So like I used to like the idea of The Office Type. It wasn’t perfect, but I defended it for its well-meaning presentation. Then I kinda fell out of love with it for its (likely accidentally but still) racist caricatures and hadn’t heard from it in months.
Recently however, I got to thinking about it again, and wondered if it was still even in development after the massive backlash it got for the aforementioned racist character depictions (among a few other things). And to my surprise, it was!
And all I can say is… wow. They really stepped up their game and took the criticisms to heart, with I think great results.
The character designs are all varying even if they’re the same type (ex. The pencils, who were once all the same pink, yellow, green color scheme, are now all different).
The black characters have had all their previous aggressive demeanors and other stereotypical character traits removed, or incorporated into less “violent”, but still physical activities, like sports.
(Also they went from three hole punches to binders bc everyone thought people with three holes in them was just… stupid.)
The non-binary characters all now have more identity outside of being just “non-binary”, actually exploring the different genders under the nb umbrella, rather than just treating “non-binary” as a “third gender”.
The trans characters are also treated and designed respectfully and unfetishized (cough rcdart cough).
All in all, I’d say, despite a very rocky start, the people at Heavy Thoughts Studios have taken the criticisms of The Office Type’s early phases and applied them to the best of their ability. Hopefully this upward trend will continue, and The Office Type can be a respectable game depicting different LGBTQ elements.
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