Launched in 2012, Skullgirls' creative narrative is a testament to its originators: fighting game enthusiast Mike Zaimont and artist Alex Ahad. However, a recent spotlight on Zaimont's alleged sexual misconduct behind the scenes has given control over to new developers, Hidden Variable, who seem intent on distancing themselves from the title's more controversial elements.
One of the most contentious points is the depiction of Filia, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, whose original design indulged in a frequent reliance on upskirt shots. Many found this feature inappropriate and objectifying. The latest update fixes this by modifying several instances of the exposure of Filia's undergarments, toning down her fetishistic undertones. Additionally, the game's Nazi-inspired visual cues, particularly the red armbands donned by the antagonistic Black Egrets, are no longer.
However, the update has sparked a backlash over the removal and changes, which some believe held social commentary value. Big Band's storyline involving police brutality, originally a potent window into racial inequality, saw tweaks to ensure racial sensitivity, a move that some fans argue has inadvertently muted its critique. The other changes, like removing fan-made art from a digital artbook purchased by players, haven't gone well, seen as a violation of player trust and investment.
These changes, while minor, have drawn a cascade of 2,000+ negative reviews on Steam, with complaints ranging from censorship to unnecessary changes. However, the game still maintains an overall "very positive" user review score, hinting at the enduring appeal of its core gameplay mechanics.