The new classic splashes...

ShadowGlaive213·Aug 24, 2014·6 votes·3,565 views

Why are female champs that are less feminized/sexualized receiving new splashes that do just that?

I don't have a problem with some champs being fan serviced. But I feel Cait, Shyv, and Vayne were some of the champs that were less feminized/sexualized by their wardobe/pose, at least as far as their classic splash/skin is concerned. Originally they looked strong and stoic. While the quality of the new splashes as far as textures and colors are more up to date with content that has been released more recently, I feel they do a disservice the to the characters, especially Shyvana.

EDIT: To clarify, no I do not consider the new splashes in the fan service category, only more leaning toward it than before.

31 Comments

MackleDogeAug 24, 20148 votes

Quit trying to come up with problems where they don't exist.

CH1MERAAug 24, 20143 votes

^ This.

Meep ManAug 24, 20146 votes

I feel like Shyvana looks much more stronger now.

Noctis LunarisAug 24, 20146 votes

I fail to see how either are sexualized. Is it the skintight suit Vayne was already wearing? Shyvanna's hips being feminine?

Because what I see is Shyvanna's splash brought in-line with Dragonslayer Pantheon, and Vayne made to look like a panel out of a DC Batman issue (Appropriate because she's Batman/Van Helsing made female)

ShadowGlaive213Aug 24, 20143 votes

They made Vayne and Shyvana curvier than they were before and were placed in new poses that accentuate those curves. I highly doubt Riot will be making a champ like Darius cross his legs like they made Shyvana, or view them from an upper thigh angle as they did Vayne.

Noctis LunarisAug 24, 20145 votes

You have to remember that both are still female. Females have curvy figures. If by the logic that being put in a position that shows your body type well is sexualization, then most, if not all, male splash arts are sexualized.

Kassadin has his glorious abs on display 100% of the time Tryndamere shows off his well toned body most of the time Braum is the same as Trynd Yasuo doesn't even wear a shirt, let alone armor Varus sexy, lean figure, lack of shirt, and well toned chest are in full display

I can go on.

ShadowGlaive213Aug 24, 20143 votes

Fact: Not all females are curvy, and some are curvier than others. I stated "feminized/sexualized" being uncertain which word was more appropriate for what I was thinking, so I listed both. I'm well aware sexualization is not isolated to females, only addressed females because the new splashes consisted of Urgot, Cait, Shyv, and Vayne, in which I received the same impression from the new Urgot splash compared to the old where with the other 3 I did not. And as I said in my OP, I have no problem with some champs being fan serviced, but thought Cait, Shyv, and Vayne were less so compared to others and found changing them so that they leaned more to that category uncharacteristic of their character.

MackleDogeAug 24, 20144 votes

Except for these aren't "fanservice" to anyone other than you. Not sure if you've heard of it, but there is a concept for splash arts known as dynamic posing. It's the basic idea that the artist can take the lore and concept of the character and find a non-standard pose to draw them in that exhibits something unique about the character. To me that is what the Vayne splash art is. I see it and I immediately think of shooting silver bolts after tumbling. I don't think anything about her being feminine or anything remotely related to her physical characteristics other than maybe "athletic".

Have you ever considered that the problem might be you? You are the one that thinks these are sexualized. You are the one focusing on the character's gender. You are the one fixated on whether or not they appear "sexy" or similar to "fanservice". To me, it seems like you are the one with the problem, not the splash arts.

ShadowGlaive213Aug 24, 20142 votes

Just because other comments don't exist it does not mean I'm the only one who possesses this opinion. I wouldn't say it's in the fan service category before or now, just leaning more toward that category now, which I should've clarified. Just because someone has a minority perspective or opinion it does not mean they have/are a problem, so I find your personal attack unwarranted.

MackleDogeAug 24, 20143 votes

You can keep crying about personal attacks all you want, but it's obvious that you aren't any sort of victim here, and quite frankly I'm not in the least bit concerned if you are offended. You are the only person in this post talking about how they are sexualized. The only one. And the vast majority of opinions I have seen and heard about these splash arts are incredibly positive and appreciative. So yes, it does seem to be you're the one with the problem.

I find you're entire attempt to create conflict and arguments over a non-existent problem to be unwarranted and an attack on the integrity and creative license of the artists. See how easy it is to pretend like there are attacks when there aren't? How easy it is to try to twist things and play a victim when it's entirely unnecessary? You have an unpopular opinion (which is fine), but pretending like you have this superior moral high ground and that anyone who disagrees with you and points out the obvious issues with your stance is attacking you is petty and embarrassing.

ShadowGlaive213Aug 26, 20141 votes

You are also not the only one hyperfocusing on the word "sexualized." I've heard mixed opinions on the topic, which is why I even bothered to post.

The attempt was not to create conflict, but discussion, and I never once claimed that the artists didn't have the integrity of the character in mind nor did I claim that they didn't have the license to do what they have done. And while I do have the less popular opinion, I have not accused everyone in this thread who disagreed with me of attacking me personally, only the ones that actually have. You put words in my mouth.

Noctis LunarisAug 26, 20143 votes

The thing is, though, your responses seem to miss the points people have been trying to get across to you. Shyvanna, Caitlyn, and Vayne had boring splashes.

Nothing about their old splashes really caught your eye, and in Caitlyn's case,it was the worst as not only was it boring, did a piss-poor job of getting her character across. She was just a pouty girl with questionable fashion tastes, a stupid hat, and a big gun. Not a cop, not a sniper, just some chick.

Are all 3 more sexualized? Compared to pretty much every male splash and some female ( Akali Sideboob Action, Non-Stop), they're pretty tame in "sexualization", just like before.

In exchange, we got a Splash depicting an angry Half-breed about to maul your face with fire and claws, Batman given a genderswap and thrown into Van-Helsing gear taking a badass shot, and An actual sniper doing the Captain Morgan pose after getting a No-Scope Headshot.

Noctis LunarisAug 24, 20142 votes

Fact: Not all men are buff, have well toned bodies, or great facial hair Draven Braum , and some are more buff than others.

Also, what are you on about saying all 3 splashes ( Caitlyn Vayne Shyvana ) are more sexualized?

Cait's clothing is already stupid, being made up of what can only be described as a corset with a skirt attached to it. Her old splash did her no justice either if you actually compare the two. She's an officer of the law and a sniper. Her new splash is no more sexualized than her old, and if only because the artist was restricted by Caitlyn's current wardrobe.

Once again in the Vayne example; Her splash may just very well be an action panel from DC's Batman or Marvel's Blayde comic series. I mean sure, there was nothing wrong with the old splash, but there's nothing wrong with the new one either aside from making her curves more obvious. Whether they keep it or not, Vayne's splash is fine. Vayne is League's Batman, except she's in Batman mode 24/7/365.

Don't even get me going about Shyvanna, because It'd be longer than this post copy-pasted twice

Son Olivia HyeOct 15, 2014

Fact: Not all females are curvy, and some are curvier than others. I stated "feminized/sexualized" being uncertain which word was more appropriate for what I was thinking, so I listed both. I'm well aware sexualization is not isolated to females, only addressed females because the new splashes consisted of Urgot, Cait, Shyv, and Vayne, in which I received the same impression from the new Urgot splash compared to the old where with the other 3 I did not. And as I said in my OP, I have no problem with some champs being fan serviced, but thought Cait, Shyv, and Vayne were less so compared to others and found changing them so that they leaned more to that category uncharacteristic of their character.

a hot dog has curves.

Fried NoobAug 24, 20144 votes

How can you forget the shirtless sexiness of Urgot and Gragas ?

Noctis LunarisAug 24, 20142 votes

Exactly what I'm talking about. I didn't forget either, it was just easier picking a random bunch with almost cookie cutter features.

12talesAug 24, 20143 votes

I suspect that Shyvana essentially wearing a metal thong might contribute to the impression.

That said, props to the Riot artists for finding a way to simultaneously showcase Vayne's tits, legs and ass. It's one of the great artistic struggles of our age, and I think they handled it admirably.

CH1MERAAug 24, 20145 votes

Well, I am feminist and I don't think they are sexualized. The only thing they did is to give them dynamic poses. Caitlyn and Vayne were 2 most over-sexualized ADc so I can't understand your point. First wears mini and second has ultra thight black costume. I'm fine with that. Problem is when they talk in that "I am just sex bot" way or they pose like they want you to rape them or smthg. I feel that people don't understand sexualization at all. They are fine and I really like way that RIOT choosed. We have only two over over sexualized champions - Ahri and Eve. First because of lore, second... Well, dunno why. I love those splashes. ^^

ShadowGlaive213Aug 24, 20143 votes

MF, Sivir, and Ashe are far more sexualized than either Cait or Vayne.

CH1MERAAug 24, 20143 votes

[deleted]

ShadowGlaive213Aug 24, 20143 votes

If you are of a different opinion that's fine, but I find the personal attack unwarranted.

WorgslargAug 24, 20145 votes

I far, far prefer the original vayne and shyv splashes.

Neither seem particularly sexualized to me, i just feel that the art is too overdone with the new vayne and shyv splashes.

12talesAug 24, 20142 votes

Agreed. I really liked the simple, broad stroke style in Shyvana's old splash art. The new one's level of detail is kinda overwhelming.

World EatersAug 24, 20145 votes

I for one love the new shyvana art not because she is more sexualized but because she is more DRAGONIZED her armor now looks like scales rather than some armor that kinda looks like scales she has ACTUAL scales on her skin reptile eyes and more like something I wouldn't want to mess with. and with vayne I am more of the opinion that she was always sexualized in her full body skin tight outfit now she just looks like she screams "I AM THE NIGHT" besides you made a whole paragraph saying that you don't like two splash art designs because they now lean more towards a sexual pose ..... well okay but I seriously hope you don't actually care about things that don't matter like this all the time

MAZZ1M0Aug 24, 20144 votes

lol the Shyvana splash fails then. I've posted twice on that issue already. If they wanted a sexy Shyvana, they could do it -and well. I sure wouldn't mind. :) That... dunno what they were thinking. If anything, it's awkward.

Vayne looks like a comic book character, but given her lore, it fits. Vayne's actually looks better.

ElphrihaimAug 24, 20142 votes

Because the Vayne splash update is undeniably much better in every regard and is just as sexual..?

I mean really. It's brighter colored, which shows what Vayne is much better-- she HUNTS the dark, she is not exactly a part of it. She is illuminating criminals. The new splash has her lit, and in a pose that is pretty much 'i was going forward, now I'm shooting and about to do a backflip'. Which is... exactly how an AA->Q works for Vayne. It looks very nice. It actually makes it obvious that Vayne is a girl (I know plenty of people that thought Vayne was a boy with her old splash), but it doesn't give off that 'dainty' that some of the other splashes did.

I personally dislike the new Shyvana splash because of the colors and the style of the dragon, but all they did to her was increase the amount of neck space she has on her armor, and slightly shortened the pauldrons on the side of her legs. It looks very appropriate for Shyvana in my opinion-- she is very strong, and her posture shows her strength better than the old one. The old splash looks more... 'I don't care', to me. Considering that most Shyvana players I see build her as a bruiser and she's naturally tanky, I really feel that it fits more, but I can't see how the new splash has more fan-service or how it's a disservice (plus, if people build Shyvana as a rampant destroyer and not tank, the new splash fits way better).

I can't think right today (:

QuinnxOct 15, 20142 votes

Also, this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTGh0EMmMC8

I don't understand how people can't see the blatant emphasizing of bodily features aka breasts/butt, and ridiculous armor in comparison to male characters. I do understand however that as a game popular mostly with males, the game probably finds it advantageous to pander to their tastes. I don't want to address the sexualization of many female char. as I can see that has already been discussed below, but I do want to point out that what female characters lack is diversity. Yes, okay Shyvana is a part-dragon lady so that is apparently enough diversification to justify that she has the same frame as the rest of the female char. ? Where is the equivalent of Gragas in the female form? Not that I'm demanding one, but it's interesting how the female form is so limited in what is acceptable proportion-wise.

Also, to all people that deny that female char are sexualized, THIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBEkKRg4JLw

junglerboy16Oct 15, 20143 votes

Yeah, While I'm not personally very for or against the way Riot chooses to display their existing female characters, I really do wish that they would make more female characters that are not from the same cookie cutter "draw a hot girl and you have a champion". I wish they would give us more female characters that aren't just human-form, but that they would delve into things like void monsters and other less developed ideas.

P.S. giving us more female Yordles doesn't count Riot.

junglerboy16Oct 15, 20141 votes

I think that the new Shyvana looks more imposing/aggressive, which seems appropriate for her character and lore. She grew up an outcast, hunted for most of her life—I would be pretty angry if I lived through that! Also, I think the key point in both these splash arts is that while yes, they certainly are more visually feminine (mostly due to the art quality being better), one HAS to keep this in perspective: they are not suddenly dainty or weak because of their femininity, they are show as strong and powerful for it. There is no point complaining about something that both celebrates their distinct femininity (as opposed to being hard to distinguish as women, not guys) and makes them seem more powerful and impressive. I would think that new Shyvana was tougher and meaner than the old one if I were told to talk to one of them, and the new Vayne seems far more serious and focused on her task than the old one just standing around posing like a model.

EDIT: The old Vayne's pose is actually at least as sexual as the new Vayne, she is standing there in a skin tight suit obviously trying to show off whatever curves she has. New Vayne just looks the way she does because she is in the middle of tumbling to kill someone.

ShadowGlaive213Oct 15, 20142 votes

There is no point complaining about something that both celebrates their distinct femininity

There's nothing wrong with it, I just think there's enough of it. There are plenty of other female characters that already convey very well that they are feminine and powerful. There aren't enough female characters that convey that they can be female and not very feminine and still be powerful.

I think that the new Shyvana looks more imposing/aggressive, which seems appropriate for her character and lore. She grew up an outcast, hunted for most of her life—I would be pretty angry if I lived through that!

That's the thing though, her new splash also took away from the ability to have a more sophisticated interpretation of her. While yes she was vengeful, her lore also states she longs for a home, which in knowing that you could potentially see it in her previous splash in addition to vengeful, whereas now you can't read her longing for a home into her new splash at all really. She looks very blatantly just a vengeful half-dragon.

new Vayne seems far more serious and focused on her task than the old one just standing around posing like a model.

I disagree on this point. As previous comments have stated she looks even more like a comic book character than before, which comics have been struggling for quite some time now with their own projections of both male and female characters. While she is based off a superhero archetype I felt the new art pushed her too far into it to the point of even looking a little comedic with the colors and pose. When I look at her old splash I see someone who hunts evil, but it also conveyed some of the grimness that befell her childhood whereas the new splash screams "I'm a superhero!"