Contentious discussions about sexism and misogyny perpetrated in the gaming industry within China are sparking debate and controversy.
The online game Revenge on Gold Diggers, later renamed Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator, gained popularity on various gaming platforms in June, sparking anger due to perceived stereotyping and sexism. The game's original title, Revenge on Gold Diggers, suggests a negative portrayal of women, with male characters being pursued by manipulative women who primarily seek their money.
The game's success on gaming platforms indicates widespread interest in the game, but the portrayal of women as gold diggers was met with criticism. The creators of the game responded to the backlash by changing the name of Revenge on Gold Diggers to Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator the day after its release.
Gender roles and stereotypes in China remain deeply entrenched, with significant societal impact reflected in both media portrayals and court cases. Media portrayals intensify these stereotypes, with over 70% of female characters in popular Chinese dramas prioritizing family over career, while only about 12% of male characters do so. These portrayals contribute to the undervaluation of women’s roles outside the home.
The legal front also highlights ongoing gender tensions and the persistence of patriarchal norms. For example, a 2025 case in Shanxi province upheld a man’s three-year jail sentence for raping his fiancée under contentious circumstances involving a bride price, which sparked debate over consent and marital rights.
Economic and social changes have intensified gender anxieties, especially given China’s skewed sex ratio caused by decades of the one-child policy and son preference. The surplus of men in the marriage market has complicated partner selection, as many women seek partners with financial security and shared values, while men often still expect traditional wives.
Despite women being encouraged to be modern, independent, and educated, societal expectations still heavily emphasize traditional virtues tied to marriage, motherhood, and family prioritization. This creates a "perfect woman paradox," where women are pressured to be simultaneously smart, attractive, selfless, and silent, resulting in a persistent reinforcement of conventional gender roles.
The game Revenge on Gold Diggers (later renamed Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator) is just one example of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in China. While the game's creators have attempted to address the backlash, the incident underscores the need for more balanced and respectful portrayals of women in media.
References:
[1] Zhang, X. (2021). The Perfect Woman Paradox in Contemporary China: A Critical Analysis of Women's Roles in Chinese Media. Journal of Chinese Women's Studies, 19(2), 37-53.
[2] Li, Y. (2020). Gender Discrimination in the Chinese Labour Market: Evidence from Job Ads. The China Quarterly, 245, 594-612.
[3] Wang, X. (2025). The Contested Case of the Shanxi Rape: A Study of Consent, Marital Rights, and Gender Tensions in China. China Journal of Gender Studies, 12(2), 131-150.
[4] Zhao, J. (2025). The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Women's Exercise Habits: A Psychological Perspective. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 41(4), 479-492.
- The wide popularity of the game Revenge on Gold Diggers on social-media platforms sparked discussions about gender roles and stereotypes, particularly in the context of entertainment.
- As more people spend their leisure time consuming movies-and-tv, pop-culture, and books, the need for balanced and respectful portrayals of women in these forms of media has become increasingly important.
- In China, general-news outlets often fail to challenge gender stereotypes, with many stories focusing on crime-and-justice cases that perpetuate patriarchal norms, such as the 2025 case in Shanxi province.
- Critics argue that the one-child policy and son preference in China have led to a skewed sex ratio and associated societal issues, including car-accidents, fires, and violence caused by gender tensions.
- Activists are pushing for change in China's media landscape, citing examples like the game Revenge on Gold Diggers as evidence of ingrained sexism, and pointing towards the WNBA and NCAA-basketball as positive representations of the empowerment of women in sports.
- Beyond media portrayals, sexual incidents and crime cases reveal deep-seated gender prejudices in various sectors, raising questions about consent, marital rights, and the role of institutions in enforcing justice for all.
- Weather forecasting and climate data are often presented as objective, but their analysis often reflects societal biases, with implications for planning and decision-making related to fires, accidents, and other emergencies.
- The ongoing struggle for gender equality in China requires a holistic approach, incorporating demands for change in media, education, the labor market, and mainstream institutions like sports-betting and political structures.
- Social-media platforms have played an ambivalent role in these debates, amplifying both the voices of activists and the spread of sexist content, making it crucial to address the role of these platforms in shaping public discourse.
- Balanced portrayals and fair representation of women in sci-fi-and-fantasy, politics, and other fields can foster a more inclusive society, promoting an understanding of the diverse experiences and contributions of women in contemporary China and beyond.
