Electronic Arts’ Dragon Age: The Veilguard has sparked controversy among female gamers for its limited feminine customization options. As the game’s character creation model highlights diverse gender choices, including nonbinary pronouns and “top surgery scars,” many female players expressed frustration over the lack of traditionally feminine traits in their characters.
NEW: Video game Dragon Age Veilguard character customization options have just been released. They offer options for double mastectomy scars and gender neutral pronouns pic.twitter.com/rzQZigK3HP
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 19, 2024
A video shared on X showcased the customization features, allowing options for mastectomy scars, vitiligo, and cellulite. Some gamers felt this focus on inclusivity compromised the ability to create feminine characters, with complaints of being forced to design overly masculine women even at maximum female settings.
Gamer MadamSavvy shared her dissatisfaction with the body shape sliders, while others like Packer Girl called the design choices “misogynistic.” Designer Mark Kern criticized the features as “fetish self-inserts.”
In response, many have pointed to the game’s pansexual characters and romantic options, previously confirmed by director Corinne Busche. Busche, a trans woman, emphasized the game’s commitment to inclusivity but later made his X page private following backlash over these design choices.