Female Gamer Talks Girl Gaming

Snowcone writes "As gaming becomes more mainstream, it's inevitable that many girls will join the ranks of the die-hard gamer. Gaming is typically reserved for those with that extra chromosome, which poses the question; in a world dominated by the male sex, why do women choose to put themselves in the position of the minority? As a female gamer, Dots @ Snackbar Games discusses reasons why it's ok for girls to enjoy gaming just as much as the guys do." This is another perspective on a much-discussed subject.

Comments

Choice?

[Robmonster]

I dont think its a case of female gamers choosing to be in a minority. they choose to enjoy gaming, and hence that automatically puts thbem in the minority. I wonder how many female gamers take on a male moniker when playing online to avoid all the "A/S/L"-ing that always going on when someone called "Susie" joins a server.

Girls DO Play Games?!

[LordYUK]

Of course girls play games. I always see female toons on EQ!

No, seriously... my girlfriend was addicted to Civ 3, now its NWN... we just got Mario Golf yesterday (god that game is FUN, and I HATE golf!!) and she was really into the N64 version so I expect lots of courses to be unlocked when I get home...

I tell you what, I've gotten 3 computers in 3 years, along with near constant upgrades on the basis of "but you'll get a better video card/more memory/whatever if I do" =)

Female gamers - where are you?

[Nightlily]

I've been gaming for about 4 years now. I didn't get into gaming until I was in college. Honestly, my parents didn't encourage gaming that much. I don't think they discussed the possiblity of buying me a game console when I was a kid.

Am I into different games than male gamers? Maybe, maybe not. I'd like to think my gender has very little to do with the type of games I prefer.

I have to admit that I do use male sounding names on gaming servers. I really hate joining a game and being distracted by some 13 year old's sexist comments. But on the same token if I'm kicking some 13 year old's ass and he's making stupid comments, I will inform him that a woman is kicking his sorry ass.

I am a little disappointed that one of the articles talked about gaming as a way to help women date. I also happen to be an IT professional, and the thought of dating or marrying an IT professional did not factor into my decision to pursue a career in computing. I'd like to think that the fact I love math, puzzles and logic had some influence in my decision. So I'd like to think I game because gaming is a great form of entertainment.

Re:Female gamers - where are you?

[syle]

Well, I can't read the article -- it's already slashdotted -- but it sounds like your complaints are similar to any mature gamers', regardless of sex.

Obnoxious 13 year olds annoy everyone. Most people don't buy games to get a date -- they hide their games to, in fact. The thought of marrying an IT professional is also not why I got a job in comp sci.

Really, the whole thing seems a little silly to me. My girlfriend plays Xenosaga and Virtua Fighter 4, neither of which are exactly pandering to women. If you make a quality game, people of both sexes will want to play it. I think the biggest thing stopping more women from considering playing games right now is the social stigma attached.

Re:Reason for play

[DrWho520]

After reading that article, I have to conclude they have entirely different reasons for playing as well. Every example she made had something to do with a woman improving some kind of relationship, whether it be with friends, coworkers, boyfriends or the friends of boyfriends. That is not why you play video games. You play video games for fun, not so a guy will go out with you or you can get more responsibility at work.

But I think real "gamer chicks" know that. If I meet a girl who plays video games, it had better be because she likes it, not just so she can get in my pants. Girls are sneaky like that.

Maybe they are good reasons to get started, but if you never have fun doing it, you will not stay a gamer.