Experiences Playing Video Games from a Female Perspective

Recently, I had the chance to interview two women who enjoy playing video games in their free time. The two gamers, Ashley H. and Jessica M., were very open for a wide variety of questions. Ashley H. is a senior at The University of Texas at Dallas with a focus on and Jessica M. is a high school senior who  enjoys performing in her school band. I was curious about how they spend their gaming time and if they have had any problems being a female gamer. I have heard horror stories about how girls are sometimes alienated from their friends and that they are treated horrible online. However, The answers show that they overall have a great experience playing video games. 

Ashley H.

VGI: When did you first start playing video games?

AH: I started playing video games around the age of 7-8. My first console was a Sega Genesis.

JM: I started playing games during my freshman year of high school when I got Guitar Hero.

VGI: What are your favorite video games and what games are you currently playing right now?

AH: Oh my where do I start...If I have to choose, my favorite games are Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid 3, and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

JM: My favorite games are Assassin's Creed and Portal and I currently play both games.   

VGI: How many hours a week do you play video games?

AH: Maybe 4-6 hours now that I’m in college. It depends on how busy I am. School work comes first.

JM: I usually play about 4 or 5 hours a week, this depends on if my brother is playing games or if I have band.

VGI: Have you ever felt that video games get in the way of other important things in life? 

AH: Oh sure. It's hard to pull yourself out of a great game, especially when you're in the zone. It doesn't help that chores and homework aren't very attractive activities in the first place. When you get to college though I find most people wise up and learn to put down the controller more often

JM: Not really, I am not too into games that they just take over.

VGI: Do you play games online? Why or why not? 

AH: Nope. Knowing me I would get addicted so fast. Also, I generally enjoy activities that aren’t game related and I’d like to continue my other hobbies as well.

JM: Not often, I used to play during my freshman year but I just got bored with them.

Jessica M.

VGI: Have you or any of your friends had any interesting experiences playing games online? 

AH : Honestly, since I’m more of a console gamer, I don’t have very many stories. I’m sure I’ll think of something once this interview is over.

JM : Not that I know of, my friend once irritated a bunch of non-English speaking players on Xbox-live with the Scatman song.

VGI : What does your friends/family think about you playing games? 

AH : My family didn't really care, and they were glad video games inspired me to go into 3D animation, or at least something where I can make money doing what I love. I've always been the black sheep in the family, so they rolled with it. To clarify, this family is composed of parents who had their kids in their late 30's and had next to no knowledge about video games.

JM : My brother hates how I'm just as into Assassin's Creed as he is, but nobody else really minds that I play video games.

VGI : What do other girls think about you playing games? 

AH : Well, my girlfriends think it's awesome because they also play games. Other than those special ladies, most women don't really care.

JM : They don't really think anything of it.

VGI : Do you feel annoyed or bothered when you are called a "Girl Gamer" rather than just a gamer? 

AH : Honestly, most of the time I don’t really care, but I can see why it wears on plenty. I’ve never heard of someone being referred to as a ‘male’ gamer, especially since more and more women are hopping on the game bandwagon. It does somewhat get annoying when men treat you like you’re an oddity to be revered. Or, you’re treated like you don’t know what you’re talking about. I used to work at a game store and men would actually ask if I actually knew about games or if I was just eye candy (Those were the enjoyable few times when my manager would turn a blind eye when I chewed an ignorant fool out). To feel like one has to constantly prove themselves passionate about their pastime would be annoying for anyone, not just girl gamers.

JM : Sometimes, I show off that I am a girl gamer outside playing games. In games, however, I get a little annoyed because I can be just as good as all the guys.

Ashley wanted to add this about anyone who wanted to start making games

AH : Just a warning to kids. When you start working on games you don’t get to play them as often. But honestly, it’s more fun creating.