The words “gamer” and “girl” don’t always go together. Sure, you’re probably used to them if you read my column each week, but most people tend to think that the world of games should be reserved for the men of the world.
Here’s a big surprise to you all: The world of games isn’t just for men. Women actually make up a large percentage of the gaming population (47 percent, according to the 2012 Entertainment Software Association’s Sales, Demographic and Usage Data study).
With this almost equal number of men and women playing, you still wouldn’t realize it by just playing a game. Main characters tend to be weapon-wielding males. The women in the stories tend to be pushed to the side and bring minimal additions that don’t end up being valuable to the plot of the game.
I’ve written about this topic many times in the past in my column, but it’s a big enough problem that I’m going to talk about it again.
Two of the most popular game characters are probably Lara Croft and Princess Peach. Even though Lara is definitely a heroine, she’s usually depicted in minimal clothing. Peach is shown as kind of a ditz and constantly needs to be rescued. Sure, they’re lead characters in their respective games, but they aren’t really “real.”
Women were finally added as playable characters in the Call of Duty franchise in the newest game, the 10th in the series. It seems like it should have happened long ago, but at least they’re finally stepping in the right direction.
Other games, like the popular Grand Theft Auto series, depict lots of violence toward women. There also aren’t any playable female characters in the games (maybe one day). The game itself is violent all around, but it still seems a bit excessive.
I don’t agree with the way women are portrayed in games, but I think that’s the general consensus from gamers who are socially aware, for lack of a better term.
Women have slowly been taking over the gaming world — both as players and creators. Though men still make up the majority, it doesn’t make sense to me that games continue to pigeonhole women.
I definitely identify myself as a feminist, but I also identify myself as a gamer. To me, this isn’t weird. What is weird is that games haven’t changed at all to make more room for women in their content.
Maybe the game creators just don’t want any women creeping into their territory, but guess what — we aren’t going anywhere. Make some room for us, boys.
Sophie Kruse is a sophomore studying journalism and a writer for The Post. How do you think women are portrayed in games? Email her at sk139011@ohiou.edu
