Star Wars Outlaws dev defends ‘beautiful’ Kay Vess against the haters

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu when it comes to the latest controversy surrounding Star Wars Outlaws and its protagonist, Kay Vess. It seems that every time a strong, independent woman takes center stage in a video game, a certain segment of the gaming community feels compelled to express their displeasure – often in the most misguided and offensive ways possible.

In a new day for the distant galaxy, Star Wars Outlaws gears up for action in the bustling Mos Eisley Cantina. However, Massive Entertainment’s game is under heavy criticism from critics. At the heart of the controversy is Kay Vess, the tough-as-nails smuggler whose character evokes a strong sense of Ripley from Alien.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but notice the recurring discussions about female characters’ appearances in video games. It’s as if some gamers are still fixated on the visual aesthetics instead of the narrative and leadership qualities of these characters. And here we are again, debating the attractiveness of women in games. It feels like a step back, doesn’t it? If it isn’t the captivating animation of Stellar Blade that has you hooked, it seems the idea of a strong female lead in your games doesn’t sit well with many.

Star Wars Outlaws dev brands Kay Vess ‘beautiful’

Since the unveiling of Kay during the 2023 Xbox Showcase, our team has found itself locked in a Star Wars-style dogfight against detractors. Even today, we encounter comments such as “Kay Vess from Star Wars Outlaws appears SO UNBEARABLY UGLY! with a full dose of wokeness, which I’m NOT considering for pre-order.” As an avid fan, these remarks only fuel my excitement to see this character come alive in the game.

As a passionate Star Wars fan, I appreciate the diversity in leadership roles within our beloved franchise. Contrary to some misguided opinions, we’ve already experienced two captivating games led by Cal Kestis. It’s refreshing to know that the developers are standing firm with their creative decisions, as evidenced by Star Wars Outlaws Creative Director Julian Gerighty’s statement to The Washington Post, choosing not to engage with those who perpetuate unnecessary controversy.

As a fan, I aim to create a character like Kay who is designed to be relatable yet unpredictable, a small-time crook who careens through the tale, often making poor choices but with an abundance of humor, humility, and resilience that truly matters. And yes, she’s stunningly beautiful too! – Gerighty

It seems illogical and unproductive for me to interact with such individuals. Engaging with people who act in bad faith often leads to pointless discussions without room for genuine dialogue. Consequently, our focus should primarily be on crafting the best game we can. Fortunately, it’s encouraging to observe that the majority of the community is supportive of Kay Vess.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve noticed that Humberly Gonzalez has been subjected to a significant amount of criticism, with many supporting Kay in the latest debate. However, there’s a section of fans who argue that Kay doesn’t resemble the original character enough, unfortunately diminishing Gonzalez’s talent and performance to mere physical appearance. This issue isn’t new; it’s been raised about characters like Aloy from Horizon and Lucia in GTA 6 as well.

In a period when Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League was often overshadowed by accusations of being ‘woke’, due to its portrayal of Harley Quinn, it appears that similar trends are persisting. As Outlaws is set for release on August 30, we anticipate a wave of biased reviews primarily based on Kay’s appearance rather than her actual qualities.

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2024-08-01 12:43