Marvel fans jump for joy at the appearance of Emma Frost in the hit free-to-play mobile game Marvel Rivals. Starting with her April 11th premiere, she will officially join the roster as the newest playable character. This mutant hero with telepathic powers is pretty amazing. Interestingly, she’s the third introduction of a blonde, white woman in a blue-and-white suit in the game. Her flashy design touches are sure to help her stand out in an increasingly crowded gaming space. Retaining her signature bob cut and strutting with her thighs out, she’s definitely going to be a standout.
Fans are particularly excited about Emma Frost being included. In particular, they’re excited that we’re adding another powerful female character to the Vanguard pool. Unfortunately, historically, male characters have been chosen for this role. Her addition is a momentous occasion for gamers who want to see greater diversity in the characters they play. Countless players have expressed their joy in having another female presence added to the roster. This amendment is a welcome step in the right direction toward a greater balance of representation.
While this is a fantastic step, conversations in the industry have arisen about the lack of diversity in Marvel’s character designs overall. Emma Frost’s design highlights certain attributes. Detractors contend that in key moments of high-stakes gameplay, NetEase and Marvel usually default to heroes that appear almost indistinguishable. Many supporters are angry at the betrayal inherent in this trend. An avid reader of the original comics who enjoyed their rich history of diverse characters, they want to see a wider variety of characters represented.
Casting aside common perceptions Fans understood right away that Emma Frost’s aesthetic difference, as well as her special powers set her apart. Her introduction is still symptomatic of a monotonous pattern in the franchise. The over-reliance on similar-looking heroes only adds to the concern that Marvel’s supposed commitment to diversity is only skin deep. Developers are diving into player discussions on controversial design decisions. All of them shall be inclined positively towards characters that “pop” visually but still serve the narrative with a variety of backgrounds and strong stories.
Related Rumor has it that Emma Frost is one of the leaked playable heroes. Speculation is already swirling that she will show up decked out in blue and red colors. Her upcoming expansion has spurred discussion on the issue of the lack of diversity in representation among female characters in games. As enthusiasts anticipate her arrival later in the season, they hope that her presence will encourage developers to explore a wider array of character designs moving forward.