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The Star Wars Battlefront 2 trailer leaked online earlier this week (the game will be released to Windows, PS4 and Xbox One on the 17th of November this year), and for the 49-50 seconds, we had we got to see a lot that turned out excellent for the new game launching possibly this fall. Aside from seeing very familiar faces that cover almost every saga and generation, we received a brand-new female protagonist in the form of what could possibly be a character from the EU and comics named Rae Sloan. The only thing we know about this character is that she was an Imperial pilot at the time of the “Battle of Endor,” which takes place at the conclusion of Return of the Jedi.

She also bears a striking resemblance to Janina Gavankar (Sleepy Hollow, The Mysteries of Laura), and people have noticed. The voice clip sounds like her voice as well. Although no word has been confirmed on her involvement, Gavankar has been very vocal on her support of Star Wars from her Twitter Timeline. Unfortunately, the new trailer wasn’t quite enough to satisfy people’s cravings for a brand-new Star Wars entity before “Star Wars The Last Jedi” releases this December (December 15th, to be exact). Bleeding Cool’s own Madeline Ricchiuto took to her pen yesterday to actually find a reason to call certain critics of the trailer misogynists, and say that Gamergate is to blame for their feelings towards a female protagonist.

While I’ll admit that not everyone who identifies with Gamergate share the same sentiment that it’s about ethics as they did since 2014, in no way is it about keeping female protagonist out of main roles in games or media. If that were true, then the sales figures wouldn’t be high for games such as “Tomb Raider“, “Horizon Zero Dawn“, or “Bayonetta”. These games did well because the storyline, gameplay, and musical soundtrack worked together to engage gamers and offered excellent content that kept them engaged to the end. And they all have a female protagonist.

As far as Ricchiuto trolling for comments to nit-pick and add to her evidence of misogynistic behavior? Non-existent. The comments don’t add any context to support any of these claims, but she spins the narrative to make it appear so to the naked eye. with the inserts and screenshots. Now, I know the last two Star Wars films – The Force Awakens and Rogue One – featured women in the lead roles, and this possible female protagonist in Battlefront II is a bit too much of an estro-fest for some, but let’s be real: Leia was basically the only female character in the first three films. Carrie Fischer was a fantastic actress, but that doesn’t make up for the historic lack of women in the franchise.

Let’s break this down from all angles: Fan sided, Hollywood, and Critically shall we? As far as being a fan is concerned most of us couldn’t care less about a female protagonist. We know Rey is going to become a female Jedi, and even more female characters were featured in all the prequel films and games. We’ve read the books, comics, played the PnP RPG’s, and have seen numerous give personification to most of the most iconic female villains and heroes of the Star Wars universe. So that’s not a problem, and no one thinks taking the light away from the Jedi Sith conflict is a bad thing. Other things have, and are happening in the Galaxy far far away…

As far as Hollywood is concerned, an Executive producer who just happened to be female admitted she inserted a female character as the lead for Star Wars Episode VII and Rouge One because she wanted to see more women. No one complained because we all got to see what we wanted in the films: Darth Vader, and a great storyline for both. Although it would have been great to see more with Darth Vader, his time served his purpose until a new film comes out.

Critically? Sure, but there are things people won’t like about anything simply because Hollywood and people’s opinions are like ass holes, everyone has one right? Of course. Nevertheless, here we are, squabbling about gender politics in a franchise that’s broken the alleged “glass ceiling” millions of times. And even proved that women can be in positions of power on the dark side of the force.

“There are some guys who get it, or if not, are willing to let the nerd rage go. Because ladies, tonight is our night to break out those Aalya Secura, Shaak Ti, Jyn, Ahsoka, and Rey costumes. We’ve finally got a seat at that table, and we’re going to win it. Star Wars belongs to us now. Yes boys, we are taking another one of your toys”. – Madeline Ricchiuto, Bleeding Cool

So what were your reactions to Battlefront II and Forces of Destiny? Personally, my reaction centered on Rey’s lightsaber. Because if that’s dual-handed, it makes so much sense. She did fight with a staff first.

Ok…let’s look at this from a realistic point. Rey, on the cover of the actual artwork looks as if she’s a hologram compared to Darth Maul. While I won’t say she’s not wielding a lightsaber, I will say it’s a bit of a stretch immediately. For one, the game spans several generations, for another it wouldn’t put spoilers out in it like Disney Infinity allegedly did. Lastly, she wouldn’t wield a dual bladed lightsaber as many Jedi saw dual phase sabers as instruments of the Sith. However, depending on who you speak with, or the lore you follow there is evidence that several Jedi’s used dual phase sabers. Some even used force lightning and were Gray Jedi such as Qui Gon-Jin, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s master.

As far as her claim that ladies have a seat at the Star Wars table? It was always there. So you just never chose to pull it up and join the game until now.

And with that said, what’s your take on this matter? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!

Credit:

Robin Ek – Editor and co-writer

Source:

bleedingcool.com

Techcrunch

Gameinformer

Please EA, don’t make a Season Pass for Star Wars: Battlefront 2!

Star Wars Battlefront 2

***Disclaimer***

This is a personal opinion of the writer, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the other writers (nor The Gaming Ground´s) opinions.



Kenay Peterson

The Gaming Ground

Twitter: @TheDark_Mage

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Tags: #GamerGate, Battlefront, Bleeding Cool, EA, Star Wars, Star Wars Battlefront, Star Wars Battlefront 2