Everyone knows that the target audience for most games is men. In most RPG games, you either play as a man or a super-sexy lady (Lara Croft, Bayonetta, Lollipop Chainsaw, Catwoman, Bloodrayne) in tight clothes. Sure, they might kick some butt, but the sex appeal is what really sells for those games. Ladies, until we bond together and start making our gameplay known, this is probably all we are going to get. And, men, you have a lot to gain from a female character transformation as well.
Games are much more compelling with diverse, complicated characters. I love to use Dragon Age as an example. You are given Leliana, Wynn, and Morrigan as female companions. Wynn, an elderly mage, adds age and wisdom to the game. Morrigan, an indifferent, witty, and independent, character, gives the story comic relief and fiery wit. Leliana, the kind and gentle soul who had a complicated past, offers your character her female compassion and tenderness. Yet you also have interesting male companions that do not follow set gender roles. You have the sensitive and tender Alistair, the flirty and rogue Zevran, and the stoic and aloof Sten. The diversity and complexity of these characters and their gender roles really make a game interesting.
What I'm trying to say is that we don't NEED perfect female characters - we need real ones. Just like Dove has campaigned for real woman, we need to games to support real woman. I'm not saying the game industry has to stop making beautiful women, but they need to make compelling ones. Give us a woman who struggles with herself and her problems like any human being does. We are all so different; use that diversity to make something that mirrors reality. It's so much more interesting and meaningful than watching a half-naked woman kick someone in the face...over and over and over again.
Also, just so I'm clear, I don't want male and female characters to be the same. Sure, some women have masculine qualities, but we are not men. Women tend to be more emotional, more empathetic, and more cautious...which might make us strong or weak, depending on the situation. Female and male characters should complement each other, not be exactly the same. Some women act like men, and some men like woman, show us that, too!
So, ladies, try not to be an Olivia Munn and Jessica Nigri, I know the attention might be appealing, but you're setting back the game industry from moving forward. Be an advocate for change! The best games are yet to come, and let's make sure that we, as women, are really reflected in them. Men, I know the gaming community has been a boy's club for a long time. Please try to share it with the incoming respectable women so that together we can make the gaming community a really interesting and diverse place to be!
For a really great video on the subject, watch the below video (props to Extra Credits!!):
http://www.penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/true-female-characters