We are all victims of fashion. There are those that try their best to keep up with the latest trends and look their absolute best at all times. There are also those who purposefully buck the trends and take a more alternative approach to dressing up. Whatever the case may be, all of us are in some ways trying to express ourselves through our clothes. At the end of the day that is what fashion is all about.
Some may believe that fashion begins and ends in the physical world. Behind closed doors is where fashion ends. That is the time to relax in comfortable pajamas. We might put on a game or a film and stop stressing about fashion. The truth is that even our entertainment is influenced by the high fashion of the modern world.
It isn’t just fashion that plays a role in video games. Glamour in general is creating a new era of stylish games that is changing the way we interact with the digital world. You may be surprised to learn that even online casinos are not safe from this development. Look at any jackpot slots and you will see that the developers are desperately trying to inject a sense of glamour into these games. That is why we are examining the point at which gaming meets glamour and discussing the rise of styling playing in the modern era.
The Influence of Fashion on Video Games
When most people think of video game characters the first thing they think of is still Super Mario. The plumber remains the face of gaming though the Nintendo game initially came out in 1985. For how iconic he is, Mario is not very fashionable. The red and blue do give our chubby little plumber a certain unique flare. But at the end of the day he is still just wearing his work overalls when going out of his way to save Princess Peach.
It certainly doesn’t surprise us that most don’t identify fashion with gaming with Mario as a reference point. But we’ve come a long way since the 80s. Fashion has played a role in making some of the most unique and lovable video game characters in the world. We don’t even need to look at the 21st century for examples of fashionable characters. The Final Fantasy franchise has been going strong since the late 80s. The series is full of highly fashionable heroes and villains. Even the first installment in the series featured a knight whose armor contrasts gold patterns against blue steel. The design makes the nameless Warrior of Light one of the most iconic characters in gaming.
We could keep diving into the Final Fantasy series and list off dozens of fashionistas. But we would be remiss if we did not bring up Bayonetta in a discussion about video games and fashion. The skin-tight black suit may seem basic at first. But it becomes all the more impressive when we see the way she moves in that outfit. Bayonetta can kick butt and look good while doing it. Not to mention she does it all in stilettos. Now that is a woman dedicated to fashion and fighting.
Style in Gameplay
Fashion is not the only thing worth thinking about when it comes to glamourous gaming. We said before that developers are doing their best to inject a certain style in their product. Aesthetic style is a big factor in player immersion. It is why the Red Dead Redemption duology is rated so high. The developers truly studied the wild west and did their best to replicate the style down to the tea.
But style is not just about aesthetics. There is something about stylish gameplay that also elevates the gaming experience. Once again we can turn back to the video game Miss Universe herself, Bayonetta. The hack/slash game is gorgeous to look at. Each character has something unique and memorable about them. But, what most players truly remember is the way that Bayonetta moves and attacks. That is because the combat mechanics are infused with a sense of style and glamour that makes them unforgettable.
Bayonetta is a great game for those who want stylish gameplay. But there is a franchise that predates even it. We can’t talk about stylish video games without bringing up Devil May Cry. Devil May Cry is one of the most iconic video game series. It spans four main story games and a reboot that went nowhere. The franchise was created by Hideki Kamiya who also worked on the first Bayonetta game. It is no wonder that both games feel similar, yet both have a unique edge to them.
Dante is the protagonist of the Devil May Cry franchise. He comes on screen with a unique style combining elements of punk rock and Victorian gothic. He kicks ass and takes names with his massive sword Rebellion and dual pistols Ebony and Ivory. DMC’s combat is fast-paced and focused on getting as many combos as possible. There is even an in-game mechanic called style points. The longer the combo lasts the more style points the player accrues. Gaining the maximum level of style points makes the player feel truly accomplished. At the end of the day that is what style in gaming is all about.
Glamour’s Influence on Online Gaming
The obsession with glamour does not end at AAA games and usual video game titles. Online gaming is just as influenced by high fashion and stylistic expression as its predecessors. Take for example the online gambling industry. The developers of online slots are constantly doing their best to keep fans interested in the games. To do that they must infuse these games with a level of thematic style that is enough to keep players engaged but not distracted. That is tough to do in a game as fast-paced as slots.
Even mobile games are no exception. If one were to analyze the character designs of an RPG like Genshin Impact they would truly be impressed by the attention to detail that goes into it. Even basic puzzle games like Candy Crush are not devoid of a certain style and glamour, simplistic though it may be.
