[X] My Assistant

[PheonixGRX]

Hey all, I hope you can all help me out by filling out this quick survey I made.

Long story short, I am doing a course in Game Design and in the creative thinking class, I have been given an assignment to find a social problem and make a poster, clip, game, or anything about it, and I have chosen Girl Gamers. This is just a quick survey, and I once again apologize if this is in the wrong section. Bare with me as I may add questions in the future, but will tally these up by the end of the week.

1) Are you male or female?

2) How often do you play video games?

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

That is all the questions I have for now, so I would like to thank anyone who partakes in this, as you will be helping me get 1 step closer to reaching my dream job of a Game Designer. Hopefully by the end of this, a lot more people will understand that females make awesome games as well, and soon shall have a gaming world where no one is treated differently because of their genitalia.

Thank you all

[jayrachi]

1) Are you male or female?

Male.

2) How often do you play video games?

7-8 hours a day.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

RPG

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

Varies with the game I am playing.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

I tend to just pick whichever character I find visually appealing.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

No.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

No.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

I tend to ignore it/laugh at it.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

A hot teen chewing on the cord of a 360 controller.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

Somewhere around 10.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

0

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

Not particularly - I don't think casual gamers are interested in the gaming community to be honest.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

A unisex genre.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

Generally negative, unless it fits with a person's personality. It saddens me that Tomb Raider's character design was turned into something so sexual when the creator hadn't wanted her to go in that direction at all.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

Focus less on the sex appeal of a character and more on building up their character's personality to have an actual good character.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

While researching this, I think it is important to note that for a long while now, girls haven't been included in gaming as much because it always seemed like a boy's passtime, and perhaps that would make it uncomfortable for females to "join in," so to speak. As we get into an age where most technology is opening the gateways to a more unisex society, I believe this may become a less serious problem going forward, but only time may tell.

[PheonixGRX]

1) Are you male or female?

Male.

2) How often do you play video games?

7-8 hours a day.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

RPG

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

Varies with the game I am playing.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

I tend to just pick whichever character I find visually appealing.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

No.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

No.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

I tend to ignore it/laugh at it.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

A hot teen chewing on the cord of a 360 controller.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

Somewhere around 10.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

0

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

Not particularly - I don't think casual gamers are interested in the gaming community to be honest.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

A unisex genre.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

Generally negative, unless it fits with a person's personality. It saddens me that Tomb Raider's character design was turned into something so sexual when the creator hadn't wanted her to go in that direction at all.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

Focus less on the sex appeal of a character and more on building up their character's personality to have an actual good character.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

While researching this, I think it is important to note that for a long while now, girls haven't been included in gaming as much because it always seemed like a boy's passtime, and perhaps that would make it uncomfortable for females to "join in," so to speak. As we get into an age where most technology is opening the gateways to a more unisex society, I believe this may become a less serious problem going forward, but only time may tell.

I would like to thank you as from the 5 sites I have posted this on, you are the first person to properly answer this

[ThunderFox]

1) Are you male or female?

Female

2) How often do you play video games?

From 2 to 6 hours a day, everyday.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

Action, RPG and fighting games

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

Unfortunately I don't play much online games because I presently don't own much of the online multiplayer function games. >:

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

The wrong kind. >> The kind of person who dresses herself and takes a picture of her holding a famous game/console just to get attention and/or 'look good'. I think the term should change to we, girls, who love participatig in the world of games just as boys do.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

A lot. I have a lot of friends who play games with me, along with my two sisters.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

They don't really participate as much as the 'others' and don't show that much entusiasm... But I'm not sure if I can really say.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

Unisex. -shivers- I don't even want to see what they would do if they separated markets. I'm very fine with all my bloody/action games... If it happened I'd have to dress as a boy and live in the boys game market.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

Most of the times, negative. But, I was happy that you used Mass Effect as an example, as it is one of my favorite games... The main female character is a very strong one, standing out as not a 'girly' character. I like that. But males aren't also just MUSCLES AND CURSE WORDS all the time.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
More development in a character's structure. His/her personality and such. People focus too much on the looks. ):

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

Nothing really to add, other than this is very interesting and I hope I helped somehow c:

[The Shadow]

1) Are you a male or female?

Male

2)How often do you play video games?

Whenever I have free time and am not on here

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

I prefer RPG, but am not opposed to some good Third Person Shooters

2-3) Within this time how much of it is spent in online games?

Most of it.

3) Within Online games do you prefer to play as a character of your gender or the opposite? Why?

I pick the one I like the best.

3-2) When playing as a female do you use your character to get free items from other players?

Nope.

4)When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why?

Nope. They're all the same.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

I kill them for being the pathetic slimes they are.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term "Girl Gamer" or "Gamer Girl"?

A girl who plays games :I

6) How many girl gamers do you know?

1.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, how many are casual gamers?

0

7) Do you think casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

I think that if you play games enough you're a gamer. Whether you're hardcore Halo master or just someone who jumps on a couple games of COD with their friends. Even playing like a match of Angry Birds and passing it is a game.

8) Do you think there should be a market designed for girl gamers only, or should it remain unisex?

Haven't seen the Barbie games, then?

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female gamers?

I think if the person who created the game wants them to be skimpy and sexual... It's their vision.

9-2) Using the example above, what could be done to fix this?

Nothing. People are going to create what they want to create. If they let the market of guys wanting sexy girls in games get to them... Then it's their choice. I don't think we should set restrictions on it or rules at all.

10) If you have nothing else to add, please do so here to help with the research data.

This is a bit rediculous to be honest. The fact that men outnumber girls in playing games should spark that all games should be turned toward a unisex basis? Seems stupid to me. I think that games are created by people(men and women, mind you) that think about what they want their game to be like. "The Last of Us" has very strong female protagonists as does "Remember Me". Both successful games that don't have massive boobs and revealing outfits. So think what you like but I do think that the games will and should continue the way they are because it's the people behind the game that make the decision. We shouldn't restrict their creativity.

This post has been edited by The Shadow: Aug 2 2013, 10:12 AM

[Wishful Jirachi]

1) Are you male or female?
Female

2) How often do you play video games?
4-7 hours a day.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
RPG, FPS, TPS

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
Most if not all is spent on online gaming.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
I typically pick a character either based on personality/back-story, appearance or character specific abilities. If a game only offers two choices of either male or female and neither allows for customization then at that point I will pick female simply because I am female. If there are multiple options though I will take other factors into consideration.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
No. Simply because a character is female does not mean it should grant the user 'freebies'.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
No. There is no difference between female and male characters nor the users behind them and so there shouldn't be any separation. Gender should not be a factor to how the user is treated.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
I dislike the idea but I admit I'm not one to call out a female for doing such things. I am more inclined to ignore them than to bother getting annoyed and saying something.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
Personally, girl gamer simply means a female who plays games. Nothing special, nothing different. I am aware of the other classification of the more skimpy, 'sexy' idea that goes along with girl gamer but I do not support or agree with such a definition.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
2

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
None

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
This one is a more tricky one to answer. Gamers are gamers regardless of if casual or what kind of game but I do think there is a small separation in terms of the definition of gamer which divides casual and 'hardcore'. So I'd group casual gamers as real gamers but not as 'hardcore' gamers. I think there is technically a classification separation.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
While it would be nice for companies to realize more than they already do that females play their games I think that unisex genre is the way to go. I fear that if the markets separated that girl's games would be like the cooking or baby games that are out now. I think that if there were games designed specifically for females that some of the qualities which attract females to the male oriented games would be lost which would be a pitty.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
I think that it is unneeded. A character can be loved for their personality or back-story rather than just because they're busty and not afraid to show it. However, if a character is meant to be a seductress and that is their role in the story and there is justification/ a purpose to the character actually being there and being the way they are then it is fine. It is when a character is thrown in there simply to be the eye candy that annoys me.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Honestly, I don't think much will change. With the way the games are made and society is I don't see much changing anytime soon but if something were to be changed then I'd like such characters to instead be better developed in terms of character design and plot development. Minor instances of this are bound to happen and are acceptable. That's simply how things are but to take those characters that were simply eye candy before and to make them more in depth and more likable on other levels I think would not only create a better acceptance of said characters as well as also toning them down at the same time.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
N/A

[Quomimi]

1) Are you male or female?
Female

2) How often do you play video games?
Often 2-12 hours a day, when I'm free. If I'm busy, 2-7.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
RPG games, games with action, ones a good story and great puzzles.

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
None... I don't play online games.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
Skip

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
Skip

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
Skip

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
Skip

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
A girl who plays video games, basically.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
About 3.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
All of them.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
Sure. They're still gamers.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
Nah, keep it unisex.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
Blegh. I don't like it.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Maybe show game designers how much we don't like how the girls act/dress in some way, such as a poll or something.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
None.

This post has been edited by Quomimi: Aug 2 2013, 01:34 PM

[Emma and Reina]

1) Are you male or female?

- Female

2) How often do you play video games?

- Not often, just normally to past time or try and sleep

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

- Any "genre" of game is fine if it has an engaging storyline

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

- Online games are only when I am at home and my friends are on, so almost none to very little

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

- I will play as which ever character I feel like choosing at the time, but I mostly pick based on my own gender because it's the gender that I am. I don't see a reason to play as the opposite gender if I can be one that let's me choose in the start.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

- No. The only time I try and get freebies from other players is from my friends if they are willing to spare or have extra stuff they don't want

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

- I don't treat any player differently. Male or female, new or not. I'll be more inclined to help the newer players however since they are just starting and all.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

- Very, very annoying! And I'm leaving it there so I can remain in a happy state today.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

- I don't think much of it...

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

- Err.... Roughly 4

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

- Not sure. I'm guessing all 4

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

- I don't see why they shouldn't be called a gamer if they want.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

- Unisex. Mostly because it opens a much broader range of games...

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

- Ugh.... Not every female tries to get men to notice her, so when things like that happen over and over, it just gets really stressing and I normally put the game away for a bit or just stop playing it.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

- I guess I said it above. Limit it down a notice, or just stop it... Sure there are some games which only have interesting storyline because of the girl flirting with every guy she sees(maybe.... I've yet to play through a full game like that) but it really needs to be cut down. Even a little bit would do.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

- Not really...

[Aura Dynasty]

1) Are you male or female?
Female

2) How often do you play video games?
Only the weekends during school, vacation almost every day. In hours, 2- 7 hours

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
Almost everything, from Fanatasy RPG's to shooters, real-life action and puzzle-based games.

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games?
Perhaps 2-4 hours

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why?
Depending on the genre and the amount one can customize their appearance. But mostly I take my own gender.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
Nope, Honest playing only. If you like to get far in the game you do it with the things you have.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
No, all get the same treatement.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
BOOOO! If you need to use your gender to get stuff you're not cut out for that game at all.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
People like myself, who have developed a fondness for gaming and are capable of even beating the game in a better way than boys can.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
At least 20.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
All of them

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
Yes, you don't have to be a wiki about it, liking the game and being able to play it fair is enough.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
Continue to be unisex, because who knows what kind of games will be designed for the female gamers? I don't want to see a barbie game coming for PlayStation 3!

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
I suppose that's a guy thing. A stereotype of the female characters in games... It's disappointing.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
No idea, there could be done so much, but to start and fix that stereotype is almost impossible. You'd have to change the society before being able to change it in-game.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
Nope, nothing really.

This post has been edited by Aura Dynasty: Aug 2 2013, 02:41 PM

[Lord Raven]

1) Are you male or female?

male

2) How often do you play video games?

Tough question, it's really sporadic. Some days I'd end up playing for 6 hours and then other days I end up not touching it. I'm gonna guess around 20-30 hours a week, maybe 40-50 if I manage to take out sleep.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

RPG

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

None

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

No thoughts

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

Couldn't say. I know a bunch who game, and I'm not going to go through the trouble of counting that number.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

Not many of them. They do play iphone games but they play other games too.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

yes

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

Unisex. Truthfully it hasn't been truly unisex I'd think but at the same time there have been girl focused games too (Bayonetta comes to mind)

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

Guys are losing shirts and wearing skintight stuff too, it's just more gamers are guys so the sexualization is noticed on the female side more. This is too much of an open-ended question for me to answer succinctly.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

This is a pretty open-ended question as well. The obvious answer is to make developers do it less, the deeper answer is society, etc. Model more females after Lightning in FF13. idk man

[Rhapsody]

1) Are you male or female?

Female.

2) How often do you play video games?

1-6 hours a day and daily. Usually more like 2 or 3.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

Action-adventure, strategy, RPGs

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

I spend a good portion of time playing games that have online capability (Borderlands, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, etc.) but I don't usually use the online features much. If you mean browser-based games, not a whole lot.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

Usually female first, then male. Also will pick male first if the female model isn't very appealing to me.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

No.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

No. I don't see any reason to.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

If they're good at it and get results, good for them! I think it just says more about the person who gives them the free stuff.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

A person who identifies as female who plays video games.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

I can't give you an actual number, but I know quite a few.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

The portion of them who only play casual games: ~10%, I guess? The portion who play casual games at all: 99% (because I'm sure at least one of them only plays wicked hardcore games).

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

Absolutely. The argument about this is inane and, quite frankly, irritating. A game is a game and a gamer is a gamer. No need to keep shoving everybody into boxes.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

It's.. not quite unisex to begin with, but I believe games should be made with all genders in mind. That isn't to say that games marketed towards stereotypically feminine interests shouldn't be made; Cooking Mama is the shit.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

If the character is both sexy and has a personality, great! Good for them. Miranda has a lot of sex appeal, but she's more complex than one would think judged on her appearance alone. I quite like her as a character. Characters like Bayonetta are pretty cool, too. If being sexy is a part of their character, then so be it.

If the character is completely vapid and boring but has a huge set of bazongas and is wearing a single strip of fabric for clothing, then... I guess that's alright too, as long as there's also some ridiculously-ripped guy running around in a thong. Equal representation!

Like Raven said, there's a lot to this question that can't be succinctly answered. It's a rough subject and it's not easy to sum it all up.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?


I don't think sexualization is wrong (if the character is of legal age...), but it can't be the only interesting thing about a character. If enough people complain about it and speak with their money, then game makers will change their outlook accordingly. If sex stops selling, they'll stop selling sex. Like others have said, however, this is something that you'd need to change on the societal level, not something that you can magically flip a switch and fix.

[Jen]

1) Are you male or female?
Female.

2) How often do you play video games?
2-4 times a week maybe for about 2-3 hours.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
I like a bunch of different types of games. Shooters, survival horror, action adventure, puzzles. Mostly anything not sports related.

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games?
I've never been an online player, but I did play DC Universe online for a few days.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why?
I always play as a female if I can. As for the why, I guess because I prefer playing the same gender as myself? I also like the female body more, I like to see the curves.

Guy models are usually too rough looking. Too "manly" for me, I guess. A guy I enjoyed playing as was Leon in Resident Evil 4, he has that cute baby face look and his hair is awesome. I really liked to see the muscles through his shirt too. They weren't too big or anything like Chris' muscles in RE5.

Joel from The Last of Us was a great male lead. I liked the guy from Heavy Rain, as well. Well really, I guess I don't care who I play as in single player games. (I know, I strayed from the question. >.>)

I also play as Coach in Left for Dead 2 (He's the reason why there's this running joke about how I have a big black man inside of me hah. We were playing with a mod that used the Left 4 Dead 1 character models. I was playing as coach, but showing up as Zoey, and every time she spoke she had Coach's voice, so it was pretty hilarious). I hate the girl in that game, she's not any kind of attractive to me and she's annoying.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
No, I don't bother talking to anyone.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why?
No.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
I envy them because I wish I could be a good gold digger lol I don't see any problem in it though, if that's how people find games to be fun - guys and girls alike - then why not. It's part of the social game.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
Girls who play games. :') Seriously, I wish I could find more female Youtubers who don't do Minecraft, Sims, or CoD, but just more general games.

6) How many female gamers do you know?
I know some, but I don't know how many. Include me in the "too lazy to count" group.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
Um.. all who I know also like to play some form of console/pc game.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
I think that depends. If they stick to only iPhone games, then I don't think so. Gamers should have a controller/keyboard in their hands. Unless they also play board games pretty frequently, then I think that counts too.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
I'm good with how things are.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
As long as they aren't annoying (Vanille FFXIII) then I don't mind them. I don't know if I've played a game where they constantly flirt with guys, but appearance wise I prefer girls to look hot/sexy and flaunt their femininity. If they're a playable character then even better.

There's actually one time when I hated when a game made a girl's outfit too sexy. Batman: AA with Harley's nurse outfit was pretty ridiculous. I also didn't like how her personality was a bit different from the animated series, too, she was a lot more adorable in the show.

Basically, I don't care if a character is fully dressed or not, if they're annoying then I don't like them.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
I never said there was anything wrong with it.

This post has been edited by Jen: Aug 3 2013, 07:41 PM

[Letan]

1) Are you male or female?
Male

2) How often do you play video games?
Anywhere from 2-10 hours a day, it probably averages out around 4-6.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
Action-adventure, FPS, RPG

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
Recently, 1 hour a day. Couple months back it was easily 6.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
I prefer to play games as my own gender when given the choice. However, I don't have any problems with being forced to play as a female character (ex. Resident Evil Revelations).


3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
No. I barely socialize with other characters, but when I do I give everyone equal treatment.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
I don't tend to bother with responding verbally, though my opinion of it is the same as anyone who begs for free gear in games. Why bother wasting time begging when you could be putting that time into earning that equipment yourself?

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
It's great that "nerd culture" has gone from something with a negative connotation to a far more popular lifestyle. When such a change occurs, people typically like to be more vocal about their appreciation of it, hence why "Gamer Girl" is a thing. Mind you, I don't see what's wrong with just calling yourself a "gamer" and leaving it at that, considering that there are now a lot of women that enjoy video games.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
I dunno an exact amount, but I'd say it's more than 10.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
Probably 2 or 3.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
Yes. The amount of hours you put into a game does not automatically relate with your skill level. I've known plenty of people who will play a certain game and are still not good at it, and I've known people who will pick up a game and be skilled at it.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
No, it should be a unisex form of media. Creating games strictly for girls only runs the risk of perpetuating sexism. Proper female protagonists need to become more of a thing, however.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
I'm against any unrealistic portrayals of people, it ruins the immersion of a game. Like everyone else said, character personality is a much larger factor in this than aesthetics.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
The industry needs to start reflecting its audience. Currently the male population is still massive, and sadly there aren't many female role models to get girls interested in becoming a part of video game development. But who knows, this industry grows so fast that in 5 years that could all change.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
Nope.

Also this is more off-topic, but I wish you the best of luck with getting into the industry as a designer. From what I've witnessed from fellow graduates and been told by people currently in the industry, it's probably one of the hardest fields to get into, especially considering that when you look up "junior game designer" you barely see any results. Best word of advice I've heard was get a position in QA if you wanna go the design route, it's very relevant to said career path.

[Karl Marx]

1) Are you male or female?
female

2) How often do you play video games?
about 8-10 hours, depending on when i get up

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
RPG, FPS, action-adventure

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
maybe like 2-3 hours, usually with team fortress 2

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
i usually play as the opposite gender [male] on both online and offline games. it's always been like that for as long as i can remember

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
no because i don't socialize much on online games and i there's no reason why i should try to get freebies from others. no one gets freebies in tf2 [i am not sure about other popular FPSs such as call of duty or battlefield because i don't play them]

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
i treat everyone equally regardless of gender

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
it's kind of stupid really.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
it's stupid. who cares if you play video games and you're a girl? doesn't mean shit just play your damn game

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
a few. i'm not sure

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
i don't know

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
they're playing a game, right?

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
it should continue being a unisex genre so that everyone can have their fair share of games and fun

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
if a character wears skimpy clothing because she enjoys wearing it, then that's no problem. of course, if it's at the point where the character is meant to be sexualized and that is the only purpose of the character, then we have a problem.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
possibly more female protagonists. not sure exactly how to word this

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
nah

[Mars Adept Enten]

Here's my feedback:

1. Are you male or female?
Female.

2. How often do you play video games?
Depends on my mood. It's not uncommon for me to spend around 6 or more hours playing games.

2-2. What genre of games do you prefer to play?
JRPG, Action-Adventure, Strategy, Adventure and Puzzle.

2-3. Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games?
Very little. I may do some Nintendo WFC Brawl matches, but I generally prefer playing by myself. So, probably less than an hour.

Questions 3 through 4-2 didn't really apply, so those are skipped.

5. What is your general thought on hearing 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
I'm ambivalent on it. If you play video games, you're a gamer. It's stupid to differentiate gamers by gender.

6. How many female gamers do you know?
IRL, just me and my friend Kojinka. Online, I'm not sure.

7. Do you think casual gamers are real gamers or not?
[bleep] no.

8. Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
Unisex, no doubt about it.

9. Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
Oversexualization of female protagonists/antagonists needs to stop. No questions asked. It's sickening to see the vast majority of women in gaming be characterized as shallow bimboes who wear extremely revealing outfits and just serve as eye candy/sexual interests. IMO, the Dead or Alive games are a perfect example of what not to do with female characters.

9-2. Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Get more women developers/character designers in the industry. The main reason we have this issue is because Most Gamers Are Male/Most Writers Are Male.

10. If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
I've pretty much said all of my opinions in the above answers, so there's not much else I want to say.

Hope this response helps out with your project, OP.

This post has been edited by Mars Adept Enten: Aug 8 2013, 03:02 PM

[Grimwood]

1) Are you male or female?
Female

2) How often do you play video games?
Hmm... real video games on weekends and computer games average of 6-8 hrs/daily

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
Action, roleplay, rarely shooting(because its fun )

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
6-8 hrs/daily

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
Useally my gender

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
nope, I put on a ninja mask though.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
If they are the "girly girl" gamers I look down on them and ignore them because they just use online games to get a date

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
Report them 5-10 times, block them, and finally laugh and tell them to shut up

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
Me and my friend playing LotR online with headsets talking to each other

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
1 just one in the whole middle school

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
Both of us sometimes

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
No just weirdos posing as gamers

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
unisex genre

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
If its an ad I mute it if not I think to myself "I feel sorry for the men who play that game"

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Hmm.... Girl gamers starting a mass strike

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
If you underestimate girl gamers then please don't cause If you mess with the wrong one you'll get what's coming to you.

[daly]

1) Are you male or female?
male

2) How often do you play video games?
hmm, maybe a few times a week

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
arpg/mmorpg, puzzle

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
all of the games I play are online

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)
no preference, I like to play as both, I like playing rangers/archers which are sometimes male or female only, I guess I mostly choose what I play because I like the look

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?
no

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)
no, but I can't say I interact with a lot of players, I tend to be fairly independent, I'm usually pretty generous with drops and would let most people have them, unless they're super rares

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?
Hmm, I think this is a complicated question. I would probably say "get it, gurl" or something in a similar vein. I think the crux of this problem relies in the real world and not only just the virtual, which has a lot to do with systematic sexism and misogyny so I think it should be okay for them to use their own sexuality as they wish.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
ugh, disgust because I feel like it's an identity invented for mostly a misogynistic base. Like I understand how you can be a women and play games, but "Gamer Girl" TM seems more like something made to reduce women/girls who play games and root their identity in a male-centric gaze

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
no idea, maybe 10+, I don't actually keep in touch with many people honestly

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
probably 4

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
yeah I guess, no idea what a "real gamer" is, I think this is also a behavior that's pretty elitist

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
unisex? the natural state of supposedly "gender neutral" games is undoubtedly more masculine/for a male audience. I guess my response would be I wish there were more feminine games and I wish they were accepted as something worthy of the same respect as these supposedly "unisex" games.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
It's just plain sexism/part of an extension of the heterosexual male gaze

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
I honestly don't know, I think the wider problem is how it's systematic, part of this is tied to the gender binary, another part is rooted in heteronormativity. The only way to change this from an abstract and more total effort is to crush the patriarchy and try to become less rooted in traditional gender identities/sexualities. Otherwise, I guess we must protest and try not to encourage it. I think this is a problem that straight males also need to take responsibility for.

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.
I guess in the end, I feel really sad about this phenomenon. While I am not a woman, I do understand other areas of discrimination such as being a racial minority and with my sexuality.

[Naixatloz]

1) Are you male or female?
Female

2) How often do you play video games?
I play browser games daily, and other games usually a minimum of three days a week.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?
I prefer JRPGs, but I also dabble a lot in puzzle games and music-based games. Practically the only games that I won't play at all are first-person shooters.

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)
The online games I play are almost exclusively pet sites, so I'm gonna skip to question 5.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?
I think it's stupid. A gamer is a gamer, regardless of gender, and female gamers shouldn't be set apart by a label, whether by themselves or others.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)
A lot. Like, more than I can count. The majority of my female friends are gamers.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)
Just about all of us play a mixture of casual games and more traditional games, though mostly non-casual.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?
I'll admit to my own bias against people who only play casual games, but I do think it's wrong of me. Like I said earlier, a gamer is a gamer.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?
I think both males and females can enjoy the same games, and even if there were more games that were based around more stereotypically feminine things, they shouldn't be designed to exclude male gamers.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))
I'll tolerate sexualization to a degree, but I've seen a few games that I think have gone too far. I don't necessarily have a problem with skimpy outfits or anything of the sort, and I'll even suspend my disbelief when it comes to fighting in those outfits. One of the games that I think does take sexualization too far, and which I actually have experience with, is Ar tonelico Qoga. I love the AT series to bits, but I'm awfully disappointed by Qoga's Purging system, which is basically an excuse to get female party members to take their clothes off. For a series that otherwise does a lot to portray strong female characters who are more than just "singing dolls", as one character puts it, it seems like a huge, hypocritical step backwards.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Like I said, I don't have a problem with a little bit of sexualization, but there's a line between sexualization and objectification, and I just think both game designers and players need to follow their common sense to decide when that line is crossed. If you're paying more attention to a female character's body than who she is and what she can do, you need to step back and think.

[dragonowl21]

1) Are you male or female?

Female.

2) How often do you play video games?

I play about 5 hours a day.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

I prefer to play rpg's and 1st person shooters console, and rpg's online.

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

About 2 hours a day.

3) Within online games, do you prefer to choose a character based on your gender, or the opposite gender, and why? (if you only play as male, skip to question 4)

I normally try to play games that don't really have clear-cut genders, such as games where you play as an animal. But, if I play one with apparent gender, I play as a female just so I don't have to try to masquerade.

3-2) When playing as a female, do you use your characters gender to try to get freebies from other players?

No, that's ridiculous! If you're going to play, you might as well work for it.

4) When playing online games, do you treat female characters differently to male characters? If so, then why? (anywhere from giving them freebies to killing them for playing a 'guys game'. This includes being kinder to new players)

I treat everyone the exact same. For all I know, half of the "girls" playing are just using the female character when they're really a guy.

4-2) What is your general response to females in games that try to use their gender or sexuality for items/equipment/money?

I haven't seen these types of people, but I think I'd tell them to work for it, it's not that hard.

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

If I hear the term, I just think, " 'Kay then, we're talking about gamers, what about them..." I more or less just block out all gender related words. There's no difference.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

I'd have to say two, counting myself.

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

I don't really know any of them.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

I don't really think so, because when I hear casual I think Angry Birds. But, there's also people who play casually, a.k.a not really trying, or just want to have fun. Those kinds of people are "real" gamers, to me. I think I associate ipods as casual games, and consoles/computers as "real".

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

"Stay a unisex genre?" Oh, you crack me up. All games are pretty much directed at guys, unless it's something like "Imagine _____" which is more or less a series of mobile dress-up games brought to a console. If something's going to be unisex, it should erase all traces of gender. So, in other words, I'd prefer it to be unisex.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

I think if a character's going to be sexualized too much, they just shouldn't be there, plain and simple. But, if it's a thing that can be realisticaly understood, it should stay. For example, in games like Mortal Kombat, I can actually see women wanting as little hindering cloth covering themselves so they can react quicker to slap the hell out of someone or jump over a FLAMING BALL OF FIRE/not be on fire as long if they fail because of the lack of flammable material. Still, if it's literally for the purpose of attracting the male genre to the game, like DOA... Just no.

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?

I think that as for sexualization, games should take some tips from the original Metroid. What I mean is, have the character's gender be found out about rather than plain to see, such as having them in a boy-like suit obscuring the face, or in 1st person games, have no he/she terms and a mirror near the end so you see your character. But, Metroid really messed up on the 2 hours or less bikini thing. That, or if it's a kind of thing like the accidental enlargening of Lara Croft in her first game, the designer should, I don't know... secretly go in and dial down the largness a bit?

10) If you have anything else to add, please do so here as it will help the research data.

I really wish developers would actually listen to the kinds of things we say about the topic of gamers and sexualization.

[BarkingChaos]

1) Are you male or female?

Female

2) How often do you play video games?

I couldn't even begin to make a guess. A few hours a day at least.

2-2) What genre of games do you prefer to play?

Action, Fighting, Driving/Racing, anything thats kinda mindless Hack n Slash

2-3) Within this time, how much of this is spent on online games? (if none, skip to 5)

None (truthfully I just suck too much to ever play online)

5) What is your general thought when hearing the term 'Girl Gamer' or 'Gamer Girl'?

Girl Gamer I think of a person who just happens to be a girl who plays games, as 'girl' is used as an adjective to describe the gamer. Gamer Girl has a lot more negative connotations, like those girls who try to be "cool" and pose with gaming controllers upside down or something.

6) How many female gamers do you know? (if 0, skip to question 7)

Off the top of my head, I can only think of one person

6-2) Of the female gamers you know, including yourself if you are a girl, what majority are casual gamers? (social games, iphone games, etc)

If you mean JUST casual games, then 0. But we both play facebook games.

7) Do you think that casual gamers are real gamers, or not?

I believe that 'real' gamers are anyone who will play and accept any game for what it is. They don't have to like the game, but they are willing to give it a chance and not condemn it without playing it first. So, I would dare say that 'casual gamers' can be more real gamers than the 'hardcore' gamers who look down on anything that's not a shooter.

8) Do you think there should be a market of games designed for girls only, or should it continue to be a unisex genre?

No. Having a girl game market would just fuel stereotypes.

9) Within games, what is your opinion on the sexualization of female characters? (from skimpy outfits to constant flirting with males (e.g. Mass Effect))

I couldn't care less. I'm not offended by it. They are not real. If a man sees a female character dressed really skimpy and thinks thats ok in real life, then one, that man has problems and video games are not the cause of it and two isn't worth anyone's time of day. What offends me is the attitude males have towards females who play games. Because you have those women who like to pose making out with gaming systems who have probably never played a video game in their life, those women give everyone else who just wants to play a bad name :/

9-2) Using the above as an example, what do you think could be done to fix this?
Gaming companies need to stop segregating games to appeal to girls. They obviously don't know what they are doing.