| deskpro2k3 said:
This is exactly what I’ve been trying to say, but you've articulate it masterfully. If the goal is to show more "average" or "realistic" women, then why not hire models who naturally fit that vision? Paying a beautiful model for her likeness only to change her face so much feels wasteful. The original model already had so many qualities that worked for Aloy. Strong, grounded, and real. Why spend all that time and money just to alter it? If the industry wants to break beauty standards, then fully commit to it and hire people who reflect that vision naturally. You nailed it perfectly. |
This will be my last post on this topic especially as it is moving a tad away from Intergalatic... Somewhat related though in that they've obviously made the character more edgy and butch compared to the voice actress.
Alloy looks like her face model. This idea that they've hired a face model then completely done away with her features is not grounded. They customised her looks to their vision of Alloy which was refined with the second game. What is extremely apparent in these discussions is that it simply boils down to obsession over beauty standards: "Paying a beautiful model for her likeness only to change her face so much feels wasteful."
...Otherwise we wouldn't be here talking about comparisons to face model who was not even public knowledge until after both games were released. Guerrilla revealed it as a cute easter egg for fans. I dare say your reaction reinforces the value in making distinctions between the model and character because you shouldn't be thinking of a real life person when you imagine Alloy in your head. This isn't Keanu Reaves or Idris Alba being used a marketing tool in Cyberpunk.
And It's not about making Alloy look "average" or hiring "Average looking women"... It's abouts hiring someone who has distinctions they want to carry over into their character and build upon. Because they've taken some of those qualities, that does not mean they have to take everything, just as they chose not to use voice actor Ashley Burch's likeness for her aesthetic. If they hired someone different from the face model, it would literally be a different Alloy based on a different core set of facial features.
Concern of them wasting money & time seems disingenuous and at the very least dismissive of the fact they made a very distinct and yet relatable character that has resonated with audiences, the face model remains a key part of her aesthetic.
The film equivalent to this is having an actor bulk up or loose weight for a role, or make-up being used to roughen someone up or make them look younger or more weathered. Start from a base of qualities you see in the actor and adapt for the role. I can't speak for all games but this example in particular is an especially weird one to get stuck on.
When I saw the voice actor for Owen (TLOU2), I could see they clearly burrowed some of his features but mixed it with other references/ideas. It's not really something that should linger on anyones mind lol. These are creative teams, let them be creative.
Essay Pro