The stereotype of a ‘loner’ playing a video game is quickly disappearing. Gaming is now becoming an increasingly social activity. The social component in video games is vital for many women. Women’s style of play encourages the development of more social and less combative games. (Goodale, 2004:13)
Women are traditionally seen as communicators and they are becoming interested in online gaming for entertainment purposes as well as social interaction. The types of games women play online tend to be more social or puzzle- oriented and less combative than those played by men. While men enjoy competing without personal interaction between players, women want to chat regularly with other users. It is common for women to form friendships with online players. These friendships can often be extended to offline friendships. (Cloutier, 2004: 16) An AOL study suggested that of women over 40 who had formed online friendships, more than 20 percent converted those virtual connections to real- life relationships. (Cloutier, 2004: 16)
Women like to have a more intelligent collaborative gaming experience with more self-fulfillment and community. (Oser, 2004: 56) According to Keefe, approximately 70% of all players of nonviolent online games such as cards or strategy games are women showing the potential for other female friendly games in the market. (Keefe, 2004: 1) Many women feel that the sense of community on the Internet gaming sites gives them a rich social life. Women are able to communicate with other women all over the world. (Goodale, 2004: 13)
Community is the number one feature that women are looking for in a game. For example a group of virtual friends are able to connect to “Pogo.com� at a certain time each week to chat and engage in various pogo activities. According to Oser, meeting online with friends is the bridge club of the 21st century. (Oser, 2004: 13)
Many women are now in the workforce and don’t have time to socialise because of their busy working commitments. According to Oser, stressed and overworked women play games on the Internet to take time out for themselves. The appeal of Internet video games is that they are an easy way for women to de-stress, have some fun and socialise. (Oser, 2004: 56) Women are able to have confidence when they play online, they are able to have a stronger sense of self because they are not being judged by their appearance. (Goodale, 2004: 13)
Researchers predict that the discipline of interactive entertainment such as the online games that encourage socialising between players will attract more players in an era of far-flung families. The Internet is a tool that assists people to get together no matter where their location is in the world. (Goodale, 2004: 13)
Coultier, R.( 2004) ‘Online gaming: the new social circle’, Mass High Tech [online], Vol. 22, Iss. 38. pp16. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 16/10/04]
Goodale, G. (2004) ‘Games women play’ [Online], pg. 15 Available: [Go to Article][Accessed 7 Sep. 2004]
Keefe (2004) ‘Women seek more of game action’ pg.1 [Online]. Available:[Go to Article] [Accessed 8 Sept. 2004]
Oser, K.(2004) ‘Moms are unsung players in gaming world’, Advertising Age [online], Vol. 75, Iss.22. pp56-57. Available:[Go To Article] [Accessed 16/10/04]
Ellen Boal 12:04, 5 Nov 2004 (EST)
