As I said to my friend the other day, virtual sex doll games images really have me thinking.Do you remember back in the old days when there would be so-called “virtual sex dolls” with endearingly naive expressions? They may have been inanimate objects, but the imagery was certainly impactful. Fast forward to today, and the game industry has taken things to the next level.
When I first saw images of these virtual sex dolls, I was a little taken aback. The graphics are incredibly realistic, and there’s no denying how lifelike the faces are. The attention to detail in the design is evident. The truly astounding thing about these virtual sex dolls is that they can move, gesticulate, and even interact with the player in some games. I can only imagine how long it took the developers to ensure that each doll looks like it does.
But the thing that got me was how accurate the expressions were. Even though they are digital creations, these virtual sex toys dolls have a range of emotive expressions that capture subtle nuances of human interaction. I guess you could say they are the jump to next-generation of sex dolls.Seeing all of that, I began to wonder if these dolls might blur the line between fantasy and reality – and it’s not a line I really want to cross.
I try to be mindful of the way that game designers create these virtual sex dolls, taking their source materials from real-life: some form of pornography, or overly-sexualised models. It’s created an industry where we are pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable and “normal” for videogames. And it also has me wondering, what do these dolls say about our society and how we view sexuality and gender?
Yes, we can use these figurines as a form of escapism, but does that inherently mean that gamers are exploiting them and their capabilities? One could easily argue that these dolls are objectifying women in the worst way possible, and I tend to hold a woolen blanket over the entire concept.
In addition, I question the psychological effect these games may have. It has undoubtedly given the entertainment industry the boost it needs to keep up with how fast we are moving. Yet this type of escapism can sideline the development of real-life relationships, and make us feel disconnected from the people around us.
And while I understand that it’s part of freedom of expression, it has me speculating about where this all leads and the implications that this type of media brings with it. There’s no way of knowing the real effects this will have on us in the long run, and vibrators that’s what frightens me.
Collateral Damage:
Virtual sex dolls have a way of normalizing a form of fantasy across many games that can be socially deleterious. The narrative and imagery can quickly become a target to those outraged by the sexual content of these games. Even though creators may not intend these dolls and figurines to be seen as such, the lines between fantasy and reality can be more than blurred.
From a business perspective, there may be economic damage even if the game is not directly linked to adult content. This could be the result of a backlash from the public or from creating a ahired works of controversy that people want to stay away. It may also be the case that controversy is good for business and that the sale of virtual sex dolls can actually help the bottom line.
Consent:
At this point in our discussion, it’s important to bring up the matter of consent. Even though virtual sex dolls are essentially just digital objects, the argument can be made that they are portrayed in an inappropriate and exploitative light. This can leave some gamers feeling guilty and ashamed after playing the game and having simulated sexual interaction with these dolls.
On the flip side, sexual consent is a two-way agreement and isn’t an issue with the virtual sex doll figurines and images. Unfortunately, this lack of consent is a common theme underlying many adult-oriented games. The player is essentially in charge of the doll and can manipulate it as he or she pleases, which can lead to morally ambiguous situations.
Racial Stereotypes:
When it comes to virtual sex dolls, one of the most controversial elements is the portrayal of certain racial stereotypes. In many games, characters of color are either the background of a scene or seen as sexual objects by the protagonist.
This conveys a message to the player that reinforces preconceived notions about certain races. Of course, this is not the intent of the game designers, but it does coincide with the belief system of many gamers.
In-game Censorship:
If the misappropriation of race is a concern, the question then becomes how does one go about censoring virtual sex dolls in videogames. The developers have a responsibility to ensure that everything they create is in line with the game’s purpose and doesn’t have unintended consequences.
This could come down to something as simple as slapping a filter on the outward appearance of the dolls. Another option is to make it so that no dolls are present in the game, as this eliminates the problem all together.
Games as Art:
At the end of the day, a virtual sex dolls games images should be viewed as artistic expression. As with any artwork, it should be respected and analyzed with an open but critical eye. Gamers should treat these games as if they were any other piece of art, understanding its implications and potential consequences if any.
It also goes without saying that games should never be used in a way that exploits or harms other people, real or virtual. With this in mind, it’s important to consider the possibilities and consequences of playing a virtual sex game, and think of how it might affect our own morale and consciousness.