Gender-Bending In Online Games Investigated

Thanks to Terra Nova for their article discussing the prevalence of gender-bending in online RPGs. According to statistics worked out in the piece, "[in EverQuest], every 1 out of 2 or 3 female characters is being played by a male player, while every 1 out of 100 male characters is being played by a female player." The article also notes that, according to the statistics, "The demographic that is most likely to gender-bend is not male teenagers, but men over the age of 25", suggesting one reason for this might be that "younger male players are probably less secure about their own gender identity."

Comments

What about text MUDS?

[More Karma Than God]

I would guess that gender bending is less common there. "UNWEAR TOGA" wouldn't have quite the same effect.

I know why there is gender bending

[Will2k_is_here]

one reason for this might be that "younger male players are probably less secure about their own gender identity."

I think it's because younger male players are the ones more likely to put up a "No Girl's Allowed" sign on their treehouse (if they actually had friends to share it with).

I played a chick in Q3...

[NanoGator]

... but I wasn't gender bending. I just liked lookin at her butt when she/I died.

Re:You'd never fall for this

[orthogonal]

How can you assume you are one of the few women posting to slashdot? Sounds like you are stereotpying the geek crowd from the inside.

Slashdot smells like testosterone and frustration.

Not to mention motherboard coolant and D&D-miniture-figurine paints.

(And mom's basement -- I guess it's obligatory for me to mention that.)

Re:makes sense

[Lord_Dweomer]

They're missing out if they don't play female characters. My friend and I both played female wood elves after we deemed them to be the most "attractive" of the EQ races. I have never been such a dirty slut in my life, but I have to say that not only did I never have to save my cash to get that rare item, I also was completely decked out in the best equipment my "boyfriends" could afford. Talk about a whole new style of gameplay!