4 ms·

I'm thankful that women + video games is an issue that is continuing to get talked about - with a young daughter I hope that introducing her to one of my pastim

I'm thankful that women + video games is an issue that is continuing to get talked about - with a young daughter I hope that introducing her to one of my pastimes will be something that we can enjoy together. Games like Broken Age and Animal Crossing seem to have done well on that front. One small criticism for this article - personally, I feel that these kinds of articles tend to conflate two issues: 1.) Women working in the video game field (or STEM in general), and 2.) Video games intended for a female audience. Both are very important, but speaking about them together may give the impression that forward progress on one is required for the other. There is little reason that an industry largely populated by men cannot make content that is suitable for women. Conversely, when we reach gender equality in the gaming industry, we should not assume that gender-equal content will follow. Generally, I'd love to see less of the "made for girls = everything pink" approach. I guess it probably keeps the lights on, which is better than nothing. The gaming industry's trajectory is promising though.

GuiA 12y ago
Speaking of Animal Crossing, there was a wonderful talk at the last GDC about how they developed it, and the role diversity had to play: http://gdcvault.com/play/1020808/How-to-Turn-a-New http://gdcvault.com/play/1020808/How-to-Turn-a-New
lobotryas 12y ago
I'm curious: what, in your opinion is the definition and criteria of "gender equality" in video game manufacturing?
- bentcorner 12y ago
  This is a personal question, since my values are going to differ from yours that will differ from the rest of the world. I welcome games that treat gender as a non-issue. What I do mind are games that treat gender as some sort of precondition on body image or societal roles. In this day and age there's enough choice and content out there that I can manufacture a gender balance for my kids that I feel comfortable with. Sometimes there are gotchas - games (or movies/TV) that seem ok but have small portions I don't agree with, but these are bumps that I can smooth out myself. It's just that sometimes I'd rather it not occur at all. Again, I think this is deeply personal. I may think a certain game is perfectly fine for my kids, and another parent may recoil in horror at the suggestion (and vice versa). At the end of the day, I enjoy playing video games, and if there are more games that I think are appropriate for my kids, the easier it is for me to enjoy my hobby with them.
  - pervycreeper 12y ago
    > I think this is deeply personal. Then why attempt to impose your standards on others?
    - bentcorner 12y ago
      Just sharing my thoughts. That's like, my opinion, man.

GuiA 12y ago

Speaking of Animal Crossing, there was a wonderful talk at the last GDC about how they developed it, and the role diversity had to play: http://gdcvault.com/play/1020808/How-to-Turn-a-New http://gdcvault.com/play/1020808/How-to-Turn-a-New

lobotryas 12y ago

I'm curious: what, in your opinion is the definition and criteria of "gender equality" in video game manufacturing?

bentcorner 12y ago
This is a personal question, since my values are going to differ from yours that will differ from the rest of the world. I welcome games that treat gender as a non-issue. What I do mind are games that treat gender as some sort of precondition on body image or societal roles. In this day and age there's enough choice and content out there that I can manufacture a gender balance for my kids that I feel comfortable with. Sometimes there are gotchas - games (or movies/TV) that seem ok but have small portions I don't agree with, but these are bumps that I can smooth out myself. It's just that sometimes I'd rather it not occur at all. Again, I think this is deeply personal. I may think a certain game is perfectly fine for my kids, and another parent may recoil in horror at the suggestion (and vice versa). At the end of the day, I enjoy playing video games, and if there are more games that I think are appropriate for my kids, the easier it is for me to enjoy my hobby with them.
- pervycreeper 12y ago
  > I think this is deeply personal. Then why attempt to impose your standards on others?
  - bentcorner 12y ago
    Just sharing my thoughts. That's like, my opinion, man.