A provocative video game centered on the theme of 'gold diggers' has ignited a significant debate on sexism in China, drawing attention in both social and traditional media. The newly released game, titled "Revenge on Gold Diggers," allows players to embody male characters who navigate relationships with women portrayed as manipulative figures out for monetary gains. One woman in the game brazenly states, "He's more obedient than a dog... If only more of these dumb ones come along," a sentiment that incited a wave of criticism.
Launched in June and quickly topping sales charts on gaming platform Steam, the game soon faced backlash for its alleged promotion of negative gender stereotypes. Critics condemned its portrayal of women as "gold diggers," leading to a hasty rebranding to "Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator." Despite the name change, the controversy did not dissipate; the game's director, Mark Hu, has since encountered bans on various Chinese social media platforms. The creators claim their intent was to spark conversations around emotional boundaries and the complexities of modern dating, a rationale that many, including artist Xu Yikun, vehemently reject.
Xu argues that the term “gold digger” is misogynistic and damaging, stating, "Sexist jokes and derogatory terms like these have found their way into our everyday language." Additionally, the game has been criticized for depicting all 'gold diggers' as women, with characters ranging from social media influencers to entrepreneurs scheming for expensive gifts and money. Some players, however, expressed support, suggesting the game's focus should not be generalized, with opinions varying across the board.
While the debate rages on, the game's popularity has confirmed it as a notable contender within China’s gaming industry, even outpacing blockbusters. This has prompted a mixed response from the media, with some outlets condemning it for gender bias while others commend its creativity in addressing the real issue of emotional scams, which reportedly cost victims around $279 million in 2023.
The game, and the conversations it has sparked, taps into broader societal issues in China, where traditional gender norms often place men as breadwinners and women in subservient roles. Observers note that such narratives can further entrench inequality, as evident in the government's support for patriarchal ideals. The discourse surrounding the game reflects not only individual opinions but also the ongoing struggle for gender equality in a society facing significant changes.
Women who have voiced their concerns over the game emphasize its potential to exacerbate tensions between genders. One anonymous participant lamented the cyclical nature of such narratives that positions women as needing to please men in order to secure their livelihoods. Thus, the game has emerged as a focal point of contention in the fight against entrenched sexism within contemporary Chinese culture.
