The rise of girl gamers

June 29, 11:45 AMLas Vegas Console Game ExaminerJackie Izawa

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Jackie enjoying a round of Fable 2

Las Vegas, NV- Though the gaming population is composed of mostly male gamers, there is a significant rise in female players over the last decade. No longer are stores such as EB Games and Gamestop filled with just male consumers. Six times out of ten, these specialty video game stores will have female employees who do know a thing or two about the products that they are selling.

Games such as Gears of War and Call of Duty are geared more toward a masculine audience, but nowadays, that does not necessarily mean that only that specific group can enjoy them. Experiences from the past and current observations point to a single conclusion. More and more women are enjoying video games.

There are certainly a number of games that can be enjoyed by both parties such as Rayman: Raving Rabbids or Spore. Neither game adheres more to the other party; they are both very neutral in nature. Perhaps, games like these are what give potential female players the first step into the video game subculture. Like any new experience, there are steps that are made before a confidence can be created. It is very possible that a woman’s interest in video games will stop right at that first step, but there are professional female gamers like The Frag Dolls who play competitively. Online community, DSO Clan, accepts gamers from all backgrounds regardless of gender or skill, but it does encourage girl gamers to register and join.

Using the example shared above, Gears of War is not an entry level game that anyone can pick up and feel comfortable playing. A certain level of experience has to be obtained before a game of that genre can be enjoyed. Many girl gamers begin with subtle games that may perhaps feature mini-games such as Rayman: Raving Rabbids. The Final Fantasy series feature a balance of themes in their plots like adventure, betrayal, action, and love. These RPGs (role playing games) are simple enough for a beginner to try, and they can also serve as a point of interest to see whether the hobby can be pursued. If a great enough level of interest is made, different genres may be enjoyed shortly after.

There is no denying that the video game industry is male-dominated, but there is also no denying that members of the opposite gender are beginning to pick up the hobby. There are many reasons as to why women are now willing to try their hand in the video game industry whether it be with consoles or PC’s. They could be establishing a form of equality within a male-dominated community, or they have found another outlet for entertainment. Each gamer has his or her own reasons for playing. All said and done, it is safe to say that some female players will give gamers a run for their money.