Gender Games

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Recommended: Examples of sexism within videogames

In 2006, Videogames became the most dominate media source in America. They are a great source of entertainment, but gender differences exist in video games and it is important to consider stereotypes because of how society demotes one gender over another. Videogames were once considered “boys only” and is the most male dominated entertainment, in terms of players, audience, and character representation in games (Zorrilla). Many things make up gender studies on videogames such as the option to play as ether a male or female, the physical appearance of the character, the role of the characters, the mechanics of the game, and playing the game itself. The research gathered represents both “corporate display” and an “interior colonization” of Gender in videogames (Connell 69, Millet 25). Key figures and games have strong effects on shaping people’s perspectives on gender roles. Iconic figures such as Lara Croft are used to determine if gender roles exist in videogames. Her identity in pop-culture is viewed as both a sexist dream, and a feminist icon. The role of her character takes human to character interaction to a new level. Before Lara Croft, the common stereotype for females was ether the “Damsel in Distress” or the object of desire for the male hero. Females are constantly underrepresented and not much has been done to solve this problem. Feminist and Patriarchy theories will be bricolage to deconstruct videogames and to view apparent gender in and outside electronic entertainment.
According to research, past finding find males more dominant than females in all aspects of gaming. They show “a leading position” In gaming culture compared to females (Connell 77). Research of video games reviews, gave “around 75%” more feedback...

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...ow when gender stereotypes of masculine and feminine ideals will change, but the growing trend of negative elements towards females is fading. A more positive view of woman is growing with the current generation of consoles. More advertisement has been focusing on woman gaining control of the couch. Video games are presenting a new “gender arena” of gender representation, where gamers may both consciously and unconsciously represent a particular or a mixing of genders (Connell 74). Gender is not the only theory to be witness in games, as other theories of race and class can be viewed. Games come in different genres to choose from, and the highly interactive nature of video games presents a challenge towards all forms of entertainment. The embodying idea of gender towards femininity should be practiced, while the attitudes and actions of masculinity should be played.

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