Non-binary option for characters, please?

[ChiefDork]

I can already anticipate how “controversial” and “SJW” this post will be received by some as (God, when society in about 100 years from now looks back on this and how the word “SJW” is used as a slur for people who ask for more options of self expression, they’ll facepalm so hard.), but as a non-binary tax and sub-paying adult human, would there be any way you could (Square, that is) implement a gender neutral option, maybe if not on the character creation screen, then tucked away in the settings somewhere? (To avoid offending many of those who cry at the sight of *gasp* more than 2 genders!)

I look forward to the original remarks about Attack Helicopters and god knows what else being used as an argument against more options, but to the MANY gender-nonconforming players of this game (I’m sure you’ve all seen how many LGBT* FC’s there are), even just having one catch-all option outside of the gender binary would be so wonderful. I spend an ungodly amount of money on Fantasia due to being pretty fed up of being referred to as male or female constantly in basically every cutscene. (I probably shouldn’t have said that, you’re making a killing off me Square, I’ve probably funded all the expantions at this rate) What do you all think? Dangerous question to ask online, especially here, but I’ll risk it.

Why do people always have to drag their personal and political baggage into games? Why do you need a fantasy game to validate your life choices because you are insecure in the real world? Why don't you just enjoy the game for what it is instead of dragging everyone else into your mire of self loathing and doubt?

[Iscah]

Why do people always have to drag their personal and political baggage into games? Why do you need a fantasy game to validate your life choices because you are insecure in the real world? Why don't you just enjoy the game for what it is instead of dragging everyone else into your mire of self loathing and doubt?

Because perhaps it is something that will let them get more enjoyment out of the game?

Why does anybody ever ask for any additional features? New glamours or adjustments to the character creator? Because they want to build the character they have in mind and it's not available in the current options.

And they're not dragging you into anything. You wouldn't be forced to play as that gender if they hypothetically added it.

[ChiefDork]

Because perhaps it is something that will let them get more enjoyment out of the game?

Why does anybody ever ask for any additional features? New glamours or adjustments to the character creator? Because they want to build the character they have in mind and it's not available in the current options.

And they're not dragging you into anything. You wouldn't be forced to play as that gender if they hypothetically added it.

No, it's a power play. I Will make you love me senpai!

Because they might add to the game play in general, not be solely to validate your real life issues?

Posting on a public forum stating it's a lighting rod issue so they can stir the pot? Yeah it's completely altruistic jesture. It's totally not injecting unwanted political and social issues for ego stroking.

[Iscah]

No, it's a power play. I Will make you love me senpai!

Because they might add to the game play in general, not be solely to validate your real life issues?

Posting on a public forum stating it's a lighting rod issue so they can stir the pot? Yeah it's completely altruistic jesture. It's totally not injecting unwanted political and social issues for ego stroking.

I agree, I doubt they would actually add it rather than a feature that would benefit a larger portion of the playerbase.

But people make all sorts of requests for things that are of pretty narrow use.

And I'm looking at this from an "outside perspective" too. It's not a struggle I've gone through myself - but I don't see it as "attention seeking" from those who do. I've seen and read enough, and known actual people. I believe it's genuine, and not a choice (because again, who would choose to set themself up for the sort of "attention" they get in this thread?). So yes, they have a real-life issue, and one not of their own making.

I can't quite imagine what it would be like, really. Some part of your identity that you didn't choose and is inescapably part of you - and people tell you it doesn't exist and you're just making it up to seem special.

Does the game need to be altered to allow for it? Maybe, not necessarily, unlikely on technical grounds regardless.

But that doesn't mean that posting about something they feel deeply passionate about is nothing but "stirring the pot" for the purpose of making trouble. It's quite clear from their first post that they don't expect any ego stroking out of this - quite the opposite.

It's a big complicated issue but I can absolutely understand why people want to see more representation and recognition of what they are.

This is probably not the right battlefield, but that can be discussed without insulting them.

[Melichoir]

I agree, I doubt they would actually add it rather than a feature that would benefit a larger portion of the playerbase.

But people make all sorts of requests for things that are of pretty narrow use.

And I'm looking at this from an "outside perspective" too. It's not a struggle I've gone through myself - but I don't see it as "attention seeking" from those who do. I've seen and read enough, and known actual people. I believe it's genuine, and not a choice (because again, who would choose to set themself up for the sort of "attention" they get in this thread?). So yes, they have a real-life issue, and one not of their own making.

I can't quite imagine what it would be like, really. Some part of your identity that you didn't choose and is inescapably part of you - and people tell you it doesn't exist and you're just making it up to seem special.

Does the game need to be altered to allow for it? Maybe, not necessarily, unlikely on technical grounds regardless.

But that doesn't mean that posting about something they feel deeply passionate about is nothing but "stirring the pot" for the purpose of making trouble. It's quite clear from their first post that they don't expect any ego stroking out of this - quite the opposite.

It's a big complicated issue but I can absolutely understand why people want to see more representation and recognition of what they are.

This is probably not the right battlefield, but that can be discussed without insulting them.

The issue, as I outlined in my post, is that the commentary set up in the beginning of the OPs post sets the narrative up in such a fashion where it does seem political. They may have their reasoning for starting that way (id Hazard from a lot of narrow conversations on teh subject), but it does not help their position in teh slight bit by starting this way. As I said, it discredits their arguments and positions almost out the gate as people will dismiss anything they say as political propagandizing.

This gets even more complicated because another point I have pointed out is how both sides tend to suggest the science is 100% settled in their favor.

But its not. At a scientific and social level, its not settled, though it DOES appear to lean more in favor of the 2 genders (masculine and feminine constructs) argument over the arguments of infinite genders. Is that mean its settled? No. There is much to still discuss and learn. And that of course will require us to cross certain bridges that are considered taboo.

For EXAMPLE: Is Gender disphoria a mental disorder?

That is a taboo that is not allowed to be fully discussed within proper discourse due to the idea that it would be dehumanizing to trans people. That feeling is often bolstered by the fact that there are, again, erroneous claims citing that the science is settled and its not a mental disorder, often equating it to sexuality, and therefore above reproach and scrutiny. Anyone whos in pursuit of knowledge should know that no subject should ever be above question. However, as more data comes out, there are issues with that position that cannot be easily explained. We could get to the serious heart of something and settle things once and for all IF we have the uncomfortable conversations and research into these things. But again, politics and social issues complicate the issue making that untenable.

Thats why I say that in regards to this conversation, nuance is heavily lacking.

Going back to how this relates to the issue at hand, you essentially have to broad camps: One side claims its an integral part of their existence and that it is offensive to question it, the other side claims that its nonsense and politically/socially motivated. So when one side advocates (usually in a hostile format as of late) for things like "Non Binary options", the other side sees it as a political push. Hence the issues.

Again, I must reiterate, nuance and courtesy for someone elses position, as well as an open mind in both directions, would go a loooong way in this discussion. Problem is, Im not seeing it, and I wont hold my breath expecting it to come.