We don’t see too many female protagonists in video games these days. There are absolutely exceptions, such as Mirror’s Edge or Tomb Raider, but the common belief is that people would just rather see a male run through the latest shooter or action title. David Cage, the co-founder of Quantic Dream and author of Beyond: Two Souls’ script isn’t worried about Jodie Holmes popularity among the community. He’s heard the people doubting his decision to place her at the center of the experience, but doesn’t see the female lead as something that will negatively impact the sales of the game.
“I really enjoy writing female characters. I really enjoyed writing Kara, the short that we did,” Cage told VG247. “You know what? I often get the question, ‘do you realize that it’s a risk to have a female protagonist?’ What do you mean exactly? ‘Oh, do you really think gamers want to be this young girl? They want to be guys, dudes, with big muscles and big guns.’
“And I say, well, okay, some gamers may think that way. But other people may be more open minded and think okay, if she’s an interesting character, and if I feel emotionally engaged in the story then okay, what’s the problem? And that’s my hope. I think Ellen is an extraordinary Jodie Holmes, she gave an incredible performance, and I think she has a very strong journey, so I can’t see why it would be a problem to have a female protagonist.”
Beyond: Two Souls will try to prove the doubters wrong when it launches in North America Oct. 8.
