Controversial Video Game Ignites Sexism Debate in China

A new video game, initially named "Revenge on Gold Diggers," has sparked a heated debate on sexism in China. Centered around male protagonists tricked by women seeking financial gain, the game faced backlash for reinforcing misogynistic stereotypes. Supporters argue it raises awareness on emotional fraud, while critics see it as perpetuating harmful gender norms. The creators have since renamed the game to quell controversy but it remains among China's most popular titles.

A new video game titled "Revenge on Gold Diggers" has spurred a major sexism debate across China, as its controversial premise and unflattering portrayal of women have drawn significant backlash. Within hours of its June release, the live-action game quickly climbed to the top of Steam's sales chart, prompting a heated response from critics who argue it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

Set in a world where male protagonists are lured into relationships with manipulative women seeking monetary gain, the game forces players to make choices that impact the storyline. The backlash was severe enough for the game’s creators, Qianfang Studio, to rename it the "Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator" just a day after its debut. However, the damage was done. Hong Kong filmmaker and lead director Mark Hu has faced bans on several Chinese social media platforms as a result of the uproar.

Defending their work, the creators claim their goal was to spark conversations about emotional boundaries and the complexities of modern dating rather than to "target women." Xu Yikun, an artist who played the game, vehemently disagrees, accusing the developers of exploiting sexist tropes for commercial success. She notes that the term "gold digger" itself is a loaded label predominantly aimed at women, reinforcing a misogynistic societal narrative.

In a convoluted mix of opinions, some players argue that the game's criticism is exaggerated and assert that both genders can exhibit “gold digger” traits, despite the game's one-sided portrayal. The negative representation of women in various roles, depicted as scheming and dollar-driven, has led to claims that the titled label unfairly slanders an entire gender.

Media coverage has been mixed, with some outlets condemning the game for perpetuating fraudster stereotypes, while others applaud its creative approach and relevance to a growing problem. The financial ramifications of emotional fraud are significant, with reports suggesting that love scams in China cost victims approximately 2 billion yuan ($279 million) in 2023.

Despite the controversies, "Revenge on Gold Diggers" continues to sell exceptionally well, even outperforming the country's most successful game, "Black Myth: Wukong." One male gamer expressed confusion over the backlash, positing that those unoffended by the game should not feel hurt by its content.

Instances of public scandal, including a tragic story surrounding a man’s suicide linked to his relationship struggles, have fanned the flames of this discussion, as the term "gold digger" circulates heavily in social discourse.

Adding to the complexity, traditional gender roles entrenched within Chinese society further complicate the narrative, with the state-sanctioned messaging of the Communist Party advocating for women's societal roles as caregivers and supporters of men. This environment sets a backdrop of increased scrutiny, leading some women to voice concerns about the divisive impact of such games on gender relations.

Critics of the game worry that it perpetuates harmful assumptions about gender dynamics and relegates women to inferior social standings, suggesting that the portrayal of women is a catalyst for further societal discord and narrative disparities between genders.