Playing video games is no longer for boys. This hobby, which has become a profession for many, is now enjoyed by people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. While the diversity of the gamer population has started to be reflected in the depiction of society within video games, the lack of gender equality still exists in this section of the entertainment industry.
In fact, according to a 2022 study by data company Statista, only 18% of video games in 2020 had female protagonists. The findings of this research coupled with the results of FandomSpot.com’s very own survey led the website to commission illustrator MsArtsy to create 10 images of what Disney Princesses might look like if they were video game characters.
FandomSpot’s independent survey of 2000 people found that 32% of the respondents felt that Disney films still rely on outdated gender stereotypes when it comes to their female characters, while 27% said that gender equality is not well represented.
“Equality matters in every industry; there is no doubt about that whatsoever. Unfortunately, however, in the games and movie industries, in particular, there is still a lot of progress to be made,” Alyssa Celatti of FandomSpot said. “When we conducted our survey, I don’t think we were expecting to see that so many people feel that Disney movies, in particular, are still behind the times.”
Celatti noted that the main objective of the commissioned art is to reimagine some of the fan-favorite Disney Princesses “as strong, leading video game characters” to “highlight the lack of gender equality that still exists within the entertainment industry even in 2022 – while creating some unexpected mashups!”
Disney Princesses reimagined as video game characters
Below are MsArtsy’s mash-up art pieces that transform Disney Princesses into some of the most iconic video game characters of all time.
Ariel as Duke Nukem
Equipped with two handguns, Ariel as Duke Nukem is ready to knock down some bad guys. Rocking a red top, military tactical harness, and a pair of black army boots, the Princess of Atlantica completes her outfit with the video game character’s signature Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses and a belt-buckle that features a seashell on the front instead of the iconic radioactive trefoil symbol.
Belle as Aerith Gainsborough
MsArtsy turns Belle into Final Fantasy VII character Aerith Gainsborough in this artwork. Wearing a yellow dress beneath a dark orange blazer, Belle is waving her left hand at someone while holding her ever-reliable guard stick with her right hand.
Cinderella as Chun-Li
Dressed in the iconic blue outfit of Chun-Li from the Street Fighter video games, Cinderella is a martial arts expert in this fan art. Looking very confident in her fighting stance, the Disney Princess is all set to kick some ass.
Elsa as Agent 47
Featuring Elsa as Agent 47 from the Hitman video game franchise, this mash-up art sees the Protector of the Enchanted Forest wielding guns in both of her hands. Flashing a sly smirk, Elsa is confident that she’s got everything under control.
Jasmine as Solid Snake
Based on the character Solid Snake from the Metal Gear video game series, this version of Jasmine is wearing a two-piece tactical suit featuring her signature turquoise and gold colors. She’s also wearing a bandana, which is one of the signature elements of the highly skilled special operations soldier from the Japanese video game.
Merida as Lara Croft
Dressed in Lara Croft’s signature outfit from the Tomb Raider video game series, Merida is preparing to show off her archery skills with her bow and arrow.
Mulan as Arthur Morgan
Mulan is enjoying the Wild Wild West as Arthur Morgan, the main playable protagonist of the 2018 video game Red Dead Redemption 2. Wearing a cowgirl ensemble with a touch of East Asian style, Mulan appears to be practicing the perfect way to handle a revolver.
Pocahontas as Aloy
This transformation of Pocahontas into Aloy, the protagonist of the 2017 video game Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel Horizon Forbidden West, seems effortless. The tribal background of Pocahontas helps her fit in smoothly with the video games’ post-apocalyptic tribal setting. MsArtsy simply added a few metallic elements to Pocahontas’ outfit and the Disney character instantly became a version of Aloy.
Snow White as Mario
Snow White looks full of energy in her Mario-inspired outfit. Dressed in blue overalls and a red shirt underneath, Snow White is dashing through the Mushroom Kingdom to save Princess Peach from Bowser
Tiana as Link
Link of The Legend of Zelda video game series is reincarnated as Tiana in this artwork. All suited up in the video game character’s signature green cap and tunic, the Princess of Maldonia is ready for battle with her shield and legendary sword.