I just don't really see it is an issue. If we want to talk about character design what about this?
Look at them big burly men, with their big over exaggerated arms, and their tiny heads. With marcus fenix holding his gun like its a large semi erect penis. Its fucking faggy. Yet none of us complained, no one complained, many of us liked the gow games (they suck btw).
But is this over masculine portrayal any worse than the over sexualised depiction of women in video games. Its rooted in the same place, its rooted in "fantasy". Now i could understand the commotion if Madison Paige was dressed like a hooters waitress in heavy rain. Or if Alyx Vance ran around in HL2 in nothing but slabs of steak pinned to her vadge and breasts. But they don't because its a different type of fantasy.
Lets bring this old chestnut up.
There was uproar when that trailer was released, personally i found the trailer hilarious, and have you played the game? It's so tongue in cheek how are we meant to take any depictions of any demographic seriously in that game seriously? Yet a vocal proportion of the game industry was prepared to donate their testicles and wang in the name of feminism.
I think the real problem here is something closer to home. The fact that many gamers probably aint the coolest of people, and the biggest of studs. Hell i split up with my partner six months ago and have got laid once. I think its more a problem of social inadequacy with women more than anything.
My point is, all the characters that are portrayed in an over the top fashion are our bedroom fantasies. Those that are standing up for feminism need to take a think why they feel such the need and should maybe go protest at record labels who produce manufactired girl groups then market them to teenage girls, indirectly promoting a highly sexualised image of women. Let me have my bedroom fantasy if im the demographic the dev is aiming for. I watch porn but i didn't become a plumber thinking i would get to bang loads of chicks. I would of become a pool boy for that.
anyway i just got in from the pub, I'm probably talking out my ass.
Edit: Also I'm not saying there isn't sexism in the industry, I'm just saying its being chased in the wrong places.
Edit 2: For anyone else who reads this, the post was supposed to be satirical, since i find the whole thing ridiculous. Sorry if i was to subtle when i said i would of become a pool boy to bang chicks, or when i said marcus fenix is holding his gun like a semi erect penis.