Let’s talk jiggle physics. Yes, you read that right.
If you’ve been playing Marvel Rivals or scrolling on TikTok, you’ve probably noticed that some of the female character skins are, how do I put this delicately, serving body-ody-ody. From impossibly tight bodysuits to gravity-defying cleavage and yes, actual breast jiggle physics, the game seems to be walking a thin line between comic accuracy and a “gooner bait” marketing strategy. And yet… it’s working. The game is popular, the character designs are visually impressive, and fans are engaging. But that leaves us with a complicated question: is it good design, or just more of the same objectification dressed up in next-gen graphics?
Let’s be clear, some of the costumes are genuinely cool. The detailing, textures, and color palettes feel ripped straight from the comics in the best way. But why does Emma Frost’s chest need to bounce like she’s in a Victoria’s Secret ad instead of a combat zone? Why is her costume designed more for the male gaze than actual battle? And while we’re at it, why are only the women getting this kind of treatment?
The answer, of course, is complicated. We’re living in an era where women like Megan Thee Stallion can wear what they want, twerk how they want, and command the stage with full autonomy and power. That’s feminism. That’s freedom. So, isn’t it hypocritical to criticize a video game for showcasing confident, sexy women?
Well… yes and no.
Megan wears what she wants for herself. Her confidence and sexuality are tools of self-expression, not just something for others to consume. The problem with games like Marvel Rivals isn’t the presence of sexy women, it’s the context. Are these skins giving players genuine choice and variety in how their favorite characters appear? Or are they funneling women into a single visual trope that’s ultimately meant to titillate and monetize?
To be fair, Marvel Rivals does offer non-revealing skins for female characters. Not every woman in the game is sexualized. Only about four female characters have noticeably provocative outfits, and players aren’t forced to use those skins. Choice matters. But here’s the catch, those choices don’t exist in a vacuum.
The reality is, women in comics and video games have been portrayed in hyper-sexualized ways for decades. Impractical outfits, anatomically impossible poses, and a disproportionate focus on breasts and butts are all part of a longstanding industry standard that prioritizes fantasy over function, especially when the audience is presumed to be male. It’s not surprising that Rivals continues this tradition, but it is disappointing.
It’s also not entirely fair to blame only the devs. They’re walking a tightrope between comic accuracy, fandom expectations, and business strategy. Let’s be honest: “sexy skins” sell. And with big-budget games needing to keep players engaged (and spending), it’s not shocking that designers would lean into what gets attention. But does that make it right?
Maybe the real issue isn’t the availability of sexy skins, it’s the imbalance. If revealing costumes are going to exist, let’s make it equitable. Give me shirtless, six-pack-slinging Spider-Man. Let Captain America wear a tank top that’s barely regulation. Equal-opportunity thirst traps, anyone?
And maybe the bigger question is: why are we still relying on sexualization to drive engagement in 2025? If we need jiggling boobs to keep a game profitable, what does that say about the gaming industry, and the community that supports it?
Ultimately, Marvel Rivals isn’t the worst offender. But it’s still participating in a pattern that affects how women are perceived and treated in gaming spaces. It’s hard to advocate for respect and equity when the design itself encourages objectification, even subtly.
The solution isn’t censorship. It’s balance, nuance, and a little self-awareness. Game designers, if you’re going to offer sexy skins, fine, but do it for everyone. And maybe turn down the physics engine a notch. We’re trying to win matches here, not audition for a softcore reboot of X-Men.
Because in a world full of multiverse madness, the last thing we need is another game where a woman’s worth is tied to the bounce of her bust.
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