Article revised on 07/08/2023
Here’s the weekly news from Honey Traps, covering the last week of June 2023.
Disclaimer: This doesn’t include everything that’s been happening (given the chaotic global situation…) or all the exciting developments in the ‘sexy’ subculture. However, these are the highlights that caught my attention, and I’d like to share them with you.
Skullgirls’ New Patch
For those who are unaware, “Skullgirls” is a popular fighting game known for its careful balance between gameplay and fanservice. It was developed by Reverge Labs, which later reemerged as Lab Zero Games, under the direction of Alex Ahad and distributed by Autumn Games. This game combines a unique art style with charismatic female characters and smooth gameplay. Throughout its development, the project faced certain turbulences, as detailed in the Wikipedia entry. However, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2012, the key figures such as Mike “Mike Z” Zaimont and Peter Bartholow were able to take this thrilling and sensual fighting experience to new heights.
That being said, the game’s premise was clear, and many, including myself, supported the project with great fascination. We were captivated by the palpable feminine presence, the appealing and inspired character designs, refined mechanics, excellent pacing, and overflowing fun. It quickly became one of our favorite fighting games, on par with renowned titles like Guilty Gear or KOF.
Growing Desexualization
Since 2020, the direction of the studio has been uncertain, and its evolution erratic, partly due to new controversies that have gradually fragmented the studio (you can find more information in the aforementioned entry or on the Skullgirls Fandom Wiki). However, my focus is not to discuss that, but to address the gradual “desexualization” of the game. Some have pointed out that this has been happening since 2015, in response to criticisms to avoid potential cancellations and the judgment of those who consider themselves politically correct.
And We Reach the Patch…
The patch is divided into three main aspects:
- Removing references to real-world hate groups (such as, for example, a certain army with specific military attire…)
- Further reducing sexualization.
- Avoiding any content that may be offensive to racial sensitivities.
In other words: Censoring, censoring more, and censoring much more.
Needless to say, the changes introduced in this patch have generated widespread discontent among the game’s original community. In response, the team has expressed their gratitude for the support received over the years, but they have also made it clear that they will respect the decision of those who choose to abandon the game (in other words, “not to slam the door on their way out”).
Of course, there is already talk of “Review Bombing,” accusations of “boomers and wankers” among fans, and defense of the team’s decision as “for a bright future for the game and its fans.”
But… What is the reason behind this sudden change? It may be related to this other tweet.
Update: Following the comment from user MrSr_7, I have realized that it is worth mentioning that SONY acquired the EVO tournament in March 2021, which may have led to the implementation of policies aligned with their content filters and restrictions.
This leads us to the second piece of news, which connects another famous franchise with the EVO tournament:
Arc Systems and “Global Standards”
I have been a loyal fan of Guilty Gear, and although I have recently lost some interest, I have been debating whether I should buy “Strive” or wait to digest REV2 a bit more, as I have already started it. However, I can’t help but read news that raises some concerns for me. Bridget has transitioned from being a “trap” with certain complexities to becoming an LGTBIQ+ icon reinvented by its creator, relegating everything that has been told since Midnight Carnival as if it were “a well-intentioned lie from the closet.” Additionally, Testament (who was always quite ambiguous) has adopted the supposed non-binary gender identity. It doesn’t really bother me, given that in a way, these characters were a “want and can’t” of concepts that could make certain audiences uncomfortable.
Added to this is the removal of sensitive topics for China, such as references to Taiwan, Tibet, or the Uighur region. And now, the confirmation that Daisuke Ishiwatari himself has aligned with global standards and regulations to maintain his franchise as a benchmark in international tournaments, even if it means toning down uncomfortable content to offer a more family-friendly product that is in line with current trends.
Two very clear examples of the same problem.
Perhaps it wasn’t a sudden change like in Skullgirls, but these are modifications that have gradually transformed the original idea, shaping it beyond the artist’s vision or the audience’s reaction. It has become a tool for those who control what the public should see and how they should react. I can’t help but feel that creativity, irreverence, and challenge have been left behind, and now it’s all about pleasing global trends and conforming to messages that cater to the elites and the majority. All for the sake of avoiding cancellations and making more money.
Will they end up like Disney? I don’t think so. It doesn’t matter if they reduce their fanservice content, historical references, or align themselves with trends that create divisions and segmentation. They are still quality games, entertaining, and thanks to the experience of their gameplay, they will always have players. The question is whether new competitors will emerge, like what happened with Sony and Nintendo, who know how to take advantage of that void and combine quality with boldness.
It seems that Mods will be our only salvation to have a laugh or add some “spice” to the recipe. With that said…
HDOOM Returns
Time to wash away the bad taste and revel in some unexpected news: HDoomguy has released a new version of his mod, “HDOOM.”
This mod transforms most of the enemies into monster girls, modifies our arsenal, the sounds (especially the voices), and adds a series of elements that turn Doom into an adult film starring demonic women. Version 10 completes many of the missing elements and allows integration with the original Doom… a marvel in every sense.
It returns when it seemed lost in battle.
After over five years without updates, the community feared that this famous mod, which had even caught John Romero’s attention for its bold and curious approach to reinventing the classic, would be abandoned. However, it has arrived at the perfect moment, just when we needed a reason to smile and rediscover one of the most thrilling games of all time.
Sometimes I think that the only people who will never disappoint the community are those who dedicate themselves to modifying, reinventing, and sharing a piece of their own fantasies, which many of us also share.
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