While it has been a frustratingly slow process, the world of gaming is shifting away from being a male-dominated hobby. That change is being driven both by developers and players. Some developers have begun to correct their mistakes by giving female characters better representation in their games, while there are several successful female gamers that have rallied against the misguided notion that gaming is a predominantly male pursuit. Let’s look at today’s gender roles in games. The character of Lara Croft demonstrates the battles that females have had to fight in the world of gaming. Early depictions of Croft were geared towards an audience of straight male players, something that is analyzed in a fascinating editorial by Aja Romano for Vox. The most recent iterations of Croft are still blessed with a remarkable skill-set, but they are also presented in a much more nuanced manner that moves away from some of the more typical gender stereotypes.  There are other characters emerging in Croft’s wake that also indicate that change is afoot. Alyx Vance is a beloved NPC in Half-Life 2, but she will be the main character in the upcoming virtual reality release Half-Life: Alyx. The Last of Us II will feature Ellie, a…