FromSoftware's newest game has been showered with acclaim from both critics and fans. Elden Ring has exceeded the expectations of Soulslike fans and newcomers alike, as the developers successfully merged open-world exploration with the incredibly difficult combat that made Dark Souls famous. However, despite how fantastic Elden Ring is, its character creator is one area in which the game is sorely lacking.
Elden Ring sports an extensive character creator that allows players to adjust even the smallest details. The position of eyes, the luster of hair, and even the color of eyelashes can all be tweaked. While the depth of Elden Ring's character creation is undeniable, there is a noticeable lack of hairstyle options, especially for Black players. There are no options for afros, dreadlocks, or twists, and hair type can't be changed to a more textured or tight curl pattern.
Why Is Hair Important In Elden Ring?
The lack of variable hairstyles has deeply disappointed many POC players who wish to make an Elden Ring character that shares the same features as themselves. Some have questioned why the inclusion of Black hairstyles is so important when the vast majority of players won't even see the hairstyle they've chosen in-game since it will likely be hidden underneath a piece of headgear. Still, even if players never view their character's hair, having options is still important.
POC gamers have historically always had issues with character creators. Making a character with features like their own can be incredibly difficult depending on the game, with some not even offering options for dark skin tones. Sadly, when these features are added to character creation, it is often with little effort that results in them looking terrible.
Regardless of the developer's intentions, this sends a clear message to POC players that the game wasn't created with them in mind. They are an afterthought, if that. Games like Elden Ring are meant to be a form of escapism. Players can get lost in a fantasy world where they can harness magic and take on monstrous bosses. The lack of an inclusive character creator is just another barrier that tells POC players that such a power fantasy isn't for them.
How Can Elden Ring's Character Creator Improve?
Overall, character creation in video games has progressed and developers have attempted to be more inclusive. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 give players the choice of a few Black hairstyles, as well as the ability to alter their bodies without being constrained by gender or sex. FromSoftware has otherwise improved character creation in Elden Ring. The different body types are labeled Type A and Type B instead of Male and Female like they were in previous games.
The more options and freedom that game developers give players while creating their characters, the better. The entire point of a character creation system is to allow gamers the option of inserting themselves into the amazing worlds that developers create, or to build characters straight out of their imaginations. It's clear that some developers need to do a better job of making sure that everyone feels included. This is especially true for those creating a product meant to be played across the globe, like Elden Ring. Players are demanding more representation, and it's important that their wishes be respected.