How are Japanese game developers adapting to global sexism standards?

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Japanese Game Developers Adjusting to Global Sexism Standards

Japanese game developers are increasingly adapting their content to meet global sexism standards, driven by the significant influence of international player expectations on major titles. With a substantial majority of sales now occurring outside Japan, developers are meticulously considering elements ranging from slang to character costumes to appeal to a worldwide audience. This shift reflects a broader industry evolution where international perspectives are integrated early in the design process, with localisation teams playing a crucial role.
Evolving Character Depictions

The #MeToo movement has prompted significant changes in how female characters are depicted in Japanese games. Localisation managers now actively advise developers on issues such as overly revealing costumes, with suggestions to reduce cleavage or shorten skirts. This proactive approach by developers signifies a departure from previous practices, where such representations were more common and less scrutinised.
Removal of Unacceptable Content

Beyond visual elements, Japanese game developers have also been actively removing content that is no longer considered acceptable in international markets. This includes the elimination of LGBTQ caricatures and sexist clichés that were once prevalent. Executive producers have noted that representations that were standard in earlier iterations of popular series, such as the Like a Dragon games, are now deemed inappropriate.
International Script Reviews

To ensure compliance with diverse global norms, development teams collaborate with their counterparts in the United States and Europe. These international teams review game scripts to identify content that may not be acceptable in their respective regions. Such reviews commonly address sensitive topics including alcohol, politics, and religion, as well as cultural references that could be misinterpreted, such as clothing that might evoke associations with historical figures or groups like the Nazis.
Integrated Localisation and Tighter Deadlines

Localisation is no longer an afterthought but an integral part of the game design process, with international players considered from the initial stages. This integrated approach is particularly crucial given the trend of simultaneous global release dates, which necessitates that these content decisions be made under compressed timelines. While communication between developers and localisation teams has improved, challenges persist, especially when translating into languages other than English.

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How are Japanese game developers adapting to global sexism standards?

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