Mass Effect

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In case you’ve been living under a rock (like me), apparently Jessica Chobot will be making an appearance in Mass Effect 3. At least, I think it’s supposed to be her – in the screenshots they’ve released so far, the character more closely resembles a wax sculpture of The Jersey Shore’s Snooki that’s been left out in the sun. Or possibly a Muk from Pokemon.

The fan response has been vitriolic, but to be fair, that’s been the standard response to every bit of news regarding Mass Effect 3 thus far. Minds greater than my own have already delved into whether or not Chobot’s appearance in the game constitutes a conflict of interest, but that really isn’t an issue for me. Chobot is in the business of game previews – I.E: standing in front of a screen showing game footage, occasionally interjecting with some guff about how awesome it all is/was/or is going to be, ohmygosh – these features aren’t exactly Frost/Nixon to begin with. “I’m Commander Shepard and this is my favorite game on the citadel,” and all that.

Personally, I’m not that bothered by Chobot or her ilk, and I’ve been hesitant to use them as material because there’s a nasty tendency amongst more cynical male gamers to assume that any woman in the industry who isn’t so appallingly hideous she has to cover her calamitous, misshapen face with one of her pus-filled tentacles lest god-fearing folk storm her office with pitchforks, has gotten to where she is by trading on her looks. Erin, however, would probably think differently, hence today’s strip.

Also, I really need to stop using the word “industry.” It makes me feel like a sex worker.

Oh, the guest artists have been chosen and they are amazing. Would you guys be interested in seeing the submissions?