The Troubling Portrayal of Teen Girls in Video Games

December 12, 2025 - 03:39

As a long-time fan of story-driven games, I've observed a concerning trend in the portrayal of teen girls within popular titles. Games such as Life is Strange, The Last of Us, and What Remains of Edith Finch often depict young female characters navigating through profoundly challenging and tragic circumstances. These narratives frequently place them at the center of intense emotional turmoil, where they are tasked with altering the fabric of time, serving as symbols of hope amidst apocalyptic settings, or surviving harrowing losses.

In these stories, the decisions made by these characters lead to outcomes that are often bittersweet, reinforcing a narrative that suggests their lives are filled with suffering and sacrifice. This portrayal raises questions about the broader implications for how teen girls are represented in media. Instead of showcasing a diverse range of experiences, many games seem to focus on darker themes, potentially overshadowing the complexity and richness of adolescent life. As the gaming industry evolves, it is crucial to advocate for more nuanced and varied representations of young female characters, allowing them to embody a wider spectrum of experiences and emotions.