It’s “a Big Deal” to Have Female Protagonists in Games
Yesterday Wolfenstein: Youngblood was released and as you might know, it features not just one, but two huge female protagonists in Soph and Jess. The female held lead roles is a first in the franchise. In celebration of its release the actors behind the voices of the twin daughters of BJ Blazkowicz talked about why it’s so important to have female protagonists in video games.
In a new interview with Hollywood Reporter Shelby Young, who does the voice of Soph, and Valerie Rose Loham, who voices Jess, talked about their roles in Wolfenstein: Youngblood and how it has a much bigger impact than just playing two characters. As you’ll know if you’ve watched any gameplay or trailers from the new game, both of their characters are just as badass as their father is, after all they are Blazkowiczs. According to Loham, this can be pretty impactful for young girls everywhere. “When I was younger I really only had like Lara Croft and the girls in Mortal Kombat, then eventually Metroid. I didn’t really have a funny, interesting, young female lead in anything growing up. It’s a big deal to me to know that Shelby and I are going to be that for young girls that are into gaming.”
Young also had something to say on the topic of female protagonists making a big splash in the industry. “I love that there are more and more games coming out with female protagonists that are just strong and amazing and flawed and beautiful because women in life are all of those things and more. To see more and more representations of women that I can find a piece of myself in or who I can aspire to be is amazing. I’m already in my twenties, so I can’t imagine what that must be like for little girls growing up now.”
Wolfenstein: Youngblood is available now for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. And if you aren’t quite sure about the game yet, you can check out our review right here. Do you agree that it’s important to have female protagonists in gaming and in the larger media industry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to keep it locked for updates!