There are studies that link use of violent video games to more hostile behavior in adolescents.
This review of the literature about sex and violence in video games has this to say:
Sexual imagery in video games can also be significantly impactful, especially in shaping gender roles and identities. Many video games portray men and women in such a “characteristically stereotypical” manner that “girls may expect that they will continue to be victims and needy and that their responsibilities include maintaining beauty and sexual appeal while boys may determine that their role is to protect and defend women and to possessive them even through the use of violence” (Dietz, 1998, p. 426). Reinforcing these portrayals through play can “adversely affect the ability of women to ever attain gender equality with men” and hinder “male-female interaction” within mainstream society (Dietz, 1998, p. 439–440).
Other articles claimed these relationships are not as strong as first thought, so I am reserving judgment about this 1998 paper.
It’s all interesting. I don’t know if it amounts to “exploitation” except to the degree that any image is exploited to sell stuff.
@Leanne1986 They’ve named a phenomenon about Lara Croft. Quoting from this lit review:
However, recently a new trend called “Lara phenomenon” emerges, which refers to “the appearance of a tough and competent female character in a dominant position” (Jansz & Martis, 2007, p.142). Jansz and Martis’ (2007) content analyzed the introductory sequence of 12 selective contemporary video games. Introductory sequence refers to a noninteractive introductory sequence for a computer or video game to create a cinematic atmosphere or to introduce the background story of the game before actual game playing starts. This dozen of console games were popular story-line games with diverse characters. Characters’ roles (e.g., villain or helper) and their position (e.g., dominant or submissive) were used as the principle categories in their content analysis. “Lara phenomenon” was observed: female characters in a leading role appeared as often as male did. However, these female characters were portrayed in a stereotypical way: female features were exaggerated by sexy attire and thin body.
There’s all kinds of evidence out there that media images influence body images of women. Video games are certainly media.