In the popular mobile otome game Obey Me!, the player takes on the role of a gender neutral protagonist referred to with they/them pronouns. The game never specifies the MC’s gender, allowing players to imagine themselves in the role.
Why is the MC’s gender ambiguous?
There are a few key reasons the developers likely chose to keep the MC’s gender ambiguous:
- Allows players of any gender to immerse themselves in the role
- Avoids limiting the potential audience by gender
- Provides flexibility for romantic routes
- Fits the escapist fantasy of entering a new world
By keeping the MC free of definitive gender markers, players are encouraged to project themselves onto the character. This immersive approach helps draw in a wider range of players who can see themselves reflected in the role.
Does the MC’s gender ever come up?
For the most part, the MC’s gender is left unspecified and open to interpretation. However, there are a few instances where gender is referenced:
- Some characters may use gendered terms like “princess” as nicknames
- Lucifer refers to the MC as “sister” if playing his dating route
- Leviathan calls the MC “dude” or “bro” in casual conversation
While these occasional gendered references come up, they are inconsistent and do not definitively establish the MC’s gender identity. The writing is intentionally vague to allow room for players to project.
Does the MC have a canon gender?
No, the MC in Obey Me! does not have a strictly defined canonical gender. The developer’s intent is clearly to keep their gender open-ended.
Some fans have theorized details like:
- MC is non-binary or genderfluid
- MC is a tabula rasa for players to imprint on
- MC’s gender changes based on dating route
But nothing about the MC’s gender has been concretely confirmed in canon. Their gender identity remains up to each player’s interpretation.
Why do some fans headcanon a gender for the MC?
While the MC is intended to be a gender neutral self-insert, some fans enjoy assigning a gender in their personal headcanon. Reasons for this may include:
- Relating to MC more easily with a defined gender
- Having a set character in mind when writing fanfiction
- Projecting a specific gender fantasy onto the MC
- Resonating more with hetero romance routes
- Enjoying the inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation
Headcanoning a gender for MC is common and valid, though not considered official canon. With an undefined character, fans are free to imagine MC’s gender however they wish.
Does the MC’s gender affect dating routes?
No, the MC’s undefined gender does not change the dating routes or romantic interactions with the demon brothers. Their romanceable relationships are intentionally written to be gender neutral.
Some examples of how this manifests in-game:
- MC’s title screens/animations are gender neutral
- All romantic CGs keep MC’s figure and features ambiguous
- Dialogue refers to MC with they/them pronouns
- Routes allow for either hetero or LGBTQ+ interpretation
This approach keeps the focus on the MC’s personality and relationships. Their gender identity has no bearing on the story or romantic possibilities with the demon brothers.
Do the demon brothers have canonical sexualities?
The demon brothers themselves are shown to have flexible sexualities that shift based on MC’s gender. For example:
- Mammon shows attraction regardless of MC’s gender
- Leviathan is initially unsure but falls for MC
- Satan is very accepting of any gender MC
In general, their orientations are written more loosely to make any romance route possible. Their attraction stems from emotional connection with the MC above all else.
How do fans gender the MC in fanworks?
When creating fanworks, fans may depict MC as:
- Cisgender female
- Cisgender male
- Non-binary or genderfluid
- Purposefully ambiguous
Some patterns seen include:
| Fanwork Type | Popular MC Genders |
|---|---|
| Fanfiction | Any gender based on author’s preference |
| Fanart | Slight preference toward feminine presenting MC |
| Cosplay | Cosplayer’s own gender identity |
In fan communities, all interpretations of MC are embraced. Some fans may have a preference, but no headcanon is considered more “official” than others.
Conclusion
In Obey Me!, the MC’s gender is left up to each player’s personal interpretation. The vague writing allows for an immersive self-insert experience. MC’s relationships and romantic options are not dependent on gender. Fans are free to imagine MC however they wish, leading to a variety of headcanons and fanworks.
This approach has resonated with Obey Me!’s diverse fanbase. Keeping MC’s gender flexible and undefined has allowed more players to see themselves represented in the story. It reflects current trends of inclusion and gender diversity in fiction. Ultimately, MC’s gender comes down to the player’s individual preference and imagination.