Women and violence in video games

There has been much study done on the affects that violent video games have on gamers in general but less specific research has been done that focuses on women specifically as gamers. Stereotypically gamers who play violent video games, in particular ones that show violence towards women, are considered as being male only. However, research shows that whilst women tend be more discerning gamers, they still play games where their gender is mistreated. Furthermore, women play games that are clearly targeted at a male gaming audience and consequently are under-represented and become the focus of derogatory game play (mainly violence) in these games.
Women as discerning gamers
Games are made for a sense of enjoyment and have been for many years. Role-Playing games first came to be in the mid-1970 on computer, which was inspired by ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, a basic pen and paper game. Since then, Gaming has developed into many different styles and categories. These Categories include Massive Multiplayer online (MMO), Role-Playing Games (RPG), First-Person Shooter (FPS) and Real-Time Strategy (RTS). A study conducted by Washington Post had shown that 63% of Female gamers played the RPG game ‘Sims’ Compared to the 37% of Male gamers that also play the game. A further in-depth study undertaken by Rika Nakamura and Hanna Wirman, two female researchers from University of Lapland explains why women prefer to play games like Sims over First-Person shooters and Massive-Multiplayer Online games. The article written by Nakamura and Wirman explains that “The Sims has more of those compulsory commitments that the player has to complete in a short amount of time.” This was compared to another RPG style game known as Arcanum, where players had been given a time limit to complete tasks. Nakamura and Wirman continue to explain that Sims was the game of choice for Female gamers as they felt they were in a more relaxed environment and “...The player is not bound to any pre-destined plot or goal.”
It is said by Nakamura and Wirman that “Both the Sims and Arcanum provided as many female characters as male characters to play with.” It was further said by the two women, that in Arcanum “…Where the sex of the character had an effect.” If the Gamer had chosen for herself to be a female character, her character would have to have sex with the owner to enter a gentlemen’s club. Whereas Sims does not include such environments and lets the player have an enjoyable time playing the game. Looking into the two games more, Nakamura and Wirman explain that the Character in Sims had the ability to gain ’Mental Caring’ for another in game character, whereas, in Arcanum, you are only given the option to defend the Characters physically with a shield. Female gamers preferred caring for the well-being of the people in the household of Sims compared to the physical defence of a Character in Arcanum.
After a survey was conducted and undertaken by 28 people, results had shown that 42% had preferred Role-Playing Games over Massive-Multiplayer Online, Real-time Strategy and First-Person shooter games. Sixteen of the Twenty-eight responses were Female, leaving the other Twelve to be Male.
This supports the article written by Nakamura and Wirman, by stating that Female gamers are more discerning in games they choose to play and aim for video games that involve care-taking and lifelike human interaction scenarios.
Types of games Women play
Going by the previous acknowledged evidence being that Females are more discerning gamers, we can establish what games females actually play. A study conducted by five different American universities focused on the technologies of the gendered self. The study conducted says "Yet This diverse group...", referring to female gamers, "...is still misunderstood and too often conflated as having single perspective or experience." The article then continues to explain "...Why some women play..." and "...How they choose to integrate gaming technologies into their daily lives."
Reports from the article claim that women spend a considerable amount of time indulging in video game play and do favourite genres. A survey of 150 American College students, conducted by Ivory and Wilkerson (Two of the men associated with the study) in 2002, found that 77 percent of males Claim to play video games once a week, whereas 46 percent of females claimed they did also.
Usability news, a free web newsletter established by the Wichita State University created an article discussing the preferred game style for both genders. Males Prefer Violence where Females Prefer Social extends the knowledge that both female and male gamers treat video games differently. It’s said that Female gamers don’t see Video gaming as a primary hobby and much differentiate it to be less important that watching television, whereas Male gamers focus more on the hobby and treat games as a primary interest. Research done by the Wichita State University tells that Female gamers primarily prefer to play console and handheld/mobile games. These games include Candy Crush on Mobile and Dance Dance Revolution on Console.
Results taken from a gamer profile study undertaken by Wichita State University proved the differing results between both Female and Male gamers. It showed that Female gamers indulge in some video games that do involve violence, yet also broaden their outlook and play games that require physical duties and heavy mind interaction. Sims is preferred by the Female gaming community as it requires fast thinking and problem solving skills, just as Dance Dance revolution involves cognitive brain functions to play along at the required pace. This does not mean that the Male gamers do not do the same. A large number of Men also indulge in these types of games, yet the Female community outweighs the men.
Affect on Women gamers
Matthew S. Eastin, a Professor from Ohio State University created an original article focussing on Gender effects and Aggressive thoughts due to Video Game Violence. Eastin claimed that although “…Males are considered generally more aggressive.” Yet, continues to communicate that “…Environmental cues to aggression such as mediated violence are thought to influence both sexes equally.”
As part of the research process, a survey created to analyse what others think of how women are treated in the online world, both characters in the game and the female gamer controlling that character. The screenshot below shows the percentage of a yes verses no answer on the suitability to the clothing choices given to female characters online in the Role-Playing and Massive-Multiplayer Game known as Grand Theft Auto Five.
The returned result shows that just over 55% Agree that the clothing in Grand Theft Auto Five Online, is in fact inappropriate for the Female Characters.
An online gamer who goes by the alias ‘GreyXpPanda’ who is assumed to be female, though was not found out, posted in an online forum laying down her thoughts on the gaming gender debate. GreyXpPanda draws a line between real life and video gaming. She shares her experiences as a gamer and how she is treated in the online world. GreyXpPanda constantly gets vocally abused and taunted online and in person with lines such as “Well you don’t LOOK like a gamer…” She continues to explain that Men are mistaking female gamers for they see in the online world or in fantasy gaming magazines.
GreyXpPanda shared her thoughts on the characters outfits’ online saying” Male characters in games get tricked-out armour suits, iconic headgear and outfits that fit their surroundings. Meanwhile, female characters are left with only sashes and a smile.” This is a clear representation on how clothing options can disturb a female gamer.

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