Diversity in Body types kind of MATTER
Have a look at this. See the issue?
How about now? No? Still can't see it?
So...​​​​
Well there is and isn't. Sort of. Let me explain, but first some context.​​​​
A bit of context from my POV
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Personally I don't take issue with the lack of representation when it comes to different body types. I enjoy the representation of "idealised" design and fanservice as much as the next gamer out there (although I do have my limits when it is excessive).
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Artist often follow their desire for their "idealised" vision, an adage as old as time (think Ancient Greece). And as a hobby artist myself who probably spends too much time on the inter-web , it's definitely a contentious topic between drawing "ideal waifus & husbandos", and meaningful story telling that can resonate with people.
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Notice how my "ideal" expectations set incredibly unrealistic and unrelatable standards? It's almost alienating in some ways isn't it?​​​​​​​​​​​​​ I mean who can compete?
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Although representation when it comes to body types is of minor concern to me personally, in my quest to be a better, more understanding human being, I wanted to explore some of other view points of other people who do care about body diversity and why it matters to them.
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TL;DR, here are some of the conclusions I came to in my research!
Some of the issues
01
It's kind of boring
If you were paying attention you might have noticed that some of the assets have been reused on this very web page! It was probably mildly interesting the first time wasn't it? But the second? Probably a bit less. That's kind of what Mihoyo does when they design the same body shapes of its characters while practical, is disappointing and limiting creatively. Can you imagine if real life was like that, oh how boring that would be!
Mihoyo can definitely make characters of different body shape designs. Just look at this cool NPC from Genshin Impact, the video game.
This guy's (Arataki Itto) whole character arc is literally based on acceptance for being different, including his physical appearance as an "Oni" (demon). Even his design compared to the rest of the cast is relatively different; buff and bulky.
02
A sub-conscious positive influence
Kind of a missed opportunity for a world wide fantasy game to represent all kinds of bodies. Apparently there is a positive impact is showing different kinds of people in a positive light, even for people who don't pay attention to these kinds of things. A wasted opportunity really.
03
Representation can be kind of neat
For some people, representation matters and can have a big impact on them and so its important to them or to people they care about. It's no secret a lot of young children and teens are fairly impressionable. A willingness on Genshin to broaden their horizons further to show different body types can create a more inclusive looking game and maybe.... encourage a more inclusive world.
Behold! My niece's favourite character, Klee.
Look at this anime inspired kid that kind of looks like a kid in a computer video game!
04
Normalcy-What you see is what you get
In subtle ways the lack of representation can unexpectedly hurt the way people perceive what is "normal". Shaping this perception of normal really can help society as a whole to being more accepting of different body types and at best can allow people with real struggles with body image feel heard. Even though Mihoyo doesn't have a moral obligation to do so, it's arguably a missed opportunity to in some ways, better the world in some small way.