Power Of The Boob Factor

Submitted by James Munn on September 23, 2006 – 9:27 am7 Comments

Members of the female video gaming group ‘The Frag Dolls’ (clockwise from Top L) Amy Brady (aka Valkyrie), Alyson Craghead (aka Calyber), Morgan Romine (aka Rhoulette), Ashley Jenkins (aka Jinx), Emily Ong (aka Seppuku), Renelly Morel (aka Psyche) and Brooke Hattabaugh (aka Brookelyn)

Did you know that female gamers now make up about 20% of the hardcore gamer demographic? I know in certain Xbox Live titles, namely UNO, it’s common to find women playing and chatting online. I don’t know if that’s what the NPD considers “Hardcore Gamer Demographic,” but it’s got to mean something positive for the growth of women in gaming.

There’s an interesting read over at Reuters regarding the most popular gamer chick clans out there. When you read comments like, “Let’s not get away from the power of the boob factor,” you know it’s going to be worth the click. Enjoy.

Reuters on Gamer Chicks

Kia

“The boob factor?” Yeah, that’s the way to get more of us to game regularly. I’m sure you’re probably the type that replies “Heh heh..boobs..” to a girl gamer rather than vocalising anything remotely relevant.
James (Author)

Kia:

Thanks for the comment. You might want to read the article before jumping to conclusions. “power of the boob factor,” is actually a quote directly from one of the women gamers themselves so I don’t see anything wrong with using that in the article.

As Les Seules, the Frag Dolls and others know, for women trying to stand out in an industry dominated by men, being cute is a useful way to get noticed.

“Let’s not get away from the power of the boob factor,” said Dalton.
Kia

James: I see. My apologies, then. Now I can just get mad at *them* instead. If you ask me, if girl gamers want to be taken seriously, they need to stop acting like they’re anything special. A gamer’s a gamer, plain and simple.
James (Author)

Kia: I’m sure the comment was made in jest, these women have to be gamers first otherwise nothing else matters. The article focuses on women wanting to be taken seriously as hardcore gamers and I think it succeeds, however that final quote does dig a little at the credibility of the whole thing.

I’m sure Dalton wasn’t too happy to see a comment, probably made off the cuff, ending up so glorified.
Kia

James:
I’m well aware that they need to be professional to get where they are, don’t worry. I honestly wouldn’t mind being part of a group like that myself if they played any games I was actually interested in. XD
UdP

I cant belive people are still banging on about this. At the end of the day (imo) its part of the problem not part of the solution. Gaming will never be inclusive so long as people continue to highlight “ooh look girlz play gamez too !!1!”.

Online gaming is anonymous, noone needs to know what colour, sex or age you are – its based on pure skill. So long as people keep pointing out these things nothing will change.

You never see guys making a big deal out of all guy clans – and hundreds / thousands of them exist. Frankly id be more impressed with a mixed clan, 50/50 split of guys and girls. That way it would be based on skill – not the fact you happen to be the best player for your gender in that particular game.
http://www.kotaku.com/search/eliza/bydate/ E. Gauger

Kia and UdP are 100% correct. It’s immensely tiresome.