I went to the mall today and while there, I made a quick trip into Gamestop. Honestly, I’m not sure why. Every time I enter the mall there’s a foregone conclusion that I will sweep in and check out the newest titles. Although I knew I wasn’t going to actually buy anything, I casually walked in and looked around for something interesting. Sadly, I couldn’t help but notice that there was two females working the store. I made a quick note that this was probably the first time I’ve ever been to a Gamestop that didn’t have at least one male working and went back to looking through 3DS titles.
But then I stopped and thought: Why did I notice this in the first place?
As gamers, we allow society – particularly marketing- to determine expectations. Certain games are marketed as “games for girls” and some are marketed as “games for guys.” If we’re playing a game of Call of Duty, many would assume that all those on the battlefield are guy players. Is it the violence? The fact that we typically associate men with serving on the battlefield? What is it that causes us to make these associations?
It’s the media. As a matter of fact, “games for girls” is searched nearly 500,000 times a month on Google. There are people out there, most likely female players, who are searching for games that technically suit their tastes. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it creates labels that has us act in surprise every time we hear a female voice through the speakers on Xbox Live. On the same note, male players are supposed to avoid these “games for girls.” There are very few guys who rush out to buy Cooking Mama, and while I’ve never played it, I honestly think I could cook up some wicked shit. We’re placed on this societal expectation– many of which have no consequences and yet have us questioning our judgment. For example, I want a 3DS, but I’m definitely not buying pink. Is there anything wrong with pink? No. But I just feel like my experience gaming in public would go down just because I’m playing on a “girls” 3DS and that would ultimately be on my mind.
I feel like I could cook something awesome…
Is it a problem? Technically, no. Most gamers could honestly care less whether players are male or female, and I know that the people around me likely don’t care that I’m playing on a pink 3DS. However, the question isn’t “is there a problem?” it’s “would people notice?” Honestly, I think yes, people would. While I understand that many of my readers would say they don’t notice, or that they don’t care; you’re probably telling the truth. The point is that there would be people who take notice.
So ladies. If you’re ever worried about having judgement passed on you for being a gamer, don’t. Gamer girls, gamer guys, it makes no difference. Gamers should simply be gamers. So fire up your weapons or fire up your stove; it matters not.
And maybe I’ll even buy a pink 3ds.