvertently using these default templates without the necessary adjustments, resulting in masculine female characters that stand out in ways that players find distracting. The developer describes the process as an uphill battle for artists trying to create distinct and aesthetically appealing female protagonists.
The ‘Man-Jaw’ Concern in Game Design
One of the most striking takeaways from the leaked video is the consistent structural patterns in Metahuman’s female base models. Features such as strong jawlines, broad facial proportions, and a lack of softer, traditionally feminine traits seem to be the default settings. This has led to a growing number of masculine female characters in modern games, raising concerns among players and artists alike.
The defauly body type in Unreal Engine’s Metahuman Character Creator – YouTube, SmashJT
Beyond facial structure, the body proportions in Metahuman’s female models also raise questions. The developer notes that the default settings often produce characters with minimal curves, indistinct silhouettes, and proportions that deviate from what has historically been seen in stylized or idealized game design.
A Technical Oversight or an Industry Trend?
This raises an important question: is this an unintended flaw in the technology, or is it part of a broader industry shift? Epic Games, the company behind Unreal Engine, has positioned itself as a leader in digital realism. If questioned, their likely response would suggest that these models are designed to reflect a more inclusive range of appearances.
A screenshot from Star Wars Outlaws (2024), Ubisoft
However, critics argue that this reasoning doesn’t hold up when considering how male characters still retain their broad shoulders, chiseled features, and athletic builds. If realism were truly the goal, why is the balance so skewed? It’s a concern that has fueled ongoing discussions about the increasing presence of masculine female characters in gaming.
The Industry-Wide Impact
This issue extends beyond mere aesthetics. The way characters are designed influences how players connect with them, the types of stories that can be told, and the broader appeal of gaming itself. When the default tools available to developers lean toward a particular style—whether intentional or not—it shapes the final product in ways that may not align with audience expectations.
Ciri as a witcher in The Witcher 4 – YouTube, IGN
The gaming industry has long thrived on its ability to create visually distinct and engaging characters. If major development tools continue down a path where female character models start from an androgynous template, it could further shift the industry away from the artistic diversity that has traditionally been celebrated. This has led to an increase in masculine female characters that feel out of place in certain game worlds.
The Call for Change
The developer who shared this information with SmashJT hopes that bringing attention to this issue will encourage discussion among both industry professionals and players. The concern is not just about one tool—it’s about ensuring that game development continues to allow for a full range of artistic expression, rather than being constrained by the limitations or biases of the technology itself.
Epic Games has yet to comment on this discovery, but with mounting evidence, the gaming community is left asking an important question: why do female character models in their premier development tool require so much modification just to achieve the visual appeal that was once standard in the industry?
The default jawline setting in Unreal Engine’s Metahuman character creator – YouTube, SmashJT
If realism is the goal, then fairness in design should be a priority—especially in an industry built on creativity and player immersion. As more games feature masculine female characters due to these design constraints, the question remains: is this truly the direction gamers want the industry to take?
How do you feel about masculine female characters in gaming? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
