Female Armor: Please leave SOMETHING to the imagination.

Dear ANET,

It has come to my attention over the course of several months that many of the female armors are a bit revealing. It would seem as though the less a female is wearing the higher the level the armor. Now, being a female gamer I find it a bit disturbing that many of the female characters are depicted as (please take now offense to this) stripclub dancers.

I had been dealing with this in my own way, mostly by playing as a Dervish, but recently I stubbled across a picture of the new Norn HeroJora. Her outfit disgusted me! It left me wondering if there would be anything left to the imagination after the release of GW:EN or GW2. Is it at all possible for you to design armor that is great looking without making me feel like I need to cover up my computer screen everytime someone walks into the room?

I really hope that something could possibly be done. Maybe introducing a "Design Your Armor" contest where contestants can design rather great looking armor without that stripper feel to them?

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying to do away with all the rather showy armor...but instead to introduce some armor for the more conservative female gamers who do not like to have warriors following them through towns yelling "Dance for me! I'll pay!!" Not to mention getting the dirty little whispers that makes a woman's spine shiver.

Yes it has amazed me also. Along with the wimpy girly running style. Now I can see someone wanting that but a warrior? come on. Clothes of this nature is armor? This is suppose to be a family game. Seems many of the male gender have made female chars because they would rather "see the back side of a female instead of a male" in battle. But, there has to be a line drawn is this the one? I say it needs to be drawn some where why not with this character.

i think u guys are overreacting a bit. theres nothing wrong with the outfits. more like they can pull off the look so they do so; flaunt it while u got it cause it wont be there forever in other words. plus dont brush ur insecurities on the GW community. >.<

House Silvermoon...

Are we overreacting? I think overreacting would be me demanding that all revealing armor be banned, but instead I am simply asking for alternatives. It's not "insecurity" its called having self-respect and moral-standards. I don't appreciate having to pick between classes based upon what that class will be wearing.

Sugr...

The whimpy run is just the male world saying that we're weak because when I see my character run...I'm justing waiting for her high heel to break and see her fall upon her face. Another thing...high heels?! Are you kidding me? I don't even wear high heels to the mall (because when I'm at the mall I'm there to do some serious shopping and I don't need achy feet slowing me down) so why would I wear high heels to fight the evils of the world?

1st: Not "guys" I'm all woman

2nd: Your a "guy" right? obvious answer to "nothing wrong"

3rd: Flaunt with in a battle? Is this a time and place to flaunt?

Noticed: Didn't comment on the "Family Game" aspect of my answer just insecurities hmm is that why the male paragon has his little dance and the Male Warriors Elite armor is totally incasing their whole body. Seems the male side has their own insecurities if that is what the answer is for this thread.

FoW ele armor is the least showy one, but also the most expensive. But the reason why they're getting more showy in general is because less clothes = more buyers = more money for Anet.

c'mon lads, all there asking for is more of a variety in female armour, is that so damn hard to ask for?

sure it looks nice but the fow armour covers up everything for an ele, if there was more armour liek that style but differant skin it'd be nice,thats all there asking for.

i have a char like that,scamily clad, waiting for gwe nbefore ichange armour tho. hat said i wouldnt mind if the male toons had jsut some underpants armour.

ithe old armours are there jsut an addition


/agree
i'm a guy btw

holymasamune,

I agree that FoW elementalist armor is less showy but more expensive. About the less clothes the more money for Anet...when I buy armor is my 5k+ gamer gold going to Anet as a real transaction? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sound rude...but I bought Guild Wars for the online play with other gamers not because the necromancer on the front looked "hot".

Talach,

*Bows before Talach* Thank you kindly for seeing what exactly we're trying to say. We're not asking that all armor be changed, just that something new be added. You are now my new hero .

it seems to me what you want are armors that aren't going to flaunt the human body, and you claim that there aren't any. This is mistake proven by the following armors.

Warrior::
1.5k or 15k platemail
1.5k or 15k ascolon
Primevil armor

Ranger::
1.5k or 15k canthan
Istani
Ancient

Monk::
basicly every armor but tats and 1.5k kurzick

Necromancer::
1.5k or 15k fanatic
1.5k and 15k canthan
Elite Sunspear

Mesmer::
Courtly and Noble armor
Istani armor
1.5k and 15k Sunspear

Elementalist::
Ancient
(ok, elementalist could use some more armors like this i'll admit)

Assassin::
1.5 and 15k kurzick
Shing Jea
Ancient

Ritualist::
Ancient
Canthan 1.5k and 15k
Imperial 1.5k

Paragon::
Sunspear 1.5k
Primevil

*i left Dervish off the list as you have admited to being ok with it*
*i left Obsidian armors off the list as many people still can't afford them*
*sorry for lack of pictures/links to pics, i didn't know how*

Now this is a list of armors that i find to be completly family safe. Some classes(Warrior, Dervish) have notibly more options than others(Ele, Para, Rit), but there is a set of armor out htere for them all. There are also for the most part set of standard and Elite armors for each class. To be saying there are no options is a grave understatment and one i hope you will reconsider.

i have to second what jamal has said. there is plenty of armor that covers up everything for every class. i don't see what the big deal is. this is somewhat a reflection of real-life too. women do wear more revealing outfits than their male counterparts. in an average office, how many women are wearing low-cut shirts and short dresses? more than you'd think.

besides, this is a game. not a social statement.

Jamal,

You are correct that we are asking for armor that doesn't flaunt the body; however, I did not say that there were "no options". Clearly there are options for each class, but I'm refering to GW:EN and possibly GW2. Jora is a clear example of what may be to come. I have no issue with the northern part of her amor...it is the southern part that has me concern. I want my Norn character's armor to be actual armor not this piece of cloth dangling on parts of my body (and being a constant 'tease' to male players).

All I'm asking for (and keep repeating) is other options to be put into the game. In GW:EN, Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall...put the new non-revealing armor anywhere you please...just put it somewhere (I'll even add a Conservative Armor NPC in my guild hall).

However, thank you for taking the time to find all the other armor choices and prices for the forum.

Some armor is revealing indeed but unless its blatant lingerie or BDSM equipment I wont ever have a problem with it.

In short, cry moar.

We are not talking about an office here we are talking about battle armor. Women would not be wearing high heals for battle where this thread was made. The original post was about GWEN armor not the past. I mention there has to be a line and saw this was the line consider where the southern region drew a line on this character. I was just mentioning the future armor sets to come if this was an example that we are going to see. This game is for all and with this character there is no armor set to change it.

The problem with the "too little/too small" clothing is common to all the mmorpgs, or the video game industry... or any visual media actually.

Regarding video games, the general way of thinking is:

• The majority of gamers are males.
• Males like females with little-or-nothing-at-all clothing.
• Males buy the games where they can find the lesser clothing on females.

No clue if its true or not, but it's the way the business is made (and if everyone does it, why not GW/Anet too? must be their way of thinking).

While i am partial to the idea of "the most left to the imagination, the better", i doubt it would become a new standard for the industry. After all, things have been the same way for years.

What i really don't understand is how they can expect us to think that a gladiator set of armor on a female can provide the same armor rating that a full plate obsidian armor. I mean, with all that meat exposed, you would think that they are a little easier to hit (no pun intended).
(and if they come with the "it's magic armor", well, a whole full plate set of that same magic armor should be available providing even higher AC)

OhCrapLions,

Do you see where we are crying on here? Or is this just a sexist statement because women are known to show emotion more often then men? You may be okay with the armor and that's just fine...but I'm not okay with it and I have the right to post an objection or idea about what can be done about it. If you're not going to be helpful then stay out of this thread because I won't tolerate flaming from someone who can't spell "more". Thank you and happy gaming.

This is pretty funny. Basically, you're complaining about a bit of pixels, of a game that you CHOSE to play, that when put together form something that looks like a woman, who isn't NEARLY naked.

Covering up your screen? ...okaaaaaaaaay really are really overreacting.

Just wanted to make a quick little interjection regarding the appearance of Jora... a Norn warrior. (Jora meaning Lord in Norwegian) Typical "Viking" appearance tends to lean her outfit and appearance towards a rather revealing end. I'm not saying there should not be more conservative options for you, just simply the characteristics of the Norn race suggest that they would be rather "revealing" in their clothing choice.

whats your problem with strippers, for all you know there forced to be sexy dancers to feed their family. they are a role model all women should look up to.

I would also like to see more armors that aren't so ...revealing. I do not think it is too much to ask for a few more conservative armors in the future. I like a lot of the current ones, skin and all, but it would be nice to not see quite so much especially if running around in the snow. That is just not right.

Either my husband or I would happily make a male paragon or rit if in the future we could put a pair of pants on them......

Fighterdoken,

Yes indeed it is a man's industry or world. I know that things will not change, but I have high hopes that one little thing may be done such as the armor I've been posting about.

The female Gladiator armor is one of the things I've been pondering about. I've seen so many warriors wearing it and yet I see no scars upon their flesh. If people are honestly going to argue this using the "real life females dress showy" then perhaps some scars should be added since in real life I'm sure their flesh would have been cut.

Anyways, thank you for your post and being anything but condescending.

P.S. I'm getting real tired of being told I'm "crying" when all I'm doing is stating an idea (and telling a woman she's a crier is just a weak mans way of getting out of putting forth any effort to help out a situation) .

Blasfemy!

Thou shalt not cover the glorious creation of the gods.
Let their puny servants contemplate it and rejoice in the overwhelming beauty of the most perfect creation ever: Women.
Are you telling women are weak and can't stand the cold?
Are you telling women are a horrendous vision and should cover themselves?
Are you telling you prefer to look at a piece of cloth, leather or metal rather to looking to perfection?
You should be ashamed.

Every single inch of bare female skin worships Lyssa. Covering it would make her angry.
And when a twin goddess get angry, she (they) get DOUBLE angry.
Lyssa may likes illussion, but not lies. Covering things is like lying.

Just look at Jora. The best female Warrior model ever.

Ok, now seriously.
There are many models, and in all professions are armors that cover almost everything, and models that let show many things Both for male and female (Gladiator, for example).
Since what you ask is already there, this suggestion is pointless, unless you ask to remake all armors to cover everything, and that will never happen.

populationcontrol,

I never stated that I had a problem with strippers, I simply said that may of the female characters dressed like them and I don't think that is needed in a so called "family game". Would you want a ten year old family member of your's exposed to a stripper? I can only hope you wouldn't.

For all the ladies who are stripping to feed their family...more power to them. I actually wrote my college english paper about strippers and how I believe they need more protection while at work and going to their cars, (got a 98%) but I digress.

you want dignity get all FoW none of the is over revealing

Seems your own pic there shows actually more fabric in the front region we are talking about. YES it's a game with characters that We Can't Change. It's not a choice. Not Nearly? Pixel removal ummm why not add? Why just remove considering that that pic without it's shadowed in area would be totally revealed. That is the point that this thread is about. No crying just pointing it out to Anet. No crying here just a point. Seems others took it to the Real World where this game is not. But needs to be said since it is in younger age's hands to play in.

it's not just female gladiator. male gladiator armor shows even more skin yet has the same 80 al + 20 physical that all the other more protective looking armor does. come to think of it, how does tattoo on a monk protect just as well as sturdy-looking leather goth armor that a necromancer has?

Again it's not armor we get to pick it's Hero Armor that is already chosen. Yes chars get tp pic their own but when no choice there again a line needs to be set. Why keep going back to old armor? We are talking about a game to come not previous.

HAHA i know it was a typo but still. anyways the game is +18 and i fail to see how the female anatomy is offensive. its beautiful and must remain exposed. lets not turn this game into a bible group, if it offends you there is armor that covers your female character this really shouldnt be an issue.

ten year olds shouldn't be playing this game. it's 13+ years; it even says so right on the box.

MithranArkanere,

First I have to giggle about the first half of your post...I thought you were being overly serious about the goddess. Secondly, there is armor sets for each profession and I know this, but when I look at Jora I have to wonder what future armor is instore for female characters. I like the idea of having a more conservative looking armor while still having the original armor work of ANET to purchase from NPCs. I guess what I'm asking for is an affordable line of variety armor. Not asking for five new sets of armor for each profession but maybe just one new set for a few professions like Elementalist, Paragon, ect.

I like playing as a Elementalist Nuker, but I can't stand the elementalist dancing in her non-showy armor. I can't afford FoW and she hasn't been to Bone Palace to purchase ancient armor so there she sits in my character select screen...collecting pixel dust.

And Sugr...it's a good point about how Jora is a hero and thus we are unable to change her armors appearance (unless there is a new challenge area for armor drops). I would not mind if the southern region of Jora was to be covered a bit more.

I understand where you guys are comming from but dont bring that whole "it's men trying to bring us gals down" bullshit. Sex sells. Even if it is virtual pixellated sex for those lonely 13 year olds.

Have you seen female warrior armors? They aren't revealing at all (save glads, that makes sense) thats much better than most games. This game does better than most at covering up. I'd be more worried that all the elementalist armors look like ass.

populationcontrol,

If the game is indeed for 18+ then please explain to me why I see so many 13 and under players? Oh yes...because Guild Wars is T for teens meaning 13 and older...and yet pre-teens get ahold of the game too. So no...the game is not +18. So having standards and wishing to be more than eye candy has automatically labeled this thread as a bible group seeking comfort in Guild Wars? I know that's not exactly what you typed, but it seems to link very well.

The Jora we're seeing now is actually the modest version. The original concept art was much worse.

At least she looks like a strong warrior-woman there. Now they gave her a boob job, no muscles and a much "softer" face/skin.

jhu,

Clearly the box is set for "T", but I was able to purchase Fable set at "M" at the age of 16 so in conclusion I would have to say that Wal*Mart or any other game sellers are going to make a sell and sometimes not check for ID (or even check the box for rating). So who is to say that an older looking pre-teen wouldn't be able to purchase the latest Guild Wars game using their birthday money or christmas cash?

nightwatchman,

I remember that concept art and thinking that ANET had to be joking. It would seem as though her top has been fixed but the bottom has been compromised. I suppose either the top has to show or the bottom has to go...

Hrmmm... someone needs to log off more. Step outside sometime, look up, yes, thats your long lost friend, the Sun...

~~

I agree with you Dervish Gnome, lol some of the "armor" in GW doesn't look like it can even protect someone from a mosquito. :P Function over Form please, for at least some of the armor.

Oh, and please PLEASE no more crazy spikes on the sin armor! LMAO some of the NF armor sets look like they're growing roots.

Who said you're weak? I see lots of girls (real, live, living, breathing girls) who run exactly like the "wimpy elementalist" girls do. And I know a girl in my Martial Arts class who could kick almost anyones ass. So don't start saying we are calling you weak.

So don't dance...?

Okay...so stop taking 10 year olds to the mall. Hell, stop taking them outta the house. Everywhere you go, society is degenerating. Women are dressing...well I'll be blunt, a lot are dressing like sluts (sorry to use that language, I know that might be offensive) This game isn't going to change anything of that sort. And male armor can be just as revealing. You say this should be battle armor? Lets revise then:

Monk tats (both sexes)
Necro Scar pats (both sexes)
Warrior Gladiator armor (both sexes)
Assassin Luxon (male)
Assassin Luxon 15k (male)
Im sure their are others. These obviously would not be suitable for battle. Do you know why? Because this is a game. You cant shoot fireballs in real life either, but you can in Guild Wars. Because it's a GAME. If you don't like the revealing armor, don't wear it.

Yeah I agree with that one.

What's up with the blades? Why so much of them? Imperial, Seitung, Canthan and Shin Jea wre wuite fine without the spikes.
Luxon armor spikes are enough.

Another girl gamer here, and while I'm not opposed to cheesecake (my rit is definitely too sexy for her shirt), some of it's just so eye-rollingly obvious. Elementalist ladies, I'm looking at you. I'd love to see more high-rated armor that looks and acts like armor. Most of the offerings are just... dull full-body coverings. I'm not playing nuns here; I just don't care for characters that trot around in glorified bikinis. Covered-up doesn't have to mean uninteresting. I usually make jokes when I run my Ele through the Shiverpeaks, having her jump and complain and ask to borrow the mesmer's coat or something.

I realize this game appeals mostly to the teenaged/young adult male demographic and revealing woman's armor is a given, but some of it's just pathetic. At the higher levels, it's mostly Dervishes that retain any modesty.

The Lurch,

Okay, I apologize for saying that men are saying we're weak...what I should have said is, "Some men envision women as the weaker sex, thus our run is going to be depicted as wimpy." My elementalist NEVER dances an obvious reason being I don't like her goods rattling around while all the males gather. You got me on 10 year olds seeing everything a woman has to offer by simply going to the mall...so excuse me for thinking that Guild Wars should at least consider alternative armor choices. What was I thinking?

Oh yes...I was considering that Guild Wars is just a game thus this being the whole reason why all the women look stellar when in real life...not all women have flat tummies with a kicking upper and lower attachments that are constantly flaunted. Oh well!