The first step of character creation for all the Baldur's Gate series of computer games:
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| "Females of the Realms can excel in any area they wish, and are easily the equals of their male counterparts in every skill or respect." |
In many respects, Black Isle programmers lived up to this promise. I always play a female character, and I have greatly enjoyed every Baldur's Gate game I have finished.
But even in nearly perfect computer games there are bugs, both accidental and deliberate. Male PCs in Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal original programming (as opposed to add-in mods programmed by fans, of which I am a huge proponent) have three possible romance storylines in the game. Female PCs have one. Male PCs, depending on their choices, may romance a dark elf, a fighter/druid, or even impregnate a cleric/mage NPC. Female PCs may romance the fighter/cleric paladin want-to-be NPC or no one at all.
When time or money ran short, it was the other two planned possible romances for the female PC that got cut.
I am a feminist for many reasons. One of those reasons is that by the time I'm old, I want to see male and female choices cut equally when things must be cut. I don't want women taking the bigger cut, and right now, we still are taking the bigger cut. And things get better not by saying "Oh, well, count your blessings," but by saying, "Things are not equal, and we as human beings can change and do better." Change in small things as well as big things.
Appendix: For a thoughtful and thorough take on women in games and gaming, you should be watching Anita Sarkeesian's videos.
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