I have chosen this image by Duncan Quinn, to explore ethical issues involved with this image. The first ethical issue which arose with the image was that the female model doesn’t have much modesty and could be seen as sexually exploited as she is only in her underwear. This contrasts with the male model who is wearing tailored clothing, the diversity within the picture shows the difference between models and clearly emphasises the controller from the submissive. The way the female is laying down and the male standing over her, gives the man a dominant character. From a feminist point of view it shows the man is controlling the women, this perceives that the women has less control over herself.

Looking in more depth of the image the female model has a tie around neck which is being pulled by the male model, this can be seen as domestic abuse as he is strangling her. The image can be perceived as violent and could possibly lead the audience to think its okay to exploit women. Furthermore it can the send a message that it alright for men to abuse women whilst looking smart and powerful while doing it.

As you do not see the female face it may seem that she is being strongly objectified as you only need to see her body to make a judgment, unlike the males face of which is looking straight at the camera. This image creates a fifty shades of grey feel about it for how men use women for their sexually gain and pleasure. The female has the characteristics of being a sex slave due to the pose and the submission.

Duncan Quinn is meant to be aimed at males, which sells suits and ties. You can see the products, a suit which the male model is wearing and the tie around the female neck. However the women in the image is the main point but the products aren’t really noticeable. This is a negative way to portray the models as it sends out the idea that women can be objectified. I came across blogs about the practical advert and how much controversy surrounds it. I found a blog by Sandra Winn who express her views on this advert. Sandra’s and my views correspond with each other on how the male model is the dominate and how the female is merely a object. I also found this quote by Paul Suggett, ‘Since the introduction of advertising many centuries ago, women have been objectified, and in some instances, insulted or degraded’, the advert by Duncan Quinn supports what Paul Suggett said by not showing the female with respect.

This image also brings up body image issues, other women may look at themselves in a negative way after seeing this advertisement, by looking at the model and her body. This will make them feel smaller and less respecting of themselves.

References:

Winn, s. (2008). Disturbing Sexists Ads: Duncan Quinn Suit Campaign Depicts Strangled Woman. Available: https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duncan-quinn-suit-ad-depicting-strangled-woman. Last accessed 5th Dec 2017.

Suggett, P. (2016). The Objectification of Women in Advertising How Advertising Often Treats Women as a Commodity. Available: https://www.thebalance.com/advertising-women-and-objectification-38754. Last accessed 5th Dec 2017.

Freebird games is a small independent studio consisting of very few members, put together by Kan Gao to tell stories through interactive narrative and music. In 2011 Freebird studios became well known when they released the award winning game To the Moon. To the Moon is an interactive narrative driven game that has the player using very basic controls to solve puzzles so that they can fulfil a dying mans wish. It has a simple pixel art style that gives the game beautiful scenery.

However, the main reason behind my fondness for the game and the studio is how they realise the key importance of music in games. The soundtrack for To the Moon was praised worldwide with its emotional power and how it had such a large impact on the games success. One of the key aspects of Freebird games is that they are heavily focused on how music can impact the game. They charge relatively little for their games due to being an independent studio and they keep people updated on their progression in the form of a blog and news feed. A link to their website can be found below.

http://freebirdgames.com/

Upcoming indie games:

Finding paradise – Finding paradise is the sequel to the game To the Moon, developed by Free bird studios. This game coming late 2017 is probably one of the most anticipated indie titles due to the first games incredible popularity. It’s been 6 years since the last game and the anticipation for this game is incredibly high as the player base expects another masterpiece for the long wait.

Prey for the gods – This upcoming indie title is being developed by ‘No Matter Studios’ scheduled to be released late 2017. It’s considered a harsh survival game inspired by Shadow of the colossus. In the game the player must navigate a dangerous snow covered environment in which they must craft supplies and battle monstrous sized enemies much like the enemies in Shadow of the Colossus which require you to climb them just to damage them. It has an intriguing art style and the survival aspect gives it a refreshing taste and unique feel.

Perception – Deep End Games is a team consisting of former Bioshock and Dead Space developers which have banded together to create a highly anticipated game known as perception. Perception has the player navigate around an abandoned mansion as a blind woman named Cassie Thompson. The player must solve puzzles and traverse the environment by using echolocation to determine their surroundings. This is done by using a walking stick to hit the floor and determine the location of objects. However, the player is not alone in this building and they must choose sometimes on being able to see and letting the monster see them, or traversing blind. The reason this is so highly anticipated is that the mechanics are relatively new to the games as not many games have used or successfully used echolocation as a way of navigation.

Overall it would seem that the most highly anticipated indie games are ones that either have a prequel which set a high standard, or games that take a spin on popular previous titles.

Reference:

image 1:  https://www.giantbomb.com/profile/majormitch/blog/my-journey-to-the-moon/91486/