Why Replacing Gender Selection with Body Types in Video Games Is a Misstep

Why Replacing Gender Selection with Body Types in Video Games Is a Misstep

The release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on April 22, 2025, brought a controversial change: the classic "male" and "female" gender options in character creation were replaced with "body type 1" and "body type 2." This shift, also seen in games like World of Warcraft Dragonflight and Hogwarts Legacy, is touted as a step toward inclusivity. However, it's a misguided move that alienates players, oversimplifies biological realities, and prioritizes ideology over practicality-especially in a remastered game that should honor its roots.

A Forced Push for Inclusivity

Developers claim that swapping gender for body types makes games more inclusive, particularly for trans and non-binary players. By using neutral terms like "body type 1" and "body type 2," they aim to decouple appearance from gender, allowing broader customization. World of Warcraft Dragonflight (2022) adopted this approach, as did Hogwarts Legacy (2023), citing the need to reflect diverse identities. A 2022 Gallup poll noting that one in five Gen Z Americans identifies as LGBT is often used to justify such changes.

But this push feels like a solution in search of a problem. Most players, as evidenced by a Steam poll for Age of Wonders 4 where 88% of 46,791 respondents preferred traditional male/female options, value clear gender distinctions. The original Oblivion (2006) used gender to shape body, voice, and NPC interactions, grounding the game in a relatable framework. Replacing this with vague body types in Oblivion Remastered, as noted in an X post by user AnthonyMirage calling it "so fucking cringe," risks alienating fans who cherished the game's authenticity.

Erasing Meaningful Distinctions

Gender selection in games isn't just cosmetic-it informs character identity, gameplay, and immersion. By reducing it to "body type," developers strip away context that players find meaningful. Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, questioned this trend, asking, "Who on earth would complain if we made them male and female?" His skepticism resonates with players who see body types as an oversimplification that ignores biological differences and cultural norms.

In Oblivion Remastered, built on Unreal Engine 5 with updated visuals, the change feels particularly jarring. The original game's gender system was integral to its world-building, affecting dialogue and character dynamics. Swapping it for body types, as AnthonyMirage's X post suggests, prioritizes modern ideology over the game's 2006 essence. Even games like Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) and Saints Row (2022), which used genderless systems, faced criticism for muddling identity in favor of vague customization.

A Backlash from Players

The shift to body types has sparked significant backlash. Online communities like Reddit's r/KotakuInAction argue it's a concession to "woke culture," forcing changes that don't reflect most players' desires. The Age of Wonders 4 poll underscores this, showing a clear preference for traditional options. On X, AnthonyMirage's post about Oblivion Remastered reflects a sentiment that developers are pandering rather than enhancing gameplay.

This controversy isn't just about nostalgia-it's about respecting player agency. Forcing body types assumes players can't handle gender distinctions or need their choices sanitized. Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) removed gender entirely, but its simplistic style suits such changes better than a deep RPG like Oblivion. Remasters, especially, should preserve what made the original beloved, not retrofit it with trends that feel out of place.

A Missed Opportunity for Balance

Developers could address inclusivity without erasing gender. Offering male, female, and non-binary options, or allowing pronouns and body types alongside gender, would cater to diverse identities while respecting traditional players. Instead, the blanket shift to body types feels like a lazy shortcut that dismisses the majority's preferences. Discussions on Quora highlight that gender distinctions streamline development by providing clear frameworks-removing them complicates design without clear benefits.

For Oblivion Remastered, the change undermines the game's legacy. Bethesda's announcement stream at 11 AM ET on release day didn't detail character creation updates, but the X post suggests a deliberate choice to align with industry trends. This risks alienating fans who expected a faithful remaster, not a platform for social messaging.

Why It's a Problem

Replacing gender with body types isn't just a minor tweak-it's a signal that developers are prioritizing ideology over player experience. Games should be about immersion and choice, not enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach to identity. The backlash, from Horii's comments to player polls, shows that many feel these changes are unnecessary and divisive.

For Oblivion Remastered, the body type system feels like a betrayal of the game's roots, turning a beloved classic into a battleground for cultural debates. Players deserve options that respect both tradition and diversity, not a forced redefinition of what makes their characters feel real.

Looking Ahead

The trend toward body types may continue, but developers risk further alienating their audience. Games like World of Warcraft and Hogwarts Legacy have weathered the controversy, but Oblivion Remastered shows even remasters aren't immune. The industry must find a balance-offering inclusive options without erasing what makes games resonate.

For players exploring Oblivion Remastered, the body type system is a reminder that not all changes are improvements. As the gaming community pushes back, developers may need to rethink this approach, ensuring games remain a space for all players, not just those who fit a modern agenda.

Key Examples of Gender-to-Body-Type Shifts