Despite the controversy, there are many players and fans who are excited about the inclusion of female Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer. They see it as a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity in the game. These players argue that the Warhammer universe is vast and expansive, with countless factions and characters, so it only makes sense to have female representation in all aspects of the game.
Furthermore, they believe that the Adeptus Custodes, as the Emperor’s personal bodyguards and the pinnacle of the Imperium’s military might, should reflect the diversity of the Imperium itself. In a galaxy-spanning empire like the Imperium, it is unrealistic to assume that all of its defenders would be male. By introducing female Adeptus Custodes, Games Workshop is acknowledging this fact and making the Warhammer universe more realistic and relatable.
On the other hand, opponents of the inclusion of female Adeptus Custodes argue that it goes against the established lore and fluff of the game. They believe that the Adeptus Custodes have always been portrayed as male warriors, and changing that now would be a disservice to the rich history and lore of the faction.
They also argue that the introduction of female Adeptus Custodes is a form of “forced diversity” and political correctness, and that Games Workshop is pandering to a vocal minority at the expense of the loyal fan base. They fear that this decision is a slippery slope that could lead to further changes to the lore and factions of the game, ultimately alienating long-time fans.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the controversy surrounding female Adeptus Custodes in Warhammer is a reflection of the larger debates happening in the gaming community and society as a whole. The inclusion of diverse and representative characters has become an important topic, with many demanding more inclusivity in popular media. Games Workshop’s decision to introduce female Adeptus Custodes is just one example of this ongoing conversation.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Games Workshop will respond to the backlash and whether they will make any changes to the upcoming Codex: Adeptus Custodes. In the meantime, the Warhammer community continues to grapple with questions of representation, lore, and the future of the game.
The Retcon and Its Impact
The controversy stems from the retcon that Games Workshop made to the Adeptus Custodes faction, adding female characters to what was previously an all-male faction. This retcon has sparked heated debates among the Warhammer 40,000 community, with some fans applauding the inclusion of female characters and others expressing their disappointment and frustration.
One excerpt from the codex reads, “Custodian Calladayce Taorvalia Kesh stood upon the bridge of a Cobra-class destroyer. Named Vigilant Flame, the warship belonged to the mighty Battlefleet Solar. She lingered in the shadows at the back of the bridge, positioned at a spot where she could observe the actions of every crew member, be they in the instrumentation pits, at the armament shrines, or — in the case of Shipmaster Lethwyck — stood ramrod straight before his command throne.” This passage clearly introduces a female character, challenging the previously established notion that the Adeptus Custodes were exclusively male.
Another excerpt further confirms the inclusion of female characters, stating, “Kesh was warned before anyone else aboard, sensing a sudden empyric energy spike coupled with the surge of overpressure and sharp temperature drop that presaged a teleport strike. Her Guardian Spear was leveled and armed before the first cry of alarm or howl of a klaxon rang through the bridge.” The description of Kesh’s actions and her role as a Custodian solidifies the presence of female warriors within the Adeptus Custodes.
While Games Workshop has confirmed the retcon, they have chosen to gaslight their own fans and players by claiming that female Custodes have always existed. In a post on their official website, Games Workshop stated, “Since the first of the ten thousand were created, there have always been female Custodians.” This statement has caused further division among the fanbase, with some feeling betrayed by the retcon and others appreciating the effort to increase diversity and representation within the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
The impact of this retcon goes beyond the lore of the Adeptus Custodes. It highlights a broader conversation about inclusivity and representation in the gaming industry. Many argue that the addition of female characters to the Adeptus Custodes not only reflects the diversity of the real world but also allows players, regardless of gender, to identify with and feel represented by the faction. On the other hand, critics argue that this retcon undermines the established lore and disregards the rich history and tradition of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
As the debate rages on, Games Workshop finds itself at the center of a complex and challenging discussion. The decision to retcon the Adeptus Custodes has undoubtedly stirred emotions and sparked conversations within the Warhammer 40,000 community. Only time will tell how this retcon will ultimately shape the future of the Adeptus Custodes and the Warhammer 40,000 universe as a whole.
Furthermore, the boycott has sparked a wider debate within the gaming community about the role of representation and inclusivity in popular media. Advocates for diversity argue that the inclusion of female characters in the Adeptus Custodes faction is a step towards creating a more inclusive and representative gaming environment. They believe that by diversifying the characters and narratives, Games Workshop can attract a wider audience and create a more welcoming space for all players.
On the other side of the argument, opponents of the boycott argue that it is an overreaction and an attempt to stifle progress. They contend that the inclusion of female characters does not diminish the existing lore and mythology of Warhammer, but rather enriches it by introducing new perspectives and storylines. They argue that by boycotting Games Workshop, individuals are denying themselves the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of content and limiting their own experiences within the hobby.
As the boycott gains momentum, it is also raising questions about the responsibilities of companies towards their fanbase. Some argue that Games Workshop should have been more transparent about their intentions and engaged in open dialogue with the community before making significant changes to the lore. Others believe that companies have the right to evolve and adapt their products to reflect the changing values and expectations of society, even if it means alienating a portion of their fanbase.
Ultimately, the boycott and the wider debate surrounding it highlight the complex and often contentious nature of fandom. It demonstrates the passion and investment that individuals have in their hobbies and the power that they wield as consumers. It also underscores the importance of open dialogue and understanding between companies and their fanbases, as well as the need for ongoing discussions about representation and inclusivity in popular media.
The Demoralization Debate
Some individuals supporting the boycott have cited the demoralization that they believe comes along with the inclusion of feminist ideology in Warhammer. They reference the words of former KGB agent Yuri Bezmenov, who warned about the use of psychological warfare techniques to “change the perception of reality” and demoralize nations.
Bezmenov argued that this process takes several generations, with the first stage being demoralization. He claimed that the infiltration of Marxist and Leninist ideologies into the education system without being challenged or counterbalanced by American values leads to a weakened sense of patriotism and the ability to defend oneself, family, community, and country.
While it is essential to consider different perspectives, it is important to approach this debate with an open mind and respect for diverse opinions. The Warhammer community is known for its passionate and dedicated fanbase, and the inclusion of female characters in the Adeptus Custodes faction has sparked a significant discussion about representation, inclusivity, and the direction of the Warhammer universe.
However, it is crucial to note that the inclusion of feminist ideology in Warhammer does not necessarily equate to the demoralization of the game or its players. In fact, many argue that the representation of diverse characters and perspectives can enrich the gaming experience and make it more inclusive for a wider audience.
Furthermore, the concerns raised by those supporting the boycott should be examined in context. Warhammer, like any other fictional universe, has evolved over time, introducing new factions, characters, and storylines to keep the game fresh and engaging. The inclusion of female characters in the Adeptus Custodes faction is simply another step in this ongoing evolution, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of society.
It is important to remember that Warhammer is a fantasy game, and while it may draw inspiration from real-world history and ideologies, it ultimately exists in a fictional universe where the rules and narratives are determined by the creators and the players. The inclusion of feminist ideology in Warhammer does not mean that the game is promoting a particular political agenda or attempting to demoralize its players.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Games Workshop will respond to the boycott and whether they will make any adjustments to address the concerns raised by their player base. In the meantime, the Warhammer community will undoubtedly continue to engage in lively debates and discussions about the future of the game and the importance of representation in the hobby.
