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[Rulp]

The term "gamer" is bad enough. "Girl gamer" is just downright embarrassing.

Now this is what I'm all about.

 

[mmitt]

this

and now a screenshot when she is... you know, actually playing:

spot the difference

 

[Aquamarine]

I use it ironically.

yep, had that as an avatar

 

[sploatee]

It depends on whether you're trying to participate in gaming communities or if you're just trying to play games. Being there and playing the games doesn't stop people from saying the dismissive/disrespectful/sometimes hateful things they say on a daily basis. Watching guys discuss women in gaming communities often leads to me being incredibly depressed. It's why I don't pop up in these kinds of threads as much lately as I used to. I might not go around calling myself a "GIRL GAMER" and using the language expressed in the OP, but I can see why some people would choose to do so, and it would be super great if we weren't in a situation where anybody felt the need to do it in the first place.

Like I said earlier, this doesn't apply to everyone. And it clearly doesn't apply to you. Some of these "girl gamers" are definitely doing it for attention. The kinds of streams we see on Twitch make that evident. But it doesn't apply to all of them, and issuing a blanket generalization is silly.

Watching most guys discuss women in general makes me pretty depressed. Perhaps gaming communities amplify that, I don't know.

And fair enough, I still feel like it's a step in the wrong direction. But that's just an opinion and it's good to hear others.

 

[MrBadger]

 

[Qassim]

Strong cringe.

 

[SneakyStephan]

wat

If I just want to see the game, I'll play it myself or load up one of the billion gameplay videos on Youtube. If I watch a stream, I don't just want to see the game, I want to see what the streaming personality does in the game, I want to see the reactions and hear the commentary.

A stream without a facecam is a stream that has to work much harder to hold my attention. Chances are, I'll just tune in to someone else that does have a facecam instead.

ugh
I guess we watch streams for very different reasons then

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=811921
this thread showed me a good stream for DS2
No stupid mug blocking part of the view in the game, just watching someone go through the learning process in the game and listen to their observations as they play
No stupid personality that is trying to 'entertain' , no gimmick
Just gameplay.

A few hours of this and a many (many) hours of dota 2 matches (beyond the summit/joindota) and some NS2 tourament casts is the only streaming I've enjoyed watching.

I guess this explains how clowns like pewliedie and all those fake scare amnesia streams etc get their views...

 

[TheLostBigBoss]

 

[Dreams-Visions]

I'm fine with the term in general because to me the purpose of saying, "I'm a girl gamer" is to tell everyone who may interact with them that they aren't some super-casual player more interested in Flash games and Farmville or some other stereo-typically shallow gaming experiences that they may be immediately associated with by default based on gender. Pretend if you want, but when people catch a girl in a Twitch or PS4 stream playing a game, the default assumption of the viewers is that they are going to be watching an mechanically inferior but "cute" person playing some game. It's obvious in every Twitch chat I've seen with a girl playing.

Ultimately even the title, "girl gamer" won't dispel those sorts of pre-conceiveed notions. They have to kick a lot of ass repeatedly to be considered respectable. The sort of respect that is initially assumed for guys until they play themselves *out* of being respectable.

Until there are a lot more women gamers -- particularly at the pro level -- I think the initial expectation that they aren't good will continue to be standard assumption rather than the exception.

 

[Aeana]

Being in the "pro" zone is a nice touch. Pretty sure nobody on my friend list uses that.

 

[-PXG-]

It's funny actually. People seek acceptance from others for their differences and hope to establish normalcy with those very same differences. But what happens? That individual or group does everything possible to stand out and prove they are an exception to the status quo. They bring attention to themselves through various means. Putting that characteristic front and center inevitably results in questions, commentary and at times debate and even dissent. Transparency is the key that leads towards equality. That doesn't mean ignoring the subject or making it blatantly and annoyingly obvious. People know that differences exist. Portray and exhibit those differences as you would normally with yourself. One shouldn't hide them or feel they must go out of their way to let the whole world know either.

and now a screenshot when she is... you know, actually playing:

spot the difference

This sort of illustrates my point.

 

[Antoids]

when i'm on the scoreboard, you sure can tell
cuz i spell my scores G-R-L

 

[sploatee]

To me, that's almost as sexist as the other extreme.

 

[Ouren]

This comic always comes to mind:

you're a subhuman

 

[Love Deterrence]

I apologize on behalf of this scum, ladies.

 

[Derphoof]

Strong cringe.

[EUPHORIA INTENSIFIES]

 

[Easy_D]

It's shorthand for 'watch this stream long enough and you might see some tits'.

You mean I can combine two of my favourite pastimes?

Eegra is one of my favourite things too.

 

[Shahed]

Watching most guys discuss women in general makes me pretty depressed. Perhaps gaming communities amplify that, I don't know.

And fair enough, I still feel like it's a step in the wrong direction. But that's just an opinion and it's good to hear others.

This isn't something unique to gaming, and as a guy it get's really tiresome. Doesn't happen at all among my friends thankfully, but you hear a lot of chatter like it wherever you are. Even here on GAF where someone posts a picture or a gif of an attractive woman. A recent Metal Gear topic rings a bell.

I've heard the reverse a lot as well in restaurants and wherever about women chattering about guys. Equally annoying but it just isn't that prevalent in gaming which is why it may seem aplified for males talking about females

 

[LapinAgile]

I think now even the public is aware to such things, better frame rates more ppi ect. The public is becoming aware of what technical terms we use and are associated with gaming. This is one term we probably brought on our self though, when gamer was derogatory we wore it with pride. Now, it's undermining what gaming actually is.

Valid point indeed. I think the more people turn to gaming the less of a negative impact that will have. They are the new "comic book" and look at what has invaded every entertainment medium available lately. I can see games becoming even more pervasive with time.

 

[sploatee]

This isn't something unique to gaming, and as a guy it get's really tiresome. Doesn't happen at all among my friends thankfully, but you hear a lot of chatter like it wherever you are. Even here on GAF where someone posts a picture or a gif of an attractive woman. A recent metal Gear topic rings a bell.

I've heard the reverse a lot as well in restaurants and wherever about women chattering about guys. Equally annoying but just isn't that prevalent in gaming

I think that's a fair point. I think you're less likely to see as much outright sexism. Or at least quite as vicious sexism.

 

[ElectricBlue187]

Valid point indeed. I think the more people turn to gaming the less of a negative impact that will have. They are the new "comic book" and look at what has invaded every entertainment medium available lately. I can see games becoming even more pervasive with time.

Comic book nerd is still a pretty powerful stereotype today. I think gaming leapfrogged that stereotype due to the wide adoption of the FPS genre by non-nerd types.

 

[Pocky4Th3Win]

if she doesn't put more hours in to civ 5 you two might need to have a talk...

Spoiler

j/k

She's too busy putting 200 hours into Dark Souls 2 on PS3 to bother. >.<

 

[Kaisersalsek]

I am female, I play games. But I really dislike the term 'girl gamer', it sounds foolish and insinuates that women are 'special' and can't play as well as men, to me anyway.

 

[Aquamarine]

1) I only care about you because you're a girl

2) I'm so different than the other guys, please pay attention to me

 

[slabrock]

1) I only care about you because you're a girl

2) I'm so different than the other guys, please pay attention to me

My favorite part is the "don't be intimidated" part.

 

[Teknoman]

'tis?

'tis?

I would actually watch a stream of some hot grilling action

Those streamers that get a good stream of money though are smart. Cant hate on that at all.

 

[DidntKnowJack]

I understand females being put off by stuff like that because it does feel a bit like pandering, but I'm more fascinated the people in this thread's aversion to the basic term "gamer." Do terms like "video games" ruffle your feathers as well? Because it seems like an extension of that to me. I can see not wanting to be labelled or categorized, but for me that all comes down to context; how these terms are being used - not the term itself.

Again, that's separate from the girl gamer thing. I don't pretend to truly understand what it's like to be a female video game player in the 21st century. Though I imagine it's frustrating.at times.

 

[Majine]

'tis?

'tis?

He misspelled tits.

 

[sploatee]

.

We need more grill gamers. Equality for beef! I am not joking. That's the best picture I've seen all day.

 

[Mistel]

He misspelled tits.

Tis such a shame...

 

[Teknoman]

I understand females being put off by stuff like that because it does feel a bit like pandering, but I'm more fascinated the people in this thread's aversion to the basic term "gamer." Do terms like "video games" ruffle your feathers as well? Because it seems like an extension of that to me. I can see not wanting to be labelled or categorized, but for me that all comes down to context; how these terms are being used - not the term itself.

Again, that's separate from the girl gamer thing. I don't pretend to truly understand what it's like to be a female video game player in the 21st century. Though I imagine it's frustrating.at times.

I know its got to suck to walking to a larger retailer and get the whole "YOU PLAY GAMES?!" reaction. I'd like to think smaller niche game stores are a little better in this regard.

On a similar note, people are actually shocked when players of certain races play certain games, but thats another thread altogether.

We need more grill gamers. Equality for beef! I am not joking. That's the best picture I've seen all day.

lol yeah, I inadvertently made myself want to barbecue, or just get a really nice burger.

 

[themagicalkitsune]

'tis?

'tis?

He almost let a m'lady slip out his typing fingers.

 

[jackissocool]

From girls: Wants attention (probably for more views, which is just like any other cheap ploy to get ad money)

From guys: Thinks girls can't videogame for real

 

[Nohar]

This topic reminded me of this song... (GameGrl, Homestuck).
Careful, this song is highly addictive.

 

[sploatee]

I know its got to suck to walking to a larger retailer and get the whole "YOU PLAY GAMES?!" reaction. I'd like to think smaller niche game stores are a little better in this regard.

I've never had this. I shop at Game / HMV and there's usually a 60/40 split of male to female staff and both have been pretty friendly and open to questions about games. Maybe things are changing faster round here.

 

[Tigress]

Nothing makes my D softer than the chick on the left. No need to be Shin Megoomi Tensay hardcore, but I can't accept that level of casul scum.

Ok, I gotta ask something. Are females supposed to be worrying on whether they make your D hard? Is that what their purpose is for? Why should they care what makes your D hard?

 

[MagicWithEarvin]

This one always gets me lol

 

[Architect]

Priceless.

 

[-PXG-]

I understand females being put off by stuff like that because it does feel a bit like pandering, but I'm more fascinated the people in this thread's aversion to the basic term "gamer." Do terms like "video games" ruffle your feathers as well? Because it seems like an extension of that to me. I can see not wanting to be labelled or categorized, but for me that all comes down to context; how these terms are being used - not the term itself.

Again, that's separate from the girl gamer thing. I don't pretend to truly understand what it's like to be a female video game player in the 21st century. Though I imagine it's frustrating.at times.

I agree. The term gamer merely exists for the sake of simplicity. It's easier to use "gamer" than "someone who plays video games". I don't make a fuss about it or care about what connotations it may or may not have.

 

[Woo-Fu]

I respect their business sense.

 

[Silvawuff]

It doesn't matter to me, either way. There are other labels/titles that are worse imo.

How about we all go under the moniker "Hobbyists of Video Games and Gaming Culture in a Multifaceted Sphere of Online Social Media." Too long?

 

[Love Deterrence]

Ok, I gotta ask something. Are females supposed to be worrying on whether they make your D hard? Is that what their purpose is for? Why should they care what makes your D hard?

Pretty sure I made that post in jest, but whatever.

 

[PG2G]

I know its got to suck to walking to a larger retailer and get the whole "YOU PLAY GAMES?!" reaction. I'd like to think smaller niche game stores are a little better in this regard.

I think I'd take it as a compliment

 

[Tigress]

I'm fine with the term in general because to me the purpose of saying, "I'm a girl gamer" is to tell everyone who may interact with them that they aren't some super-casual player more interested in Flash games and Farmville or some other stereo-typically shallow gaming experiences that they may be immediately associated with by default based on gender. Pretend if you want, but when people catch a girl in a Twitch or PS4 stream playing a game, the default assumption of the viewers is that they are going to be watching an mechanically inferior but "cute" person playing some game. It's obvious in every Twitch chat I've seen with a girl playing.

Ultimately even the title, "girl gamer" won't dispel those sorts of pre-conceiveed notions. They have to kick a lot of ass repeatedly to be considered respectable. The sort of respect that is initially assumed for guys until they play themselves *out* of being respectable.

Until there are a lot more women gamers -- particularly at the pro level -- I think the initial expectation that they aren't good will continue to be standard assumption rather than the exception.

And alternatively this can suck for a female who games who is not good at games. I've brought this up before, but I don't like the fact that people will see me sucking at games and attribute it to the fact I'm a female. I suck cause I'm bad at games, not cause I'm female.

And it is annoying for them to instantly assume I'm going to be bad at games (Even if I am) because they see me being female and go, "Oh, bad at games". And frustrating that I cannot prove them wrong (and they won't just see it as that's cause I'm bad at games, it will just affirm to them it's cause females are bad at games).

And of course for the females who are good at games, they are just seen as exceptions to the rules, they don't disprove the stereotype. Cause, well, soon as they see a female that is bad at games they go, "See?" Despite the fact there are plenty of guys bad at games and that doesn't mean guys are bad at games.

Pretty sure I made that post in jest, but whatever.

Sorry, I see this attitude all the time it's hard to see when some one is just being facetious.

 

[Shahed]

I understand females being put off by stuff like that because it does feel a bit like pandering, but I'm more fascinated the people in this thread's aversion to the basic term "gamer." Do terms like "video games" ruffle your feathers as well? Because it seems like an extension of that to me. I can see not wanting to be labelled or categorized, but for me that all comes down to context; how these terms are being used - not the term itself.

Again, that's separate from the girl gamer thing. I don't pretend to truly understand what it's like to be a female video game player in the 21st century. Though I imagine it's frustrating.at times.

The term itself isn't an issue, it's the assumptions and connotations that come with that are a problem, be they right or wrong. People like to classify other people in categories so I understand why it happens, but everyone is different so blanket generalisations are the worst and more often than not completely incorrect.

If I told people I was a gamer, what would they assume about me? If I told different people I play a lot of sports and go gym regularly, how much overlap would there be to the different assumptions made? What if I sad I was also a cook, read a lot of books and liked to go mountaineering? Any and all assumptions someone could make about me by classing me in a single catergory would be wildly incorrect. Gaming is just simply one part of me and basing any impressions of me on a single hobby is silly

Besides I don't like being classed or categorised as anything. It's completely misleading since my character is based on multiple reasons. I'm simply me

 

[Aeana]

I know its got to suck to walking to a larger retailer and get the whole "YOU PLAY GAMES?!" reaction. I'd like to think smaller niche game stores are a little better in this regard.

I've never had this. I shop at Game / HMV and there's usually a 60/40 split of male to female staff and both have been pretty friendly and open to questions about games. Maybe things are changing faster round here.

Haven't had that exactly, but "are you buying this for your boyfriend?" more times than I can count.

 

[JustProgress]

No one likes Kaceytron? She is an epic troll god who I'm sure rolls in ad revenue. I love her stream.

 

[Love Deterrence]

Sorry, I see this attitude all the time it's hard to see when some one is just being facetious.

Don't be. No worries. I would have said the same thing if it was a drawing of two dudes saying the same thing(s) -- was just having fun and wasn't trying to imply anything one way or the other (to clarify).

 

[pants]

Ok, I gotta ask something. Are females supposed to be worrying on whether they make your D hard? Is that what their purpose is for? Why should they care what makes your D hard?

Let's stop dancing around the elephant in the room here really.

The nasty side:The term 'girl gamer' is like a bat signal for maladjusted types to hassle a woman into interacting with them so they can get off at some point. Some maladjusted women enjoy the attention and attempt to attract more of these maladjusted types to make themselves feel better.

I really don't know if there is anything redeemable about the term. it's just associated with way too much bullshit.

 

[pants]

I'm also convinced "There are no girls on the internet" and associated sentiments are believed by absolutely no one. It's just a ploy people use to find out if you are in fact female so they can hassle you as I described above.