Games That Updated Old Titles with Modern Pronouns and Lost Fans

The video game industry has undergone a significant transformation as developers work to modernize legacy franchises for contemporary audiences. These updates frequently involve the introduction of gender neutral pronouns or the removal of traditional gender labels during character creation. While these modifications aim to foster inclusivity, they often trigger intense debate and friction among long standing fan bases. This cultural shift has led to divided communities and a perceived loss of players who prefer the original presentations of these classic titles.

‘Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’ (2024)

The 2024 remake of this beloved RPG restored dialogue concerning the character Vivian that was previously altered in the original English release. This version explicitly references the character’s gender identity in accordance with the Japanese script. While many players appreciated the return to the source material, others expressed frustration with the focus on modern identity concepts. The debate surrounding these changes became a central point of discussion within the Nintendo community.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Electronic Arts released a major update in 2022 that added customizable pronouns to the character creation suite. This feature allowed players to select from several options or input their own preferred terms for their digital avatars. Many fans welcomed the added depth of customization and representation. However, a segment of the audience felt that these additions were unnecessary and distracted from addressing long term gameplay bugs.

‘World of Warcraft’ (2004)

Blizzard Entertainment updated the character creation screen to replace traditional male and female labels with body type selections. This change removed the binary terminology in favor of body type one and body type two. Longtime players voiced their concerns over the removal of classic roleplaying elements that had existed for nearly two decades. The move was part of a broader effort to modernize the game’s social environment following internal company changes.

‘Dead Space’ (2023)

The remake of the 2008 horror classic introduced gender neutral restrooms and altered some environmental dialogue throughout the Ishimura. These changes were intended to modernize the setting for a current audience while maintaining the core survival horror experience. Some players criticized these additions as unnecessary modifications to the original atmosphere and world building. The game still received critical acclaim despite the friction within the fan base regarding these social updates.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

The reboot of this open world franchise moved away from the gendered character customization of its predecessors. It utilized a gender neutral creator that allowed players to mix and match physical traits without specific labels. Many fans of the original series felt the new direction lost the irreverent spirit that defined the earlier games. This shift in tone and identity resulted in a divided reception and lower than expected sales.

‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2’ (2020)

This remaster of the iconic skating games included modern professional skaters such as Leo Baker who uses they and them pronouns. The game updated its roster to reflect the current state of the sport and its diverse participants. While many players enjoyed the updated graphics and classic gameplay, some criticized the inclusion of modern social politics in a nostalgia focused title. The inclusion of non binary representation sparked significant discussion across gaming forums.

‘Mass Effect Legendary Edition’ (2021)

The remastered trilogy included several changes to camera angles and character models to align with modern sensibilities. Certain scenes that were deemed overly sexualized in the original releases were adjusted for the 2021 collection. These changes led to a debate among fans regarding the preservation of the original artistic vision. While the collection was a commercial success, some players felt the alterations were an unnecessary form of censorship.

‘Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town’ (2020)

This remake of the classic farming simulator removed gender restrictions on marriage and updated the character creation process. Players could now pursue any romantic interest regardless of their chosen gender identity. The update was praised by many for providing more freedom in gameplay and relationships. Conversely, some fans of the original version felt these changes moved too far away from the traditional mechanics of the series.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

Nintendo opted for a gender neutral approach to character creation in this installment of the long running series. Players choose a style rather than a gender and can change their appearance at any time without restrictions. This design choice was intended to offer maximum flexibility and inclusivity for all players. Some veteran fans expressed a preference for the more structured gender roles found in previous titles like ‘New Leaf’.

‘Pokémon GO’ (2016)

The mobile hit received an update that overhauled character avatars to allow for more diverse body types and gender neutral appearances. This change was part of a larger initiative to make the game more representative of its global player base. Many users criticized the new aesthetic for moving away from the classic look of the series. The update led to a wave of negative feedback on social media from fans who preferred the original avatar designs.

‘Splatoon 3’ (2022)

The third entry in this colorful shooter franchise removed the option to choose between boy or girl at the start of the game. Instead, players select from various styles that are not tied to a specific gender label. This shift allowed for greater customization and personal expression within the game’s fashion systems. Some players felt this change was part of a broader trend of removing clear identifiers from classic Nintendo IPs.

‘The Last of Us Part I’ (2022)

The remake of the 2013 masterpiece included various adjustments to character models and environmental details to reflect modern standards. While the story remained largely the same, the developers emphasized inclusivity in the updated character designs. Some fans argued that the changes to certain character appearances felt like an attempt to appease modern social expectations. This led to ongoing debates about whether the remake improved upon the original or simply altered its soul.

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III’ (2023)

The recent entries in this long running military shooter have introduced more diverse operator skins and pronoun options in profile settings. These updates were designed to make the multiplayer experience more welcoming to a broader demographic. A portion of the core audience expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived shift toward social awareness in a combat focused game. This tension has been a recurring theme in the community during the launch of recent seasons.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

Rare has consistently updated this pirate adventure to include more inclusive customization options and gender neutral titles. These updates allow players to define their pirate identity with more freedom than many other online games. While the community generally supports the game’s growth, some players have voiced concerns over the changing tone of the pirate world. The developers continue to prioritize representation as a core pillar of their live service model.

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

As one of the most popular games in history, this title has added various gender neutral skins and updated its language to be more inclusive over the years. The introduction of characters like Alex was an early step toward providing alternatives to the default male avatar. Some players have pushed back against more recent updates that emphasize social issues through official marketplace content. Despite these debates, the game remains a dominant force in the industry.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

This battle royale set in the ‘Titanfall’ universe has featured a diverse cast with several characters using modern pronouns from the start. As the game has evolved, the developers have doubled down on these elements through lore updates and cinematic shorts. While many appreciate the deep character writing, some fans feel the focus on personal identities can overshadow the gameplay. The game has maintained a massive audience despite these recurring community discussions.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

The transition to this sequel brought about several updates to character backstories and personal identities. Blizzard has used seasonal events to reveal more about the diverse backgrounds of its hero roster. This approach has been met with both praise for representation and criticism for being performative. Some players have left the game due to a combination of gameplay changes and the shifting focus of the narrative.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

Bungie has been vocal about its commitment to inclusivity and has updated the game to include diverse characters and relationships. The narrative frequently highlights these elements through dialogue and lore entries found throughout the world. While many fans enjoy the evolving story, others feel that these themes are sometimes forced into the science fiction setting. This has led to a divide between players who follow the lore closely and those who prefer a more traditional experience.

‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ (2024)

The second part of the remake project updated several scenes and character interactions to better suit a modern global audience. These changes were intended to expand upon the original 1997 narrative while addressing modern social sensitivities. Some fans of the original game felt that certain adjustments altered the tone of key moments. The game remains a critical success even as players debate the necessity of these modern updates.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)

The remake of the 2005 survival horror classic made several changes to character dialogue and interactions to be more respectful. Certain lines that were considered dated or inappropriate were removed or rewritten for the new version. While most fans praised the gameplay improvements, some felt the removal of original content was a form of unnecessary sanitization. This led to discussions about how much a remake should change to fit modern standards.

‘Silent Hill 2’ (2024)

The remake of this psychological horror masterpiece updated character designs and dialogue to reflect modern sensibilities. The developers aimed to bring the game to a new generation while preserving its dark and complex themes. Some fans expressed concern that the updates might soften the impact of the original’s gritty atmosphere. The resulting release sparked a conversation about the balance between modernization and historical preservation.

‘Alone in the Dark’ (2024)

This reimagining of the classic horror franchise utilized modern character models and updated its script for a current audience. The game attempted to balance its historical setting with contemporary storytelling and inclusive themes. Some players felt that the update lost some of the charm and mystery that defined the original series. The reception highlighted the difficulty of reviving old horror IPs in a modern social climate.

‘System Shock’ (2023)

The remake of the 1994 cult classic featured updated voice acting and dialogue that adhered to modern standards. While the core gameplay remained faithful to the original vision, the presentation was refined for a new audience. Some veteran players noted the subtle changes in how the world and characters were presented compared to the original. These adjustments were part of an effort to make the complex immersive sim more accessible today.

‘Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear’ (2016)

This expansion for the enhanced edition of the original game introduced a character who explicitly discussed their gender identity. This inclusion sparked a massive controversy and led to a significant backlash from a portion of the fan base. Many players felt the writing was out of place within the established world of the classic RPG series. The developers eventually addressed the feedback by making some adjustments to the character’s dialogue.

‘Catherine: Full Body’ (2019)

This updated version of the 2011 puzzle game added a new character and expanded the story to include more diverse themes. The changes were intended to offer a new perspective on the game’s exploration of relationships and identity. Some fans felt the new content was poorly integrated and clashed with the original’s narrative structure. The game’s handling of these themes remained a point of contention among both new and old players.

‘Persona 3 Reload’ (2024)

The remake of this classic JRPG updated several social links and dialogue options to be more in line with modern cultural standards. Certain interactions that were deemed problematic in the original 2006 release were adjusted or removed entirely. While many appreciated the smoother experience, some fans argued that these changes sanitized the game’s depiction of its setting. The title continues to be a major success for the series despite these localized changes.

‘Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1’ (2023)

The release of this collection included content warnings regarding the themes and depictions found in the original games. These warnings informed players that the games were a product of their time and contained outdated social perspectives. Some fans felt these disclaimers were unnecessary for a collection of classic titles. The inclusion of these warnings reflected a broader trend of companies providing modern context for older media.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Rockstar Games removed certain NPCs and dialogue from the newer versions of this massive open world hit. These changes were aimed at removing content that was considered offensive or transphobic by modern standards. Some players criticized the move as an unnecessary alteration to a game that was originally designed to be a satire of all aspects of society. This update showed that even the most successful games are not immune to modern social adjustments.

‘Fallout 76’ (2018)

The ongoing updates to this post apocalyptic online game have introduced more diverse character options and inclusive storylines. Bethesda has added various pride themed items and character customizations through its in game shop. While many players enjoy these additions, some feel they are out of place in the gritty world of the wasteland. The game’s community remains divided on the inclusion of real world social symbols in the game environment.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

The next gen update for this acclaimed RPG included several small changes to dialogue and character interactions. These updates were designed to bring the game more in line with current social expectations for a global audience. While the core experience remained the same, some observant fans noted the subtle shifts in presentation. The game’s enduring popularity has kept these discussions active within the fan base.

‘League of Legends’ (2009)

Riot Games has frequently updated the lore and backstories of its champion roster to include more diverse identities and modern pronouns. These changes are often introduced through short stories and cinematic trailers outside of the main gameplay. While many fans appreciate the evolving world, some feel the changes are inconsistent with the characters’ original designs. This has led to ongoing debates within the competitive community about the importance of lore versus gameplay.

‘Roblox’ (2006)

This massive social platform has introduced a wide range of gender neutral avatar options and inclusive safety features over the years. These updates are intended to provide a safe and welcoming environment for its predominantly young user base. Some older users have expressed frustration with the changing aesthetic and the removal of certain classic features. The platform continues to evolve as it seeks to balance user freedom with modern corporate standards.

‘Fortnite’ (2017)

Epic Games has made inclusivity a major part of its brand through diverse character skins and in game social events. The game frequently features collaborations that highlight different cultures and identities from around the world. While this has helped the game reach a massive global audience, some players miss the simpler days of the early seasons. The constant updates ensure that the game remains at the forefront of modern cultural trends.

‘Among Us’ (2018)

The developers of this viral hit added more inclusive color options and gender neutral terminology to the game’s interface. These updates were part of an effort to make the social deduction experience more accessible to everyone. While the changes were minor, they were noted by the community as a sign of the developers’ commitment to modern standards. The game remains a popular choice for social gaming due to its simple and inclusive design.

‘Fire Emblem Engage’ (2023)

The localization of this tactical RPG included several changes to dialogue and relationship mechanics to suit Western audiences. These updates often involved the removal of gendered language or the adjustment of romantic interactions. Some fans criticized the localization team for altering the original Japanese intent to fit modern social norms. This has been a recurring issue for the series as it continues to grow in popularity outside of Japan.

‘Guild Wars 2’ (2012)

This long running MMORPG has consistently featured diverse characters and has updated its world to reflect inclusive themes. The developers frequently use the game’s story chapters to explore different social perspectives and identities. While many players praise the game’s progressive writing, some feel it can be a distraction from the core fantasy narrative. The game has maintained a dedicated following that appreciates its unique approach to world building.

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ (2014)

Bethesda has expanded the character options and storylines in this online RPG to be more inclusive over the last decade. The game features many characters with diverse identities and uses modern terminology in its quest writing. Some veteran fans of the series feel that these updates sometimes clash with the established lore of Tamriel. Despite this, the game continues to be a successful part of the legendary franchise.

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

The latest entry in this iconic shooter series replaced gender selection with body type options and added more voice customization. This allowed players to create a Spartan that felt more personal to them without being tied to traditional labels. While some fans missed the classic male and female designations, others felt it was a natural evolution for the series. The move reflected a broader shift in how major shooters handle character identity.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

This game featured a character creator that decoupled voice from body type and used gender neutral pronouns for the protagonist. While the game was always intended to be a modern take on the genre, some players were unhappy with these design choices. The developers have continued to refine these systems through various post launch updates and expansions. These changes have remained a point of interest for those following the game’s long journey to redemption.

‘Tales of Symphonia Remastered’ (2023)

The remaster of this classic JRPG included several updates to the script to ensure it met modern standards for a global audience. These changes were intended to make the story more accessible and less controversial in different regions. Some fans who grew up with the original GameCube version felt the new script lost some of its specific character. The debate over localization remains a major topic within the JRPG community.

‘Diablo IV’ (2023)

The newest entry in this dark fantasy series utilizes a character creator focused on body types and diverse appearances. This shift was a significant departure from the fixed character designs of the earlier games in the franchise. While many players enjoyed the new customization, some felt it took away from the specific class identities of the past. The game’s success shows that modern character systems are becoming the standard for the industry.

‘Fable Anniversary’ (2014)

The remaster of the original ‘Fable’ updated various aspects of its world and character interactions to be more inclusive. While the series was always known for its freedom, the updates provided more modern ways for players to express themselves. Some fans felt these changes were a precursor to the more significant shifts expected in the upcoming reboot. The series continues to be a favorite for those who enjoy player choice and social simulation.

‘Diablo II: Resurrected’ (2021)

This remaster of the legendary action RPG updated its character models to be more diverse and less sexualized than the 2000 original. The developers stated these changes were intended to reflect a more realistic and modern view of the game’s classes. Some longtime fans criticized the new designs for being too different from their original memories of the characters. This friction highlighted the challenges of updating iconic character designs for a new era.

‘Quake II’ (2023)

The recent remaster of this classic shooter included modern accessibility features and updated menus that follow current standards. While the gameplay remains a faithful recreation of the 1997 original, the presentation has been modernized in several ways. These updates ensure that the game can be enjoyed by a new generation of players who are used to modern conventions. The release was well received by both old fans and newcomers alike.

‘Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection’ (2024)

This collection of the original ‘Battlefront’ games included several updates to the user interface and community features. These changes were designed to make the classic games work better on modern platforms while respecting the original content. Some fans noted that the updates were part of a broader trend of making old games more accessible to a modern audience. The collection remains a popular way to experience these classic titles today.

What do you think about these updates to classic gaming franchises? Share your thoughts in the comments.