Blog post about things to come in SSO in 2022

The character model looks like it's going in the right direction; I can see lots of different skin tones, some bigger body shapes, textured hair. From an inclusion standpoint it looks good, a clear improvement, and I think I'll be largely happy with the outcome. I'm excited to see where it ends up, and looking forward to having a character that looks more individual.

I don't have such strong feelings about the characters, but then I haven't been playing as long as some others. I do like the increased diversity in their physical appearances, it's one of those things that makes a world feel more real.

Oh my God I’m trying to save my star coins for it in the new Appaloosas does anybody else think they kind a look like donkeys but i’m definitely trying to get them

I'm really excited about the idea of getting new character models! I wonder if we're going to get another free Appearance Change whenever those come out.

Tbh I'm a little worried though. Will the new body models fit ALL the clothes currently in the game, including stuff from 8+ years ago that's no longer available? I understand why they're not fitting all the new horse tack to the old horse models (that's a lot of work and money!), but it'd really stink if we had to choose between changing our avatar's body type or sticking with the old one so we can keep wearing our old clothing.

I agree with everyone on that seeing inclusion and updated character models are great things that SSO is working towards! Although, I have to disagree on certain things as I think they are transforming the characters a bit too much. I think diversity is a very important and valuable objective to consider when creating things for everyone to enjoy. However, if changing a character’s entire background, ethnicity/race, and pronouns is for the sheer goal of “achieving inclusion,” then SSO has missed the mark entirely. Everyone can appreciate seeing NPCs that are relatable to them; that’s part of what makes us love them! However, when you change a current character and their arc, you take away important aspects from them and the players (in this case, the Dark Riders).


Suddenly, it can give a feeling that SSO just re-did the characters and made their entire identity on the fact they are diverse. Not the fact they happen to be a minority, but that their whole personality is that they are minority. This can come across as shallow and undermining character development. For me, I was excited to see Lisa being Hispanic until I found out she was “made” that way after the fact. Do you think all Hispanics like country music over rock? Do you assume we all live in Texas and wear cowboy outfits? Maybe I misread the new Lisa, but that’s what it looks like to me. It feels like the company is just pandering.


How about give new, unique NPCs that happen to include others that are not white or straight? Why do you have to re-brand beloved characters just for the sake of being “inclusive?” It doesn’t set quite right to me in that regard and hope they don’t keep doing it; it seems like a lazy way out to pacify people. Anyways, that’s just my feelings and isn’t probably the majority. Maybe I just like to complain too much haha. As the for main character updates, I am very excited to see the new ways the company will allow us to finally make a relatable character for us to play.