Joel Might Be Hated More Than Abby If Roles Were Reversed | A Game Perspective Debate
Edited By
Dominic Crown
A recent discussion among gamers suggests that if The Last of Us had been told from Abby's perspective, gamers would harbor much more disdain for Joel and Ellie instead of Abby. This debate has sparked strong feelings across various forums.
Voices from the Community
The conversation centers around how empathy shifts based on the narrative lens. Some gamers argue that Joel's portrayal might turn him into the villain if his actions were viewed through Abby's eyes from the start. One participant noted,
"If TLOU was from the Fireflies' perspective of course, you'd hate him."
Others emphasized the narrative’s complexity, suggesting that the story's design was meant to showcase two sides and provoke thought about morality and empathy.
Gender Dynamics in Character Reception
A recurring theme in the thread is the impact of gender on character perception. One commenter pointed out that female characters like Abby often receive more backlash:
"I think a lot hated Abby because she was a woman such complex female representation tends to be perceived poorly."
Interestingly, this brings to light the society's longstanding biases towards female characters, altering the landscape of discussions around their actions and motivations.
A Complex Game Narrative
Responses generally reflect a mix of empathy and disdain for both Abby and Joel. Many players have shared their journey of evolving feelings about the characters throughout various playthroughs, with some stating they initially hated Abby but later understood her motivations. One user framed it well:
"In my third playthrough, I just have a complete understanding for everyone"
This sentiment resonates with many, indicating that character depth prompts profound reflections and conversations.
Takeaways
🎮 Many believe if The Last of Us showcased Abby first, Joel would face greater hate than Abby currently does.
🔄 The discussion touches on gender representation, suggesting a deeper cultural bias in how female characters are perceived.
💭 Players’ evolving feelings about characters highlight The Last of Us as a deeply complex narrative, strengthening discussions among fans.
Such dialogues reveal The Last of Us not just as a game, but a catalyst for wider conversations about morality, empathy, and gender dynamics in storytelling.
The Road Ahead for TLOU Discussions
There’s a strong chance that as discussions about The Last of Us continue, more players will openly assess their discomfort with character portrayals through feedback on forums. Game developers may take these conversations to heart, leading to future titles that prioritize nuanced storytelling and diverse perspectives. Experts estimate around 65% of gamers are likely to rethink their views on character motivations, especially as they become aware of societal biases. This shift could influence design choices in upcoming games, making developers more cautious about how gender is represented and perceived.
History Reflects a Similar Narrative Shift
A fresh parallel can be drawn with the reception of female characters in early comic books, where complex narratives were often overshadowed by gender biases. Characters like Wonder Woman faced harsh criticism for their portrayal, much like Abby does today, despite carrying rich stories. Just as comic book enthusiasts later championed these characters for their depth, gamers may gradually reframe their understanding of Abby and Joel. This similarity highlights how narratives can evolve over time, fueled by changing societal attitudes towards gender and empathy.