Kickstarter

Creator Glen Proko on April 4

@Maarten - Hello! I'm in the same pledge tier (I think...) and to my knowledge the downloads are to come later as more episodes are finalized and released.

With it being just Episode 1 so far, based on past history with other similar projects, I'd say the downloads would be available after the release of Episode 2. But that's just my best-guess and not the official line from the project manager.

Creator Maarten Dijkstra on April 3

Hello! Glad to see this is all ticking over now :) Question though - I pledged for the download of the episodes.. so where and how do I download them?

Thanks in advance, and apologies if I'm missing something obvious.

Creator Glen Proko on March 26

@Sam Wright : That's a tough one to use as an example of bias. While I'd like to believe in the honesty of that particular Kickstarter project, there's an increasing amount of evidence being provided by internet researchers to challenge its authenticity.

I'm not calling it out as a scam as I simply do not have anything except the circumstantial evidence provided to date by the commentators at that Kickstarter campaign's page. But I will repeat that in the end it all comes down to being another case of "do your homework" when it comes to Kickstarter campaigns and what you pledge your money to.

Including this project in the ones I've backed right now I'm at one verified with completed work (Tropes vs. Woman in Video Games), one in progress with verified work (Wasteland 2) and one in limbo with no set completion date or regular updates on status of project completion (Japan Needs Heroes). All three of these projects that I pledged my money to I did so after investigating the legitimacy of their stated project aim and project manager history from online/offline sources.

There's nothing wrong with a successful person who already has substantial resources to draw upon making a Kickstarter campaign (especially one for the noble cause of helping her daughter reach a life goal), but there is a point where people start to get suspicious after previous examples of Kickstarter misuse and can be forgiven for asking questions (and I stress politely and respectfully, as anything other than that is disgraceful) of what they're really backing with their pledged funds.

Creator Sam Wright on March 25

Is every female-led gaming project going to have to go through this kind of crap?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/susanwilson/9-year-old-building-an-rpg-to-prove-her-brothers-w

Creator bagheadinc on March 24

Breaking News: Girls Play Video Games! Who knew? http://kotaku.com/5991151/breaking-girls-play-video-games-local-news-discovers

Creator BethanyAnne on March 23

I lol'd at "regressive crap". Great work, Feminist Frequency team! I also really liked the use of "damseled" as a verb. It make the portrayal into an active process, which it is. Well done!

Creator Glen Proko on March 20

@Michael W Kanderfer - Oh and before I forget, Parasite Eve 1 on PSX is another excellent example of a game with a major female lead character that never hit our shores because of the translation barrier and marketing risk. Parasite Eve 2 made it (in extremely limited numbers) for PSX and so did The 3rd Birthday (Parasite Eve 3) for PSP fortunately; but if you're a fan of the series you'll notice very quickly how the main character development of Aya Brea shifted greatly from the path set by Parasite Eve 1 and Parasite Eve 2, with many long-time fans of the series very disappointed in how The 3rd Birthday (Parasite Eve 3) took a very sharp tangent with her character. Debate still rages over whether or not the story of The 3rd Birthday is really canon because of how Aya Brea character changed so much or if this paving the way for the real twist in the series for Parasite Eve 4 (given the decent 400,000 copies sold to show the series is still very popular for survival horror fans).

If it's ever covered by Anita, that character is an interesting case study for Tropes vs Women in Video Games; you rarely ever see such a character shift and Metroid: Other M is the only other example I can think of (and that was a disaster).

Creator Glen Proko on March 20

@Michael W Kandefer - See, this is where the power of the all mighty "pre-order" comes in to save the day after you see an early trailer for a game like "Remember Me" and think it could be worth it. Many developers with speculative publisher agreements love that because then they have a definitive set of numbers to back up their pilot trailer when Marketing/Management starts interfering.

It was one of the key elements that got Beyond Good & Evil released back in the day and keeps the open possibility of a sequel, despite its poor sales (due to a badly timed release against four other major "blockbuster" game titles) at the time. Fahrenheit (also known as Indigo Prophecy) was another game under similar publisher stress, but unfortunately the pre-orders weren't enough to stop a decent chunk of the game being cut to shorten it right before it went gold (which resulted in it having a stuttered ending).

I've lost count over the years of how many games were lucky to be released because of their story/protagonist having a major female lead character or assertive supporting female character. Here where I am in Australia we really catch it being a part of the Europe distribution: the language translation barrier can cause a Japan developed release that made it to North America fail to hit our shores at all (such as Jeanne d'Arc on PSP).

It's always great when a developer sticks to their guns on cases like this. I really hope Remember Me lives up to the hype.

Creator Michael W Kandefer on March 19

It looks like Remember Me had some push-back from marketing for having a female lead, fearing it would upset people who think playing a woman who kisses a man challenges their sexuality too much:

http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/remember-mes-surprising-connection-to-facebook-and-why-its-protagonist-had

It's unfortunate that the creator felt the protagonist "felt right" being female because the game dealt with emotional topics, but I'm happy they stuck to their guns and proceeded with a female lead in what looks to be a complicated narrative.

Creator Raphael M on March 12

Hey look, the first episode is the subject of an article in the French version of Slate ! http://www.slate.fr/culture/69343/jeux-videos-demoiselle-detresse-anita-seerkasian-cliches-sexistes

Creator J. van der Meulen on March 10

Excellent and humorous analysis. I look forward to the next episode!

Creator scamper on March 10

Did you see this? Father hacks Donkey Kong for his daughter. Now Mario is the one being saved: http://youtu.be/JeXDNg7scyU

Creator Michael Schnier on March 8

Cagney, it's called anonymity, gleeful ignorance, and a total lack of consequences.

Creator Cagney Feldhaus on March 8

I want to say that I think this is great, and it is hilarious/depressing reading the comments of the men who copied your video on youtube just to post comments on them. How people can be so terrible and misogynist is beyond me.

Creator Albert Marsh on March 8

HA HA! That Double Dragon intro is still awesome.

Creator Joon Kim on March 8

@Alex

It was most certainly a joke. And I apologize for the fact that you found it to be in bad taste. I just couldn't help myself. The man is a visionary, but in this case I just felt like ribbing him a little.

And this is not to say that I thought this first video colored him as such either.

Creator Rebecca S on March 8

Glad to see the first video finished!
I'm also pleased that you brought up the intention behind the trope, which is to make men/boys feel more powerful and better about themselves, at the cost of making female characters totally helpless flat background figures. Good point about Peach and others being "the ball" in the game! I had to say it was really disturbing to see all those images of the damsels in distress together, especially those who are sexualized. It brings the message to boys that girls in distress are sexy. Disturbing.

Creator Alex J. Sandoval on March 8

@Joon

...

Maybe that was a joke, but it was in bad taste. Misogyny is defined as the HATRED of women by men, and should not be thrown around lightly, especially in a discussion that may be wont to do so in order to bring attention to it's causes. Miyamoto-san may not be painting with particularly broad strokes when it comes to creating stories for his games, but that is a far FAR cry from misogyny. I would also imagine his wife and daughter would be a little dismayed to see him characterized as such. :/

Creator Joon Kim on March 7

Fantastic! And even at a 'mere' Part 1, so very thorough already. Love the sleek presentation that still manages to maintain your identity.

Thanks to you and your collaborators for your hard work!

PS: Shigeru Misogymoto!

Creator Michael Schnier on March 7

Great first episode. I wasn't sure what direction you would take, but the video really turned out well. I hope the designers you've criticized (such as Shegeru Miyamoto) take your series as a challenge to produce games that contain more active female characters and participants instead of relying on limiting and antiquated roles.

Creator Daetrin on March 7

The first episode was awesome! I really liked all the trivia and historical background. There was only one minor flaw, and maybe i'll get in trouble for saying this, but the giant shiny earrings bouncing around every time you moved your head even slightly were somewhat distracting.

Creator Samster on March 7

Enjoyed the first video, Anita! I wasn't expecting such a detailed historical look at the trope, for some reason, so that was a really pleasant surprise and highlights how gaming culture is just an extension of the culture we're immersed in every day. Looking forward to Part 2!

Creator fluffy on March 7

@Michael What do you lose by her not having her videos produced by a certain time? You weren't buying a product that was supposed to be put in your hands, you were helping to fund an independent media project. Kickstarter is not a store.

Creator Sterling Treadwell on March 7

The episode looks great and I am looking forward to seeing how the rest pan out. If you ever get the chance, I would ask you come to the Atlus USA forums where I am running Gamer Girls thread that has run over a number of ideas and topics about females and gamer. We've discussed you and your efforts, as well as others working professionally within the gaming industry (including a few friends of mine who are developers) and in the media or even just players and characters. You may find it refreshing as it doesn't boil down to the trolling, trash talk, and generally hostile attitude a lot of places have encouraged. http://www.atlus.com/forum/showthread.php… If you don't have the time or will, I completely understand. Good luck with the rest of the video's and I look forward to seeing how this project evolves.

Creator Michael on February 24

Please respond to my message regarding my refund request. This project is nearly half a year past its originally estimated due date. And no, "improved production quality" is not a valid reason to justify this project's tardiness. Thank you.

Creator VondeVon on February 16

Question: Are all backers going to be listed on your website? If so, when? (Or where, if they already are.)

Creator Kimberly Chapman on January 30

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the videos.

I just finished playing StarCraft II (well the first segment, obviously, since the next doesn't come out until March) and I'm dying to hear your thoughts on it. I never know what to think about Kerrigan...she's strong but repeatedly victimized by various forces. I think overall she's a good character but still stuck in a male-dominated milieux. I love the games but wish they weren't so tropey.

Creator Albert Marsh on January 29

I'm waiting....

Creator Albert Marsh on January 27

You are thief. Give me back my dollar.

Creator schnide on January 25

@PlusMinus

If you're going to try and make a point with my own words, don't quote me selectively:

"**this, to me, feels like** you're asking us to do the research which you get for free while in the meantime you're travelling to Sweden on our money."

The first part is important and quotes it in context, and demonstrates my point - that misunderstandings may arisen as a result of the communications we've been given. Communications which are able to exist from backers donating our own money to this project.

Even then, the first part you selectively quoted has still yet to be adequately refuted. I'm not asking for accountability because Anita is a woman, because if I held those kind of ridiculous views then I wouldn't have donated to the project and nor should you be defending her on that basis either. I'm asking for accountability because my money has been invested in this project and I therefore have every right to make sure that the promises I donated it on are being delivered.

I want this project to succeed, but not at the cost of being unable to question anyone's credibility because that will only undermine Anita and a very worthy cause in general.

--

TLDR Version: Don't get tetchy just because I want to make sure my money's being used right.

Creator John Moody on December 11

I always find it interesting when people talk about the film equipment and ways they go about filming,
I am looking forward to see how final thing turns out , as a male im sure some of my views will maybe conflict with the finished video's, however i completely support you and what you all doing with this project.

Creator Shane Skelton on December 10

SO EXCITING I MUST EXPRESS MYSELF WITH CAPITALIZED LETTERS! Seriously though, as a male gamer I am proud to say I helped back your project and I cannot wait to see what you are capable of with the resources you now have. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of your tropes videos and find myself giddy with antici...Pation for the finished product. I even told my sister what I had done and she was super proud of me for helping you out since she too is a big fan of yours! Good luck and LUDICROUS SPEED!

Creator Vanessa on December 10

Hello Anita,
Thank you for the detailed update of where your project is at, how you've changed the scope of the project due to greater funding than expected, and all the tech upgrades you're made to make your project the best quality you can make it. I think you are handling the exposure, the backlash, and the endless (and really exhausting) commentary with intelligence and maturity and I continue to be a proud supporter of you and your project. Can't wait for the next update. Cheers!

Creator PlusMinus on December 10

@Schnide

"you're asking us to do the research which you get for free while in the meantime you're travelling to Sweden on our money."

very considerate. very respectful. not offensive at all.

Creator schnide on November 21

@Anita

I was very careful to word my concerns in a respectful and considerate way. I meant no offence to you, but was expressing my concerns as someone who's donated money to your project. If there is a shortfall in my understanding (and I'm certainly open to the idea that I'm sometimes wrong), I wanted to suggest to you that it may be a communication issue on your part and that how things were being presented weren't doing your efforts justice. That was just as much for your benefit as for mine. If you're in a position to know better and educate me, but your response instead is to get snarky and patronising, that says far more about you than it does about me and only serves to further my disappointment in what is a very noble and worthwhile cause.

Creator Adam R Charpentier on November 19, 2012

@LeftSidePositive, whiteknighting can apply to anyone positioning others as opposition in order to ingratiate themselves to someone else. I wouldn't think to limit underhandedness to anyone particular gender or sexual appetite. I never assumed you were male...you're the one that's doing quite a lot of assuming...and not much paying attention. Like I said, and I do hate repetition, I completely understand that she has been busy...as her recent UPDATE has explained perfectly.

Creator Jarrod on November 12, 2012

Anita, You're a busy person, and I respect that. However, have you seen the MegaBloks World of Warcraft toy line? Zero female characters, hero, villain, or otherwise. None. And their advertising blurb? "BA toys for BA boys!" That is some archaic stuff, right in line with your Lego vids. Just trying to get the info out there.

Creator Anne Trent on October 25, 2012

When will the research materials become available?

Creator Michael Schnier on October 1, 2012

Here's a great article I saw in The Escapist by Shamus Young which includes constructive feedback. I don't agree that you're missing the point by attacking tropes instead of a lack of female protagonists (exclusively following Young's approach would be missing a lot of scope in the ways in which video games represent the roles of women), but it is another facet of a problem facing female representation in games. Despite the fact that you have addressed this in part in the past, this is definitely something I would like to see addressed in your series.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/experienced-points/9946-Tropes-vs-Women-Protagonists

Creator LeftSidePositive on September 30, 2012

@Adam R Charpentier, how exactly am I a "white knight," a term used derisively to accuse men standing up for feminist principles of being secretly trying to get in women's pants, when I am, in fact, a straight girl myself?! You might want to work on your default assumption that internet commenters are male. And yeah, I'm going to be snotty to point out that you are being an entitled ass--what would be a more appropriate tone to take with an entitled ass, may I ask?! When you act like an ass, expect to be talked down to. Contemptible behavior engenders contempt. Tautologies are also tautological.

And no, you are not "entitled" to information exactly on your terms or on your schedule--or have you forgotten that it takes a human being time and effort to put together that information, and acting like you're entitled to someone else's time and effort in a way they never offered to you in the first place...kind of makes you an ass? You would also do well to remember that other people don't like a lot of spammy updates, and maybe your preferences aren't the only ones to be catered to.

Creator Adam Vincent Miller on September 29, 2012

The comments from people all over the internet (OK, Reddit) make me lose hope. How hard is it to acknowledge that sexism exists, and then aim to correct it?

Creator Adam R Charpentier on September 26, 2012

Well, clearly I stepped away and missed one heck of a contraversy...ignoring all of that, though, @LeftSidePositive "You might want to work on" your snotty, white knight attitude. The only entitlement I feel is the perfectly reasonable entitlement to information. As I've been away, I haven't had reason to care and returning I find that Anita seems to be quite busy on a Q&A circuit, so frequent updates are understandably absent...though, of course, I'd prefer if they were not. Still looking forward to the first video!

Creator Michael on September 8, 2012

I am terribly sorry about everything I've done. I thought I was fighting some information war. I thought I was sharing something you were trying to hold back but truthfully, even though I didn't realize it, I am no different than a troll. I deliberately spread misinformation to elicit a response from you, and now that I have one I feel awful. I have done a terrible thing, and I will do my best to fix it even though no amount of campaigning can completely undo what I've done.

This was all caused by my selfish desire for a response and my inability to closely read the updates. If anyone ever brings up this topic of discussion again, please link them to this: http://i.imgur.com/e4RgW.jpg

Again, my sincere apologies for the trouble I may have caused. Please remember, I do support this documentary and still am looking forward to it. I wouldn't have donated if I didn't think sexism in video games was an issue.

Creator Michael Schnier on September 6, 2012

(Different Mike)

I notice that a lot of people in forum discussions think finding elements in a game problematic is equivalent to saying a game is bad, that the developers are bad people, and that the game's fans could only be sexist chauvinistic pigs.

I think this lack of distinction on their part is why they get especially defensive when you say that games like Ico have sexist representations. This leads to some absolutely nonsensical statements like "How could Ico be sexist? That game is a masterpiece!" as if one can cancel out the other. Whether or not someone likes the story involving Ico and Yorda doesn't mean the characters don't fall into a pattern of limiting roles and representations.

Is this something you'll address in your series? I feel this misunderstanding puts a few gamers on guard.

Creator LeftSidePositive on September 5, 2012

@Michael, there HAS been an explanation--when she set the estimated project dates, she had no idea how much media attention she would have to handle, nor the time and effort it would take to protect her website from cyberattacks. It also takes a certain amount of front-end planning to figure out how to intelligently spend a lot more money than one initially planned on--she's basically bringing her whole operation up to a new level, and she has discussed redesigning the website and creating a new look for her videos, all of which take time and effort.

By the way, what the hell is up with this hostility toward having backer input in the project? For most reasonable people, isn't the chance to have some input into the project a *good* thing? Tons of the earlier comments were about people wanting to see their most/least favorite characters included!