Gender Locked Gear

[Theodric]

No, but seriously. It bears repeating: there is absolutely nothing wrong with gender locked gear. The vast majority of people are fine with it - because in most societies there is a clear case of specific clothing being marketed based on the gender of the wearer. Exceptions exist, yes, but they're very much the minority and not the majority.

Does this mean that all gear should be gender locked? No, not at all. At the same time, however, the game would benefit immensely from designing more gear specifically for men, women and specific races so that it doesn't have to be watered down for the sake of one particular gender or race. Let's be honest here - a lot of gear that is designed for both genders tends to be designed in a very feminine or androgynous manner. Some people like that, others don't - and variety is important. Male characters in particular often get the short end of the stick when it comes to many unisex sets, particularly healer/caster gear.

[FoxyAreku]

Male characters in particular often get the short end of the stick when it comes to many unisex sets, particularly healer/caster gear.

I have so many healer dresses on my retainer. x.x

[Tilgung]

No, but seriously. It bears repeating: there is absolutely nothing wrong with gender locked gear.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with removing all gender locks, but you seem like you might have a problem with that.

EDIT: If we want to get into stuff designed with men in mind, how about you take a look at literally every piece of generic tank armor in the game.

[Theodric]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with removing all gender locks, but you seem like you might have a problem with that.

I do, yes - because it serves to water down gear design. Not everything needs to be available to everybody. Some stuff being fairly exclusive allows people who want to embrace typical gender/racial norms to be happy. Those who don't want to embrace those norms have an overwhelming amount of other gear to choose from. A male character who wants to dress up in feminine gear isn't lacking in options. A male character who wishes to dress up in stereotypical 'masculine' gear, however, has very limited options - especially given that a lot of the unisex gear is watered down to either be feminine or androgynous.

[Tilgung]

I do, yes - because it serves to water down gear design.

I see this as limiting options for every player, and numbing down players creativity.

And catering to people who can't bear the thought of traditional gender lines being blurred is.. silly at best.